Incubation Period For Rabies in a Rat
WouterThe incubation period for rabies in a rat is between two to three weeks. The time needed for an animal to develop rabies symptoms depends on several factors including age, body weight, and the strain of the rabies virus. In general, the faster an animal is infected with rabies, the faster it will progress. The more severe symptoms of rabies include cerebral dysfunction, death, and mental confusion.
While there are some instances where rabies is transmitted from rat to human, these cases are rare. Infected rats tend to be larger and live in areas where raccoons are prevalent. It is important to note that most rat populations do not live long enough to transmit the rabies virus to humans, so the risk of exposure is extremely low.
If you believe that your pet has been bitten by a rat, contact a veterinarian right away and explain the incident. They may not recommend any special care for the animal, but they will closely monitor the animal’s condition. If the rat bites are not severe, the bite area may develop into a painful infection. Fortunately, this infection is treatable with antibiotics.
There are two main types of bites that can cause rabies in rats. Natural bites and predatory bites. A predatory rat’s bite may cause multiple wounds. Each wound is a potential site for the rabies virus to spread. In contrast, a natural rat bite may occur on its body, closer to the central nervous system. Natural bites may also have a shorter incubation period and faster onset of the rabies virus.
