Do Rats Cause Rabies?
WouterOne of the most common questions posed to veterinarians is, “Do rats cause rabies?” The answer is a resounding “no.” Although rats are not reservoir species, they do carry a very low risk of rabies. Nevertheless, if you suspect a rat has contracted the disease, a rabies quarantine period is likely in order. The rabies quarantine period would be appropriate if you’ve been bitten by a rat or noticed a rat acting odd or showing neurological abnormalities. If a rat was found to be infected with rabies, euthanasia would be recommended.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected rat. Because of this, a rat with rabies-infected saliva wouldn’t be able to transmit rabies through a bite. However, rat bites have been known to transmit a number of other diseases that are spread via saliva.
The symptoms of a rat bite include pain and swelling around the site of the bite. Some victims also develop fever and an ulcer at the site of the bite. Although it’s rare for a rat to carry rabies, if you’re bitten by one, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Luckily, most rodent bite infections have a good outcome if you get the infection treated in a timely manner.
Despite the fact that rats can carry the rabies virus, rabies in rats is rare and never has been transmitted to humans. The rabies virus can be transmitted by other mammals, including humans. Smaller rodents such as mice and rats aren’t considered carriers of the disease. Rabies is a virus spread by bites and scratches. Hence, avoiding physical contact with rats is very important.
