Do Rats Carry Rabies?
Rats are grimy little rodents found globally. They can transmit fatal diseases to humans and animals because they are prone to get infected easily. So, if you have witnessed the presence of these little creatures, they will encounter your pets and transmit fatal diseases. The first thing that would come to your mind is what to do if a rat bites your pet. Do rats carry rabies? There is no need to worry about it because we are here to give you answers to your every concern.
What Is Rabies?
It is a viral disease that can be transmitted to other animals and humans through the bite of a rabid animal. The saliva of infected animals causes transmission. It is considered a fatal disease that affects the nervous system and, finally, the brain of its victim, resulting in the death of an infected individual.
Regarding rats and rabies, a policy by the U.S. Public Health shows no vaccination for rat bites. According to the CDC, there are seldom chances for these rodents to carry rabies. It is not evident that these rodents transmit rabies. The exact reason these do not rats carry rabies is unknown. Still, research suggests fewer rabies incidents in these creatures because they are too tiny to survive longer with rabies, and they rarely get a chance to spread it.
Symptoms Of Rabies
The symptoms of rabies start appearing after a few days of bite. Below are the symptoms if a rabid animal bites you or your pets.
- Headache
- Fever
- Discomfort
- Weakness
- Itching sensation
- Cerebral Dysfunction
According to research, almost 59,000 people have died globally since 2016 after being bitten by rabid animals, but it is now evident that rats do not carry or transmit rabies.
Investigating Rats Carry Rabies
Rats are found globally and are known for their grimy nature. Because of their dirty nature, there is always a risk of disease transmission, excluding rabies. However, they are not considered to be at risk of rabies transmission. Still, it is advised to get medical consultation after being bitten by these rats because they can transmit many other fatal diseases.
learn more: Facts About Rats
The Theory Of Dry Bite
People get worried most of the time after being bitten by rats, and they have a common question: Can rats transmit rabies? There is a dry bite theory among people, which indicates that even if an infected rat bites a person, rabies transmission would be impossible because the person has a dry bite. It is a disease that could be transmitted by exposure to the saliva of infected animals. Their teeth don’t get wet with saliva because of the forward position of their teeth; therefore, they cannot transmit rabies disease.
Other Diseases Rats Spread
Because rats do not carry and transmit rabies, that doesn’t mean they cannot spread other diseases. They transfer some fatal diseases to humans and other pet animals. The disease that could be spread from their droppings is hantavirus. Besides this, rat-bite fever is a bacterial and fatal infection spread by the bite of an infected rodent. Their bite can cause severe illness; therefore, it is advised that the wound be cleaned instantly and antibiotics applied. Taking immediate action after having direct contact with the saliva of infected rodents is recommended to prevent any disease.
Final Thoughts!
Rats are rodents that can transmit fatal diseases such as rabies. However, rats do not carry and transmit rabies. The exact reason is still unknown, but it is said that they are too small to take and survive very long with such a disease. Besides this, rabies is spread by direct contact with the saliva of infected rodents, but the teeth of these rats are forward and less likely to get wet with saliva. Therefore, they are not the reason for the transmission of rabies. However, immediate action should be taken after being bitten by these rodents because they can transmit other fatal diseases.
Matthew Daviss
Explore the insightful world of rodents with our exciting articles written with expertise and passion by our rodent care specialist, Dr. Matthew Daviss.
