Deer mice as pets/hantavirus

Question
QUESTION: I have 4 pet deer mice and had them since they were born from their mother.  i believe 2 of the mice are male and the other 2 female. 1 of the males and 1 of the females are 100% tame, as for the other 2 they are a little nervous.  Love them to death!  I believe they were born in November 2010.  very healthy looking and even maybe a little overweight, they love sunflower seeds, i may have given them too many lol!  But my question is, since ive had them for over a year, do you think they are hantavirus free?  I was thinking that if they were infected, i would have got it already because i sleep right next to them every night.  just learned about the virus last night on youtube while simultaneously getting over a cold which kinda freaks me out because i cough, which is a symptom of the virus.

ANSWER: Dear Patrick,

You would know if you had hantavirus. In fact, without treatment, you might not be here. It's that bad. But it's very, very unlikely that a baby mouse has it. I believe there has never been a case found. I know they can not get it in the womb from the mother. I have been trying to find out exact information about it- it is rare enough that, with maybe 10 victims a year, there is an exact record of it. Although some scientists warn that you might be able to get it from a bite, I believe it has never happened.

You can actually get the mice tested for it. The other precautions you can take are to be sure you don't breathe in their messy litter. The way hantavirus is usually contracted, besides stupid scientists getting infected in the lab, is by people either living in mouse infested homes or cleaning out old barns or houses, because you get it by breathing in the dried urine and feces.

I can't tell you it is impossible because I suppose I could get sued!  The next time you get horrible flu symptoms so bad you have to go to the doctor, tell them you have had contact with a field mouse. Otherwise, don't breathe in their poop, and if you get a horrible flu within 2 weeks of getting bitten, go to the doctor.

Have fun with the wonderful little tykes! If you write back please tell me if you hand raised them. I am trying to collect data about survival of hand raised mice.

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Natasha, thank you so much for you response, makes me feel alot better!  Im thinking they dont have the virus but as you said, maybe i will have them tested as long as it doesnt cost $2000 or something lol!  But as for hand raising them, i didnt give them any formula or anything of that nature.  I mostly let the mother take care of them until their eyes were almost open. Then i was giving some oatmeal and shredded peanuts etc.  I believe when they  were 10 days old i put them in my hand to try to get them use to my smell, tried taming them when they were young any way i could. did that at 10days old, 15days old, 18days old, 20 days old, hoping and praying theyd know me later.  i believe when theyre eyes fully opened, i got rid of the mother.  She was very cooperative.  I respected her so she wouldnt cannibalize them.  Gave her plenty of food etc. But like i said before, 2 of them are completely tame but 2 a little nervous still!  But thats what i did Natasha, i dont think thats hand raising them so sorry i cant help.  Maybe if i get a new litter somehow, maybe ill try then?  Anyways, thanks again.

Answer
Hi Patrick,

Thanks; I was just curious. No, don't ever take babies if the mother can care for them. Only in desperate situations should a human take over, because it is not good for the pup and greatly reduces its chance of survival.

Another time, though, feel free to handle them once or twice a day after day 8.

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha