How Can Rats Affect Rabbits?
Rats can infect rabbits and cause severe health problems, so it’s imperative that you take the appropriate precautions. The most common symptoms of rat infection include fever, rigors, and polyarthralgias. While the underlying cause can be difficult to determine, your veterinarian can perform some basic tests and recommend appropriate precautions for your rabbit. If you suspect rat infection, bring your rabbit to the vet immediately. The veterinarian will clean and treat any wounds and recommend preventive treatments. In addition to antibiotics and pain medications, you will want to consider rat bite prevention. Rats are also known to carry salmonella bacteria, which can spread to human food and cause salmonella outbreaks.
Rats can also affect rabbits by chewing on their fur and eating their food. Rats’ teeth are incredibly sharp, and they can chew through concrete and metal. Rat bites are often severe and will require a trip to the vet. Rats can also carry disease, including rat bite fever, which is spread through the bites of a rabbit. The infection has a 10% mortality rate, so it’s essential to keep your rabbit from being bitten by rats.
Rats often enter homes through cracks and gaps. After establishing a home, they will begin digging holes in floors and walls. These holes are circular and about two to three inches wide. These holes are usually inches off the ground and are inches from the walls. Rats leave behind a distinctive musk smell.