Which Diseases Do Rats Carry?
WouterWhile you may not realize it, rats can carry deadly diseases like plague, the Black Death, and Yersinia pestis. These diseases can be spread to humans via airborne contact with infected food. They can also be transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. These diseases can cause severe illness, including high fever, muscle cramps, and seizures.
Rats can also be infected with tapeworms, a common intestinal parasite. Rats can get tapeworm from cat feces, and tapeworm infection can cause diarrhea. Luckily, you can detect this disease easily and prevent your rat from becoming infected by sanitizing their cage.
Rats can also carry the rabies virus, which is highly contagious. Symptoms of the disease may occur in the first few weeks after infection. If you suspect that your rats may be infected, they should be put down immediately. There are no cures for this disease, but antibiotics and supportive care can reduce the severity of the disease. You should also separate infected rats from other rats, such as rats that are suffering from respiratory infections.
Rats are also susceptible to salmonella, which is caused by bacteria found in their digestive tracts. This bacterium can cause gastrointestinal illness, which is accompanied by fever, chills, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. If infected, rat bites can also cause Rat Bite Fever, which can lead to a rash and muscle pain.
