Introduction
As with any pet, rats come with a potential risk of transmitting viral and bacterial infections to people. I want to stress that this is NOT only pertaining to rats. All animals have this potential. Dogs can transmit Leptospirosis, giardia, Ringworm, Roundworm, Lyme, Salmonella, etc. Cats can transmit Salmonella, Toxoplasmosis, Giardia, Chryptospiridium, Roundworm, Hookworm, etc. Even fish carry many bacteria that can make people sick. There is often a negative stigma surrounding rats and before I begin, I just want it made clear that ALL animals are capable of making people sick in the unfortunate circumstances. It is your duty as a pet owner to weigh the pros and cons and understand these illnesses, their signs and symptoms in people, and take adequate steps to prevent, and to treat these in a timely manner. Never ignore anything that seems "off" and always tell your doctor what animals you have at home.
Prevention & Testing
There are ways that you can limit exposure to you and to your rats. Exposing your rats to these zoonotics is easier than infecting yourself from your rats. Things as simple as going to a pet store and being in the same room as mill bred rats can increase the chances of bringing home these viruses and bacteria to your own rats at home. It is recommended that if you visit a pet store, to wait a minimum of 3 hours before you interact with your own rats, and where possible, changing your clothes, washing your hands and even blowing your nose can decrease your chances substantially.
Rat food and bedding are also an easy mode of transfer. These and other bulk items are frequently stored in warehouses and have the potential of being contaminated by wild rodent feces and urine, which can then enter your home. Along these lines, improper storage of items at your own home is just as big a factor. Make sure you store these items in an area that does not have access by wild rodents.
To decrease your chances of infection, wash your hands after coming in contact with feces, urine, saliva or blood. Typically, in a healthy adult, our bodies can fight off these zoonotics, however, it is always good practice to practice proper hygiene. This is especially important for children under the age of 5, elderly, pregnant women or anybody with compromised immune systems.
It is also recommended to open a window for a minimum of 30 minutes a day to exchange the air and decrease the amount of airborne particles in the room.
When cleaning the cage bedding, spraying down the bedding with a water bottle can also decrease the amount of particles that enter the airspace.
TESTING
Testing is not entirely necessary for pet owners unless you have reason to be concerned, if you got your rats from a positive state, positive rattery or sketchy pet store/breeder, if you have children under 5 who are regularly in contact with your rats, if you have a family member who is elderly or immune compromised that is exposed to your rats, you may decide that it is beneficial to test. In this event, testing is done through your vet or through a laboratory that accepts panels without a vet account, such as Charles River Laboratories. Things you may want to test for include Seoul Hantavirus and Rat Bite Fever.
Rat food and bedding are also an easy mode of transfer. These and other bulk items are frequently stored in warehouses and have the potential of being contaminated by wild rodent feces and urine, which can then enter your home. Along these lines, improper storage of items at your own home is just as big a factor. Make sure you store these items in an area that does not have access by wild rodents.
To decrease your chances of infection, wash your hands after coming in contact with feces, urine, saliva or blood. Typically, in a healthy adult, our bodies can fight off these zoonotics, however, it is always good practice to practice proper hygiene. This is especially important for children under the age of 5, elderly, pregnant women or anybody with compromised immune systems.
It is also recommended to open a window for a minimum of 30 minutes a day to exchange the air and decrease the amount of airborne particles in the room.
When cleaning the cage bedding, spraying down the bedding with a water bottle can also decrease the amount of particles that enter the airspace.
TESTING
Testing is not entirely necessary for pet owners unless you have reason to be concerned, if you got your rats from a positive state, positive rattery or sketchy pet store/breeder, if you have children under 5 who are regularly in contact with your rats, if you have a family member who is elderly or immune compromised that is exposed to your rats, you may decide that it is beneficial to test. In this event, testing is done through your vet or through a laboratory that accepts panels without a vet account, such as Charles River Laboratories. Things you may want to test for include Seoul Hantavirus and Rat Bite Fever.
No Guarantee
Although we try our hardest to keep our colony free of viral and bacterial illnesses, by quarantining and testing (when possible), we cannot guarantee your rat will stay free of these viruses for their lifetime. There are many ways that a rat can contract these infections and as such, Maineiac Mischief cannot be held accountable for any such infection and cannot be held responsible for any infection of people from the rats. It is your duty as a pet owner to understand these risks and take appropriate action to avoid infection. If you cannot take that responsibility, then it is perfectly fine to decide against pet ownership. Remember, all animals come with risks of infectious diseases, not just rats. In fact, most of the zoonoses from rats can also be transmitted from dogs and cats.
