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Discussion on Mice in the feed bin. A health problem?
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Posted on Monday, Oct 25, 1999 - 6:36 pm:
Dear Dr. O and others,
The barn where I board my horse is lovely old barn, converted for horse stalls. The problem is mice, and apparently plenty of them, despite two cats. It never really bothered me until this past week when on two consecutive nights I found mice in the feed room - in the empty feed buckets cleaning up left over bits and in the feed bin. It is a bin on wheels with no cover on it. Since they are not just in the barn, but are really in the feed bin - is this a health concern for the horses?
Thanks,
Mary
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 26, 1999 - 6:36 am:
Hello Mary,
Yes, there are several diseases and parasites that are carried by the mice that are transmitable to the horses. The most important is leptospirosis which can cause a primary disease and is linked to long term problems like recurrent uveitis. The mice can carry fleas, ticks, and mange mites. Another possibility is when the mice die in the foodstuffs, they may set up a environment where botulisim poison can be formed.
One thing they are unlikely to transmit is rabies. In general rodents are poor transmitters of this virus.
I certainly would not be concerned with the occasional mouse but if it starts to look like Willard's house.... Unfortunately mice and barns just seem to go together and perhaps a few more young cats is the best solution. Be sure the cats have access to all the areas that need to be patrolled and do not feed them heavily.
The current crop of rat baits are very effective but care must be taken to prevent dogs and cats from getting to the baits.
DrO
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