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Infectious microorganisms in mice (Mus musculus) purchased from commercial pet shops in Germany
P Dammann1, G Hilken, B Hueber
1Central Animal Laboratory, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. philip.dammann@uk-essen.de
Abstract:
In this study, we investigated the prevalence of infectious microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and eukaryotic parasites) in mice from different pet shops in Germany; such animals may compromise the hygienic integrity of laboratory animal vivaria if private pet holders act as unintended vectors of infections carried by them. House mice sold as pets or feed specimens were purchased from different pet shops and tested for a comprehensive panel of unwanted microorganisms. We found a number of microorganisms in these pet shop mice, the most prevalent of which were Helicobacter species (92.9%), mouse parvovirus (89.3%), mouse hepatitis virus (82.7%), Pasteurella pneumotropica (71.4%) and Syphacia species (57.1%). Several microorganisms (e.g. mouse parvovirus, Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus, pneumonia virus of mice, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Clostridium piliforme) had considerably higher prevalences than those reported in similar studies on wild mice from North America, Europe or Australia. Our study shows that direct contact with pet shop mice may constitute a risk for laboratory animal vivaria if hygienic precautions are not taken. However, even relatively simple precautions seem effective enough to hold the risk at bay.
Insights
Pet shop mice harbor numerous infectious microorganisms, including Helicobacter species and mouse parvovirus. These findings highlight a potential risk to laboratory animal vivaria, emphasizing the need for hygienic precautions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Pet shop mice can act as reservoirs for infectious agents.
- Introduction of pathogens into laboratory animal facilities can compromise research integrity.
- Understanding the microbial landscape of pet shop mice is crucial for biosecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of various infectious microorganisms in pet shop mice in Germany.
- To assess the potential risk posed by these mice to laboratory animal vivaria.
- To provide data supporting biosecurity measures in research settings.
Main Methods:
- Mice were sourced from multiple pet shops across Germany.
- A comprehensive panel of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and eukaryotic parasites was tested.
- Quantitative PCR and other diagnostic methods were employed for microorganism detection.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of Helicobacter species (92.9%), mouse parvovirus (89.3%), and mouse hepatitis virus (82.7%) was observed.
- Pasteurella pneumotropica (71.4%) and Syphacia species (57.1%) were also highly prevalent.
- Prevalence rates for several pathogens exceeded those reported in wild mice globally.
Conclusions:
- Pet shop mice harbor a significant burden of infectious agents, posing a risk to laboratory animal facilities.
- Simple hygienic precautions are recommended to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission.
- This study underscores the importance of biosecurity protocols when sourcing animals from diverse origins.
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