What is the disease of mice and rats called? - briefly
The collective term for illnesses affecting both mice and rats is rodent disease, with murine typhus being a well‑known example.
What is the disease of mice and rats called? - in detail
Rodent illnesses are commonly referred to as murine and rat diseases, a collective term that encompasses the spectrum of infections observed in these species. The most frequently encountered conditions include viral, bacterial, parasitic, and mycoplasmal agents, each with distinct clinical manifestations and epidemiological relevance.
Viral agents
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – causes encephalitis, fever, and behavioral changes; transmitted by aerosolized excretions or direct contact.
- Hantavirus – induces hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome; spread through inhalation of contaminated rodent urine or droppings.
- Sendai virus – produces respiratory distress, nasal discharge, and weight loss; highly contagious among laboratory colonies.
- Murine norovirus – leads to gastrointestinal upset, occasional diarrhea; persists in fecal matter and contaminates bedding.
Bacterial pathogens
- Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat‑bite fever) – results in fever, polyarthritis, and rash after bites or scratches; zoonotic potential for humans.
- Yersinia pestis (plague) – causes septicemia, buboes, and pneumonic forms; transmitted by flea vectors feeding on infected rodents.
- Salmonella spp. – induces enteritis, septicemia; spread through contaminated feed and environment.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis – responsible for rodent respiratory disease; symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and pneumonia.
Parasitic infestations
- Aspiculuris tetraptera (pinworm) – causes intestinal irritation, weight loss; diagnosed by fecal egg detection.
- Syphacia obvelata (rodent pinworm) – similar clinical picture; control achieved through ivermectin treatment.
- Protozoa such as Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas muris – lead to diarrhea, dehydration; identified by stool microscopy.
Mycoplasmal and rickettsial infections
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae–like organisms – produce chronic respiratory signs; require specific culture or PCR for identification.
- Rickettsia typhi (murine typhus) – transmitted by fleas; presents with fever, headache, and rash; humans acquire infection through flea bites.
Diagnostic approaches
- Clinical observation of respiratory, neurological, or gastrointestinal signs.
- Serological assays (ELISA, IFA) for viral antibodies.
- Culture or PCR for bacterial and mycoplasmal agents.
- Microscopic examination of fecal samples for parasites.
Control measures
- Strict hygiene, regular cage cleaning, and disinfection.
- Quarantine of new arrivals for at least 30 days.
- Vector management (fleas, mites) using approved insecticides.
- Routine health monitoring programs, including serology and necropsy.
Understanding the full range of rodent diseases enables effective prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment, safeguarding both animal colonies and public health.