An Experimental Field Study to Examine Whether Capillaria Hepatica (Nematoda) Can Limit House Mouse Populations in Eastern Australia.

Abstract

A replicated experimental field investigation to examine the effect of the nematode parasite Capillaria hepatica on populations of Mus domesticus is described. A 2-year study was conducted at 7 sites with matching farming practices, soil types, topography and habitat heterogeneity on the Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland, Australia, where mice cause substantial economic, social and environmental problems. A 4 km2 sampling zone was designated on each site and sites were assigned randomly to one of 3 untreated and 4 treated groups. The parasite was released successfully on 3 occasions at 3 markedly different stages of mouse population dynamics. The first release was in winter 1992 into a low-density, non-breeding population. Mice on treated sites had significantly lower survival for 6 months after the release than mice on untreated sites. The parasite had a relatively high impact on survival of young mice (<72 mm long) 2 months after its release. The greatest impact on old mice (>76 mm) occurred a month later. The most pronounced effects of C. hepatica on mouse abundance occurred during the 4 months after its release (June-September). Mice on the untreated sites, however, had poor survival in September, so by October their population abundance was at a level similar to that of the treated populations. Once breeding began in mid-October C. hepatica had no noticeable effect on mouse population dynamics. This was because the parasite (i) had no effect on breeding of mice, (ii) had minimal transmission and (iii) had a diminishing effect on survival after October. The apparent lack of transmission of C. hepatica was probably due to a combination of low population density, the transient nature of the mouse population and predominantly dry weather for 6 months after the release. A second release was made in February 1993 into a breeding, medium-density host population that was rapidly increasing in abundance. Less than 2% of the population was affected during the release so interest focused on transmission rather than the effect of the parasite on the host's demographic machinery. Transmission did occur at a low rate and the parasite persisted for 4.5 months (to June) when it was decided to boost the proportion of mice infected in order to follow its effect on the overwintering population and the demographic effects during the next breeding season. This late release was compromised by synchronous, widespread and rapid decline in mouse densities. Densities fell from greater than 500 ha to less than 1 ha in less than 6 weeks. Two messages emerge from these studies. First, C. hepatica will not limit mouse populations if it is released into a low-density population during a long dry period on the Darling Downs. Second, more information is needed about the factors that influence the survival and transmission of the parasite under field conditions.