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Tick paralysis in a western harvest mouse
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1980
Summary
A western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) bite caused temporary leg paralysis in a harvest mouse. Full recovery occurred after the tick
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Biology
Background:
- Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick, is a known vector for pathogens.
- Rodents, such as the western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis), serve as hosts for various tick species.
Observation:
- An engorging female Ixodes pacificus tick was identified on a western harvest mouse in Humboldt County, California.
- The host mouse exhibited signs of flaccid paraplegia.
Findings:
- The observed paraplegia in the harvest mouse was directly associated with the presence of the engorging Ixodes pacificus tick.
- Neurological deficits resolved completely in the mouse following the successful removal of the tick.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential direct neurotoxic effect of Ixodes pacificus on small mammal hosts.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the specific mechanisms and prevalence of tick-induced paralysis in wildlife.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing the ecological impact of tick-borne diseases and host-parasite dynamics.