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Zoonoses From Rats |
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Note that these are not all of the diseases associated with rats, however, they are the most common. Use this as a starting point.
Seoul Hantavirus
Seoul is a type of Hantavirus. There are different types of Hantaviruses that have their own hosts and affect people differently. Seoul is the Hantavirus that uses our dometic rats, Rattus Rattus and Norwegian Rats, Rattus Norveticus. These rats are only hosts and the virus does not affect the rats, and so it is undetectable with your average physical examination. The only way to test for this virus to date, is with a blood test through IDEXX or Charles River Laboratory.
Transmission:
Seoul virus is transmitted via body fluids, such as urine, feces and saliva. This can become airborne when dust particles from bedding contaminated with an infected rats bodily fluids enters the air, usually during cleaning. In order to combat this, it is recommended to wet down the bedding with water via a spray bottle before cleaning out the bedding. Also, as with any animal, proper hygiene should be practiced after handling your rats.
Symptoms:
The Seoul virus has a mortality rate of 1-2% according to the CDC. This mortality rate is from a condition called Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, or HFRS. This is a rare, but potentially serious condition. However, Most people affected with Seoul virus show little to no symptoms. Typically, those who do show symptoms are those who are young (under 5), elderly, or have compromised immune systems. In most cases, the infected person shows flu-like symptoms and recovers without incident.
Transmission:
Seoul virus is transmitted via body fluids, such as urine, feces and saliva. This can become airborne when dust particles from bedding contaminated with an infected rats bodily fluids enters the air, usually during cleaning. In order to combat this, it is recommended to wet down the bedding with water via a spray bottle before cleaning out the bedding. Also, as with any animal, proper hygiene should be practiced after handling your rats.
Symptoms:
The Seoul virus has a mortality rate of 1-2% according to the CDC. This mortality rate is from a condition called Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, or HFRS. This is a rare, but potentially serious condition. However, Most people affected with Seoul virus show little to no symptoms. Typically, those who do show symptoms are those who are young (under 5), elderly, or have compromised immune systems. In most cases, the infected person shows flu-like symptoms and recovers without incident.
Testing:
If you are concerned about the Seoul virus, you can have your rats tested for it via the IDEXX opti-spot test that can be obtained by your vet through the IDEXX Companion Animal Division or using the EZ-Strips from Charles River Labs which can be ordered by an individual, but must be completed by a Licensed Veterinarian. |
Yersinia Pestis
More commonly known as the Plague, Yersinia Pestis is endemic in wild rodents in Southwestern U.S., as well as in Africa and Asia. Most important reservoirs worldwide are the domestic rat, Rattus rattus, and the urban rat, Rattus norvegicus. Human infections have increased since 1965 and usually result from contact with infected fleas or rodents. The disease is also associated with cats, goats, camels, rabbits, dogs and coyotes. Dogs and cats may serve as passive transporters of infected rodent fleas into the home or laboratory. Rodents may carry the disease asymptomatically or develop fatal disease. infected rats and squirrels frequently die unless they are from an enzootic area and have acquired immunity.
Transmission:
Contact with infected rodent fleas or rodents. Fleas may remain infected for months. Note: a protein secreted by the Yersinia is a coagulase that causes blood ingested by the flea to clot in the proventriculus. The bacillus proliferates in the proventriculus, and thousands of organisms are regurgitated by obstructed fleas and inoculated intradermally into the skin. This coagulase is inactive at high temperatures and is thought to explain the cessation of plague transmission during very hot weather. Pulmonary form spread by airborne or droplet infection. Human infections from non-rodent species usually result from direct contact with infected tissues, by scratch or bite injuries, and handling of infected animals. Several recent reports have detailed human plague associated with exposure to domestic cats. Exposure can be from inhalation of respiratory secretions of cats with pneumonic plague or by contaminating mucous membranes or skin wounds with secretins or exudates.
Symptoms:
Incubation period 2 to 6 days. In humans the disease is called Bubonic, Septicemic, or Pneumonic plague depending on the pattern of distribution of the infection. Bubonic is the most common form causing fever and swollen, tender lymph nodes (called Buboes). Pneumonic plague is systemic plague with lung involvement. Mortality may exceed 50%. Plague is also called the "black death" because disseminated intravascular coagulation takes place and areas of skin undergo necrosis.
