Rats are fantastic pets, known for their intelligence and unique ability to bond with their owners. However, as with all animals, rats can transmit diseases that may be dangerous to certain vulnerable groups, such as young children and immunocompromised individuals. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks and take precautions when introducing any pet, including rats, into your home. This may be alarming, but you are more likely to contract diseases from interacting with cats, dogs, and wild animals- so don’t let this discourage you! It is just my responsibility to notify you of the risks so that you’re aware and can make an informed decision if rats are a good choice for you and your family. Especially if you plan to have your children interact with them, I may turn down applicants who plan to let these groups interact with the rats. But ultimately, you will sign a contract stating that you understand the risks and will not hold the Rattery liable if anything happens.
Risks for Children Under 5 and Immunocompromised Individuals
Children under 5 years old and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting infections due to their immune systems either still developing or not functioning properly. These individuals are more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be carried by pets, including rats.
Here’s a list of people typically considered immunocompromised: ((cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs, individuals with HIV/AIDS, people with autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) taking immunosuppressive medications, individuals on long-term corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, those with inherited immune deficiencies (e.g., SCID, CVID), elderly individuals with weakened immune systems, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease (especially in advanced stages), premature infants or those with severe malnutrition.))
Cats and dogs have immunizations and yearly shots, but there is no such thing for rats and other small animals. Only getting rats from good sources, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing contamination ensures healthy disease-free rats.
Diseases Potentially Transmitted by Rats
While most pet rats are healthy, they can still carry zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can be passed from animals to humans. Rats may not show symptoms but can still transmit diseases. Some common ones include:
• Salmonella: A bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly dangerous for young children and those with compromised immune systems.
• Rat-Bite Fever (RBF): This bacterial infection can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with a rat’s saliva, causing symptoms like fever, vomiting, and joint pain. It is rarely fatal, but in 2013, a healthy 10 year old boy contracted RBF from a rat at Petco and the boy did not survive. You should not let rats kiss your lips for this reason!
• Leptospirosis: Spread through rat urine, this bacterial infection can cause serious kidney or liver damage if untreated.
Moomoo Rattery’s Health Guarantee
At Moomoo Rattery, I take every measure to ensure the health of my rats. In March 2024, serology tests conducted by Charles River Laboratories confirmed that my rats tested negative for the following infectious agents:
• SEND (Sendai virus)
• SDAV (Sialodacryoadenitis virus)
• KRV (Kilham rat virus)
• LCMV (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus)
• HTNV (Hantavirus)
• MPUL (Puumala virus)
• PCAR (“RRV,” Parker’s rat coronavirus)
• CARB (F. rodentium)
• IDIR (Rotavirus B)
• ECUN (Encephalitozoon cuniculi)
These tests are public and held regularly, reflecting my dedication to maintaining a healthy colony. Every breeder in America has access to these tests as they are mail-in, and the AFRMA suggests every breeder to do so. If you’re concerned about pathogens and want to ensure healthy rats, only buy rats from breeders who health test and publish those results for the public, or upon request.
Limitations of Health Guarantees
Even with cleanliness and testing, there are no guarantees when it comes to a rat’s health after they leave a rattery. Rats may pick up pathogens during transportation, from contaminated bedding, or from contact with wild rodents that could enter your home. It’s essential that adopters take responsibility for keeping their rats healthy and minimizing exposure to potential contaminants.
Best Practices for New Rat Owners
To protect your new rats and ensure the safety of everyone in your household, follow these steps:
1. 14-Day Quarantine: If you are introducing new rats to an existing group, always quarantine them for at least 14 days to watch for signs of illness. Use a separate air space if possible (not sharing same central air) and disinfectant between taking care of the 2 groups.
2. Disinfect Cages and Carriers: Before bringing your rats home, clean used cages and carriers thoroughly with bleach water to avoid introducing germs.
3. Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after handling your rats or any cage items.
4. Prevent Inter-Species Contact: Do not allow rats to interact with other household pets. Even a rat free-roaming couch shared with an outdoor cat that comes across wild rodents is a way that your pet rats may contract diseases or parasites. Pathogens can survive up to 24 hours, and parasites for longer on surfaces.
5. Prevention: Use parasite prevention and freeze any bedding you suspect of being contaminated by wild rodents. If wild rats exist in your area, contact an exterminator and secure your home.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of having healthy, happy rats in your home while protecting young children and immunocompromised individuals. At Moomoo Rattery, I am committed to the health and safety of my colony, but it’s up to you to ensure their well-being once they leave my care. As always, I am here to answer any further questions and hope that this helps in your decision on if rats are a good fit for you and your family!
Comments