Do Rats Carry Rabies?

Although rabies in rats is extremely rare, a few other rat-related diseases can infect humans. They are transmitted from rat to rat through bites, scratches, and soil. It is important to note that these diseases are not necessarily fatal. It is, however, important to seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have come into contact with an infected rat.

In addition to rabies, rats can transmit other diseases and parasites to people and pets in their vicinity. Some of these diseases, including leptospirosis and hantavirus, are spread through the bite of a rat. While none of these diseases are fatal to healthy individuals, they can make a person sick for several days.

One of the most common signs of infection is foaming of the mouth. While this does not necessarily mean that an animal is rabid, it is a sign of infection. Rats with rabies tend to act abnormally and may have trouble walking. Symptoms of rabies usually begin within a week.

Although rats can carry the rabies virus, there is a very small risk that a rat will transmit the disease to humans. Since rats have a very low survival rate, it is unlikely that they will pass the disease to humans. In fact, the number of infected rats is so low, that the Department of Public Health does not recommend rabies vaccinations for rats.