Transmission:
Contact with infected rodent fleas or rodents. Fleas may remain infected for months. Note: a protein secreted by the Yersinia is a coagulase that causes blood ingested by the flea to clot in the proventriculus. The bacillus proliferates in the proventriculus, and thousands of organisms are regurgitated by obstructed fleas and inoculated intradermally into the skin. This coagulase is inactive at high temperatures and is thought to explain the cessation of plague transmission during very hot weather. Pulmonary form spread by airborne or droplet infection. Human infections from non-rodent species usually result from direct contact with infected tissues, by scratch or bite injuries, and handling of infected animals. Several recent reports have detailed human plague associated with exposure to domestic cats. Exposure can be from inhalation of respiratory secretions of cats with pneumonic plague or by contaminating mucous membranes or skin wounds with secretins or exudates.
Symptoms:
Incubation period 2 to 6 days. In humans the disease is called Bubonic, Septicemic, or Pneumonic plague depending on the pattern of distribution of the infection. Bubonic is the most common form causing fever and swollen, tender lymph nodes (called Buboes). Pneumonic plague is systemic plague with lung involvement. Mortality may exceed 50%. Plague is also called the "black death" because disseminated intravascular coagulation takes place and areas of skin undergo necrosis.
Salmonella
A common bacterial cause of food-poisoning worldwide. Over 1800 food-poisoning serotypes of salmonella (bacterium) exist. The prevalence of individual serotypes constantly changes. In the U.S., 5 million cases are diagnosed annually. S. typhi, the cause of Typhoid Fever, rarely occurs in the U.S. and is not discussed here. Serological tests are of limited value as many noninfected animals have titers from past infections.
Transmission:
Salmonellas are common commensals of all animals and birds and are excreted in feces. Host-adapted strains may cause serious illness (e.g., S. dublin in cattle, S. pullorum in chickens), but most human food-poisoning salmonellas do not cause clinical signs in animals. The main reservoirs for human infection are poultry, cattle, sheep and pigs. Infection in animals is maintained by recycling slaughterhouse waste as animal feed, fecal oral spread and fecal contamination of hatching eggs. The organism inhabits the intestinal tract of many animals including birds, cattle, sheep, pigs, lab. animals (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, nonhuman primates) and humans. Salmonella occurs worldwide. *The house mouse may also be a reservoir of the infection and may play a role in human and animal salmonellosis. Humans, rarely, and animals may be carriers and asymptomatic shedders of the organism. Incubation period in animals: 1-5 days.
Symptoms:
The presence and severity of symptoms depends on the infecting dose. Typically there is watery diarrhea for about ten days, possibly leading to dehydration, with abdominal pain and low-grade fever. Septicemia and abscess formation are rare. Animals. Subclinical infection is common and many animals may be intermittent or persistent carriers.
Transmission:
Salmonellas are common commensals of all animals and birds and are excreted in feces. Host-adapted strains may cause serious illness (e.g., S. dublin in cattle, S. pullorum in chickens), but most human food-poisoning salmonellas do not cause clinical signs in animals. The main reservoirs for human infection are poultry, cattle, sheep and pigs. Infection in animals is maintained by recycling slaughterhouse waste as animal feed, fecal oral spread and fecal contamination of hatching eggs. The organism inhabits the intestinal tract of many animals including birds, cattle, sheep, pigs, lab. animals (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, nonhuman primates) and humans. Salmonella occurs worldwide. *The house mouse may also be a reservoir of the infection and may play a role in human and animal salmonellosis. Humans, rarely, and animals may be carriers and asymptomatic shedders of the organism. Incubation period in animals: 1-5 days.
Symptoms:
The presence and severity of symptoms depends on the infecting dose. Typically there is watery diarrhea for about ten days, possibly leading to dehydration, with abdominal pain and low-grade fever. Septicemia and abscess formation are rare. Animals. Subclinical infection is common and many animals may be intermittent or persistent carriers.
Rat Bite Fever
Present in the oral and respiratory passages of a large number of asymptomatic rodents, including Rats and Mice. Incidence of disease appears to be low. Historically, wild rat bites and subsequent illness (usually small children) relate to poor sanitation and overcrowding.
Transmission:
Bite of infected rodent or via contaminated milk or food.
Symptoms:
Acute febrile disease following bite from a rodent. Can see inflammation, lymphadenopathy, and nonspecific signs. May exhibit rash on extremities, often soles and palms. May see arthritis with S. moniliformis. Incubation period variable: S. moniliformis: hours to 1 to 3 days S. minus: 1 to 6 weeks Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously. Complications, if not treated promptly, lead to pneumonia, hepatitis, enteritis, endocarditis with a 10% fatality rate.
