Deer mouse

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I live in north eastern Minnesota and I think I found a deer mouse in my basement. My cat was poking at something in a hole in the basement and I heard some squeaking. So my husband set up a live trap the basement and we caught this tiny mouse. He released it the yard thinking it would run away. I got home later from work that day and let the cats out. However the cat found it in the yard and poked it a couple times befOre I could stop her. The mouse was so small and seemed so tame that we were not sure what to do with it so we put it in a hamster cage and gave it some food and water. We noticed that it looked like it only had one eye. So not sure if the cat poked it out. Do u think the mouse has some disease and that is why it is so tame. It doesn't bite just let's you pick it up and snuggled with a small stuffed toy we put in the cage with it. So I was going to keep it, but was told that if it is a deer mouse it can make you very sick or even kill you because they carry the hantavirus. Is this true? I'm mainly worried because my sister came Over to look at the mouse.  She didn't touch it but was there breathing in the air near it. Can you tell me your thoughts on this?  Can I email you a picture of the mouse. I can't attach the picture Hebrew because it is in my phone. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Tine,

Hantavirus is prevalent, to the tiny extent that exists, mostly in the Midwestern states, though there have been 1-2 cases in most states. Records are from about 1989. The method by which hantavirus has been transmitted is usually by breathing in the dried urine and feces of a colony of mice in an old barn or house. The main thing not to do, then, is to breathe in when you clean the cage.

I have been trying to find out exactly the information for each case- there have been few enough that the information should be someplace. On government websites you will see that " 'scientists surmise'  that you can get it from a bite" - which means it has never happened.

Although to be 100% safe you would get rid of it, it is very unlikely. It is worth going to the CDC website and seeing exactly where and when there have been cases in Minnesota. Remember that those websites want to make you paranoid, because they want to protect everyone- and probably largely so they don't get sued. They will tell you to practically wear three bags over your head to go within a mile of any mouse. But it is useful to see if there has ever been a case near you. You can call your local fish and game warden too. Oh- better ask about rabies in the area too. That is actually more likely.If there is rabies in the area AT ALL you will want to get rid of the mouse fast. And absolutely where your cats can't get at it. Your fish and game warden will tell you that too.

Yes, the mouse is probably sick. You might not have to worry about it for long : ((. some wild mice do, however, decide that people are OK and let themselves be handled. It is special when they do.  But if this one has been attacked by the cat twice... Well, the likelihood is that either an internal injury or internal infection will finish it off within a few days. : ((

I certainly hope the little tyke is OK and makes a full recovery and becomes a wonderful pet. These little wild mice actually have longer lifespans (when predators let them) than fancy/house mice. And they are very loyal.

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

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mouse  

mouse II   QUESTION: Well I did also read that there have only been two cases of Hantavirus in MN and it sounded like on person contracted while on vacation in a different state. I also read that Hantavirus would not kill a mouse or make it act weird. I read on the CDC website that rabies in MN is not a concerin in mice.... it is mainly bats, skunks, and racoons that carry around here... but i suppose the mouse is acting oddly if it is out in the daytime.... However, the mouse has not bitten anyone or acted like it was going to. My cats are up to date on their rabies shots... so i'm not too worried about them. I have not cleaned out its cage yet, but I have checked on him and moved him around a litte when he was burrowed in some white fluff I bought for him at the pet store. I suppose that is an exposure risk for Hantavirus? :( i'm going to attache some pictures and if you could tell me what type of mouse you think he is that would be great.

Answer
Hi again Tine,

Well it sounds like hantavirus isn't much of a concern then. Considering how many people get exposed to how many of hundreds of mouse nests in old barns and basements, the chances of getting it from one teeny mouse in a state where only one other case has ever happened... I'd definitely kiss the little guy.

He is just a baby! No wonder he is tame. He is barely weaned. Look how his head is almost as big as his body... Poor fellow. Now I really hope he isn't hurt. He might not even be three weeks old. Tell your cats to pick on someone their own... age.

Is he eating? Try giving him a little soy yogurt.  Make sure he is drinking too. But make sure he can't fall in his water dish and drown. There doesn't have to be a lot of water for a mouse (or person) to drown.

If he stays tame you are in for a real treat. I am jealous! : )) and he was lucky to find you. Precious little fellow.

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha