[Boatanchors] Mouse mess...

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Carl Huether wrote:

> Thats a relief!
> I spent the better part of a day sweeping up mouse nests off the shelves on
> to the floor of the shed, and then sweeping outside.
> Lots of dust and no precautions.
> This was a few months ago.
> Never heard of that virus out here in NH and neither has the town Health
> Officer so I guess Im safe.

Carl & group -

We had a case over here in Vermont in the last year or so. Can't give you
details because I don't know them - could've been transplants who moved here
from NM or points south and brought it with them, could've been a critter that
rode in on a delivery truck, could've been domestic. It's not common here for
sure, but it's not unheard of either. As Duane says, when dealing with life
it's best to err on the side of caution. And, although it's not specific to
radio itself, I'm guessing that as more old boatanchors are retreived from
barns, garages, cellars and the likes, more mouse nests will be found. Perhaps
more of a problem now than before with the increased interest in these fine old
rigs. I saw Tim WA1HLR pass up a 200V a few years back at HossTraders because
it had a mouse nest in it, but I think it was more the urine/stench issue.
Brian N1HUT picked it up for $100 and cleaned it well, now has a nice rig. It
certainly requires a different approach and more effort and thought than your
typical cleaning. If you've handled as many rigs as TimTron, there comes a
point where you get sick of the Mouse aspect.

If it's been months since you did your cleaning you're probably safe. I think
the symptoms manifest themselves in a relatively short period of time. Probably
wouldn't hurt to read up on it though, just to be better informed. Like HV in a
transmitter, it's just another facet of safety to be aware of.

Good luck to all and wishes for a safe and happy New Year -

Boomer,  KA1KAQ