Seasonal observations on the house mouse, Mus musculus (Cretzeschmar, 1826) , and its fleas in Alexandria, U.A.R
Mahdi, A.H.; Arafa, M.S.
Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association 46(2): 106-113
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-2446 PMID: 5106740 Document Number: 25
A seasonal study was carried out on the house mouse M. musculus to demonstrate seasonal variations in the prevalence and reproduction, which may contribute to better plan× ning of future control programmes of this serious pest. From this study, it might be stated that : 1) Spring is the main reproduction season. 2) The obvious reduction in frequency and reproduction during the next season, summer, may be the result of increased intra- and inter- specific competition, translated into partial cessation of reproduction and decimation of a part of the population to keep the rodent population within normal limits of the environment. 3) The reduction during autumn and winter is rather related, to natural external factors such as low temperature and increased rainfall. On the basis of these findings, it seems profitable to intensify the control measures during summer and winter which might be considered as the main off-seasons. 4) The house mouse showed a negligible infestation by flea' except during summer, denoting that its role as flea carrier is not very marked, most probably because of its small size' and hyperactivity. The oriental rat flea X. cheopis, was the only species encountered on this host.
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