Prevalence and diversity of mite ectoparasites of house mice (Mus musculus L.) in urban environments in New Jersey, USA

Abstract

House mice, Mus musculus L., carry ectoparasites that cause dermatitis and can vector human diseases. Nevertheless, there is little information on the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites from house mice living in urban environments. We collected and identified ectoparasites from house mice trapped in apartment buildings and a chicken breeding building in three cities in New Jersey, USA. Two blood-sucking mite species were genetically barcoded to facilitate future species determination.