Symptoms in rats: unapparent infection. Mice: acute, systemic, fatal disease in immunologically inexperienced mice. Surviving mice (or if endemic disease), exhibit suppurative polyarthritis, swelling and loss of digits or limbs.
Transmission:
Bite of infected rodent or via contaminated milk or food.
Symptoms:
Acute febrile disease following bite from a rodent. Can see inflammation, lymphadenopathy, and nonspecific signs. May exhibit rash on extremities, often soles and palms. May see arthritis with S. moniliformis. Incubation period variable: S. moniliformis: hours to 1 to 3 days S. minus: 1 to 6 weeks Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously. Complications, if not treated promptly, lead to pneumonia, hepatitis, enteritis, endocarditis with a 10% fatality rate.
Symptoms in rats: unapparent infection. Mice: acute, systemic, fatal disease in immunologically inexperienced mice. Surviving mice (or if endemic disease), exhibit suppurative polyarthritis, swelling and loss of digits or limbs.
Giardia
Giardia is the most common intestinal protozoan parasite of people in the U.S. The parasite occurs worldwide and is nearly universal in children in developing countries. Humans are the reservoir for Giardia, but dogs and beavers have been implicated as a zoonotic source of infection. In psittacines, the disease is commonly found in cockatiels and budgerigars.
Transmission:
Only the cyst form is infectious by the oral route; trophozoites are destroyed by gastric acidity. Most infections are sporadic, resulting from cysts transmitted as a result of fecal contamination. Transmitted via ingestion of cysts in feces, niches in the small intestine.
Symptoms:
Most infections are asymptomatic. In some cases, acute or chronic diarrhea, mild to severe, with bulky, greasy, frothy, malodorous stools, free of pus and blood. Upper abdominal discomfort, cramps, distention, excessive flatus, and lassitude.
Transmission:
Only the cyst form is infectious by the oral route; trophozoites are destroyed by gastric acidity. Most infections are sporadic, resulting from cysts transmitted as a result of fecal contamination. Transmitted via ingestion of cysts in feces, niches in the small intestine.
Symptoms:
Most infections are asymptomatic. In some cases, acute or chronic diarrhea, mild to severe, with bulky, greasy, frothy, malodorous stools, free of pus and blood. Upper abdominal discomfort, cramps, distention, excessive flatus, and lassitude.
Tapeworm & Roundworm
Worms, or helminths, are parasites that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract in rats. Intestinal parasites in rats are of two types: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are multicellular worms, like tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms. Protozoa have one cell and can multiply at a rapid rate. These intestinal parasites infect the digestive system of the rat and sometimes more than one worm type can be seen infecting the same rat.
Transmission
These worms are mainly spread as a result of poor hygiene, and when rats come into contact with feces from an infected rat, as the eggs are released from the intestinal system through the fecal matter. Intestinal protozoa are known to spread through contaminated feces, but pinworms can also infect rats by way of the respiratory tract, as their eggs are capable of becoming airborne and inhaled. Unhygienic living conditions are the main culprit, when feces is left in the rat's living environment, as is the absence of routine healthcare with regular visits to the veterinarian.
Transmission:
Tapeworm: Worms, eggs, or protozoa are often transmited through the feces of infected rats and/or infected bedding or litter. Pinworm eggs, meanwhile, are so small that they can be inhaled while floating in the air. Contact with carrier insects like cockroaches, fleas, and beetles can also lead to parasitic infection. Cats are also carriers of tapeworms and can transmit the parasites to rats.
Symptoms:
Tapeworm in people: Nausea, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hunger or loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Roundworm in people: Cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, fatigue, presence of worms in vomit or stool.
Tapeworm and/or Roundworm in rats: Diarrhea, change in appetite, weight loss, excessive licking and chewing of rectal area and base of tail, bits of worm or whole worms in feces. Severe infections can lead to blockage or perforation of the intestines. Tapeworm infections can cause liver enlargement by forming cysts in the liver.
Transmission
These worms are mainly spread as a result of poor hygiene, and when rats come into contact with feces from an infected rat, as the eggs are released from the intestinal system through the fecal matter. Intestinal protozoa are known to spread through contaminated feces, but pinworms can also infect rats by way of the respiratory tract, as their eggs are capable of becoming airborne and inhaled. Unhygienic living conditions are the main culprit, when feces is left in the rat's living environment, as is the absence of routine healthcare with regular visits to the veterinarian.
