DARMSTADT, IN (WFIE) -
We're learning what's next for the Vanderburgh County business known as the Mouse House.
The business is having trouble reopening after workers became sick with a rodent-born illness.
The Mouse House has been shut down since this spring, after a rodent-born illness made at least eight workers sick with a condition known as LCMV.
The workers who came in direct contact with infected mice had flu-like to meningeal symptoms.
In April, the mice breeding facility was closed for cleaning, 42 workers were laid off, and 170,000 mice were removed and buried. The owners say the infection was caused by a wild mouse that made it's way into a facility.
In September, the area plan commission meeting recommended they deny their request to keep the property zoned agricultural. The Darmstadt Town Council has the final ruling.
Tuesday night, some Darmstadt residents spoke against the business and the owners.
Other neighbors told the Darmstadt Town Council, they want the owners to get the permits they need to reopen.
If the owners are denied their permit request, they still can raise mice on the property, but they will have to ship them to another location for euthanization and packaging.
The Mouse House opened in 2001 with no major problems before this outbreak. Health experts say all infected workers have since recovered.
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The business is having trouble reopening after workers became sick with a rodent-born illness.
