D3390: Artificial nest boxes: A tool for surveillance of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in the mouse reservoir host

Mice are reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens transmitted by Ixodes scapularis. Sherman trapping has been the primary approach for sampling mice involved in this zoonotic cycle. Artificial nesting boxes are an alternative tool that is more efficient and versatile and allows observation of mice when Sherman trapping is not feasible. Study of natural mouse nests has been difficult: they are hard to locate, may be inaccessible, and since sampling is destructive repeat observation is not possible. The artificial nest box has a nesting chamber that’s easily accessed without disturbing the occupants and an adhesive trap below collects ticks, other ectoparasites and commensals that drop during the day when nocturnally active mice are present. We tested the boxes in a 1ha wooded tract bounded by powerlines and mowed fields and containing a mixture of native and woody invasive vegetation. Boxes which were placed on a 15m grid encompassing the whole study area were checked weekly from May to December 2021. Mice were observed in 46/47 boxes but some boxes were used much more frequently. During spring and fall reproductive seasons dams gave birth and raised litters in the boxes. Juveniles disperse from the natal nest at approximately 3 weeks of age but frequently stay nearby, often co-nesting with siblings especially during colder months. Sampling did not deter mice, allowing repeated observation throughout the season. Based on rates of “new” captures and comparison with Sherman trapping, nearly the entire mouse population was under observation, confirming the value of this new surveillance tool.