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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
Incidence of fur mite infestation in laboratory rodents
S T Bino Sundar1, T J Harikrishnan2, Bhaskaran Ravi Latha1
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Incidence of fur mites in laboratory rodents is reported. Among mice, infestation was found to be highest in male Swiss Albino mice followed by female Swiss Albino mice, male Balb C mice and female Balb C mice. Infestation in Guinea pigs was 50 %. None of the rats screened were found to be positive for fur mites. Species of fur mites identified were Myocoptesmusculinus in mice and Chirodiscoidescaviae in Guinea pigs. Clinical signs in affected animals are also reported.
Insights
Laboratory rodents can have fur mites. Male Swiss Albino mice showed the highest infestation rates, while no rats were found to be positive for fur mites. Guinea pigs had a 50% infestation rate.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Rodent Health
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Fur mites are common ectoparasites affecting various animal species.
- Understanding mite prevalence in laboratory rodents is crucial for animal welfare and research integrity.
- Previous data on fur mite incidence in specific laboratory rodent strains may be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of fur mite infestations in laboratory mice, rats, and guinea pigs.
- To identify the specific species of fur mites present in infested rodents.
- To document clinical signs associated with fur mite infestations in these animals.
Main Methods:
- Screening of laboratory mice (Swiss Albino, Balb C), rats, and guinea pigs for fur mite presence.
- Microscopic identification of mite species.
- Observation and recording of clinical signs in affected animals.
Main Results:
- Fur mite infestation was detected in mice and guinea pigs, but not in rats.
- Male Swiss Albino mice exhibited the highest infestation rate, followed by female Swiss Albino mice, male Balb C mice, and female Balb C mice.
- Guinea pigs showed a 50% infestation rate.
- Identified mite species were *Myocoptes musculinus* in mice and *Chirodiscoides caviae* in guinea pigs.
- Clinical signs in affected animals were documented.
Conclusions:
- Fur mites (*Myocoptes musculinus*, *Chirodiscoides caviae*) are prevalent in certain laboratory rodent populations, particularly mice and guinea pigs.
- Rats appear to be resistant to infestation by the species studied.
- Monitoring and management strategies for fur mites are important in laboratory animal facilities to ensure animal health and experimental validity.
