Describing the spatial distribution of parasites on Peromyscus species in southern Michigan

• Main Author: Mize, Erica L
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2009
• Subjects: Ecology; Forestry; Parasitology
• ISBN: 9781109243390; 1109243391

Ecto-parasites can be important vectors for many diseases affecting both humans and wildlife. Thus, the ability to describe the distribution of these disease vectors could have far-reaching applications in conservation and human health. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of habitat in ecto-parasite distribution. One hundred eighty-six Peromyscus spp mice from 6 study sites in southern Michigan were collected and examined for parasites during the summer of 2007. Sixty-nine hard ticks (46 Ixodes scapularis and 23 Dermacentor variabilis), 98 fleas (95 Orchopeas leucopus, 2 Ctenophthalmus pseudagyrtes, and 1 unknown) and 91 lice (Hoplopleura hesperomydis) were found across 66 study plots. Vegetation data were collected from the study plots as well. The vegetation, mouse and parasite data were analyzed using principal component and discriminate function analyses to distinguish the differences between plots without Peromyscus, with non-parasitized Peromyscus and with parasitized Peromyscus. There was significant separation of the three groups based on the vegetation for ticks, fleas and lice. Mice parasitized by ticks were more likely to be found in areas having undergone a recent disturbance and areas having species associated with dry soils. Mice parasitized by fleas and lice were also more likely to be found in areas having tree species associated with dry soils. The results of this study could be used to create risk assessment maps for current or future diseases spread by these species of ticks, fleas and lice.