Abundance and population parameters of commensal rodents present in rural households in Yucatan, Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the abundance and population parameters of two commensal rodent species (Mus musculus and Rattus rattus) that are present in households in the rural area of Molas, Yucatan, Mexico, forming part of the transmission cycle of zoonotic disease. Age structures, sex ratios and reproductive aspects of these species were measured from October to December 2009 (wet period) and February to April 2010 (dry period) in the rooms and yards of 40 households for three consecutive nights in each month. A total of 379 commensal rodents were captured (322 M. musculus and 57 R. rattus). M. musculus was more abundant during the dry period with a population that consisted mainly of adults and featured a sex ratio differed from 1:1 in both periods. The population of Rattus rattus consisted mainly of subadults. Commensal rodents were captured in the yards as well as within the houses in ovens, cupboards, etc. Elementary data were obtained regarding the biology of the two commensal species, while the potential health risks to the local inhabitants from close contact with these species were highlighted.