Transmission:
Tapeworm: Worms, eggs, or protozoa are often transmited through the feces of infected rats and/or infected bedding or litter. Pinworm eggs, meanwhile, are so small that they can be inhaled while floating in the air. Contact with carrier insects like cockroaches, fleas, and beetles can also lead to parasitic infection. Cats are also carriers of tapeworms and can transmit the parasites to rats.
Symptoms:
Tapeworm in people: Nausea, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hunger or loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Roundworm in people: Cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, fatigue, presence of worms in vomit or stool.
Tapeworm and/or Roundworm in rats: Diarrhea, change in appetite, weight loss, excessive licking and chewing of rectal area and base of tail, bits of worm or whole worms in feces. Severe infections can lead to blockage or perforation of the intestines. Tapeworm infections can cause liver enlargement by forming cysts in the liver.
Ringworm
Fungi called deuteromycetes cause ringworm; Trichophyton mentragrophytes is the type that most commonly affects rats. These fungi take their nourishment from the keratin in skin. Ringworm infections spread easily through direct contact with a surface contaminated with the fungus. Ringworm usually would pass from an infected person or animal to your rat. However, your rat could get ringworm from contaminated bedding, toys, litter, other items in her cage, or even the cage itself. If you can't determine the source of your rat's infection, it probably was another rat carrying the fungus but not showing symptoms. Healthy rats with strong immune function don't always show clinical signs.
Transmission:
The disease is spread by touching an infected person or animal. It can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces that had contact with the infection.
Symptoms:
Ringworm in people: scaly, crusted rash that may appear as round, red patches on the skin.Other symptoms and signs of ringworm include patches of hair loss or scaling on the scalp, itching, and blister-like lesions. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person.
Ringworm in rats: often forms a circular pattern on rats. If it's symptomatic, you'll probably see red skin lesions on your rat. There's a good chance they'll be ringlike. The lesions might or might not be itchy or otherwise irritate your rat. Skin in the affected area often becomes flaky or scaly, and hair loss there is common. Ringworm can appear anywhere on your rat's body, including her nails, but it most often shows up at the base of the tail or on the back and neck.
Transmission:
The disease is spread by touching an infected person or animal. It can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces that had contact with the infection.
Symptoms:
Ringworm in people: scaly, crusted rash that may appear as round, red patches on the skin.Other symptoms and signs of ringworm include patches of hair loss or scaling on the scalp, itching, and blister-like lesions. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person.
Ringworm in rats: often forms a circular pattern on rats. If it's symptomatic, you'll probably see red skin lesions on your rat. There's a good chance they'll be ringlike. The lesions might or might not be itchy or otherwise irritate your rat. Skin in the affected area often becomes flaky or scaly, and hair loss there is common. Ringworm can appear anywhere on your rat's body, including her nails, but it most often shows up at the base of the tail or on the back and neck.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease that can affect human and animals, including your pets. All animals can potentially become infected with Leptospirosis. While for many years occurrence among pets was rare, the disease has been diagnosed more frequently in the past few years. Infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
Transmission:
Humans are infected when mucous membranes come in contact with contaminated rat feces or urine. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch.
Symptoms:
In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. These include: High fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or rash. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
In rats: Typically show no symptoms. Potentially Diarrhea, refusal to eat, stiffness and abdominal pain.
Transmission:
Humans are infected when mucous membranes come in contact with contaminated rat feces or urine. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch.
Symptoms:
In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. These include: High fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or rash. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
In rats: Typically show no symptoms. Potentially Diarrhea, refusal to eat, stiffness and abdominal pain.
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REFERENCES |
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https://www.cdc.gov/%E2%80%A6/out%E2%80%A6/seoul-virus/faqs-seoul-virus.html
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00400.asp
http://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/PIJACSeoulvirusconferencecallnotesv2.pdf
http://ratguide.com/reference/SeoulVirus.pdf
http://animals.mom.me/rat-ringworm-1547.html
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/endoparasites.php
https://web.archive.org/web/20140530073217/http://www.research.ucsb.edu/compliance/animal-subjects/veterinary-care/zoonotic-diseases/#Rodentia
http://www.afrma.org/med_zoonotic.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00400.asp
http://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/PIJACSeoulvirusconferencecallnotesv2.pdf
http://ratguide.com/reference/SeoulVirus.pdf
http://animals.mom.me/rat-ringworm-1547.html
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/endoparasites.php
https://web.archive.org/web/20140530073217/http://www.research.ucsb.edu/compliance/animal-subjects/veterinary-care/zoonotic-diseases/#Rodentia
http://www.afrma.org/med_zoonotic.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/