When some individuals hear the phrase “rabies”, they typically assume this solely impacts canines. In spite of everything, you’re taking your canine in to obtain their rabies vaccine often each 1 to three years. However what about different small mammals like guinea pigs? Nobody has ever steered a rabies vaccine to your guinea pig. Is that one thing you’ll want to fear about? Do guinea pigs get rabies? Whereas any mammal can get rabies, pet guinea pigs are unlikely to contract the illness.
What Is the Rabies Virus?
Rabies is a zoonotic virus, that means it may be transmitted between animals and folks. It’s a deadly illness, however we are able to forestall its unfold with vaccinations.
Rabies is usually transmitted via saliva, however you can even get rabies via mind tissue, scratches, and open wounds. Vaccination applications have dramatically decreased rabies in home animals in the US. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless a priority in sure locations around the globe. In the US, a number of wild animal species are thought of frequent carriers for the virus, together with:
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Skunks
- Foxes
Can Guinea Pigs Get Rabies?
Whereas any mammal can get rabies, your guinea pig is unlikely to contract the illness.
There are two primary causes for this:
First, guinea pigs are saved indoors and caged away from potential illness carriers. It’s uncommon for a raccoon or fox to get into your home (though actually not not possible, so maintain this in thoughts in the event that they do get inside).
Subsequent, as unhappy as it’s to say, in case your guinea pig will get attacked by a rabid animal, they’re not as more likely to survive their accidents as a canine is likely to be, so there’s much less likelihood of them growing the illness after publicity.
That stated, there have been instances of rabies detected in guinea pigs in the US. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation highlighted a case the place a guinea pig probably turned contaminated with rabies after being uncovered to a raccoon exterior, and there have been different reviews extending throughout earlier many years.
Indicators of Rabies in Guinea Pigs
The indicators of rabies that we might search for in guinea pigs are much like these amongst all mammals.
Most affected animals change their demeanor. They could turn out to be extra affectionate however extra more likely to turn out to be withdrawn or aggressive. Even beforehand docile animals might bite.
Some animals have extreme drooling or foaming on the mouth. Animals with rabies may stagger and even have paralysis. Different neurologic indicators embody convulsions or seizures.
Rabies Prevention in Guinea Pigs
You’ll want to stop rabies in guinea pigs to stop their potential publicity. You probably have one other pet that goes indoors and open air, maintain it vaccinated and away out of your guinea pig if it encounters a rabies-infected animal, equivalent to your canine attacking a raccoon in your yard.
In case your guinea pig goes exterior generally to stretch its legs and revel in some grass, you need to observe it carefully. Don’t let it out unsupervised, which can also be important to reduce the danger of being preyed on by bigger animals. You may additionally contemplate a totally enclosed cage to scale back the danger of it coming into contact with different animals.
What to Do if Your Guinea Pig Bites You
In case you’re involved about potential publicity to a rabid guinea pig, contact your veterinarian and your human doctor instantly. Usually, animals presumably uncovered to rabies are monitored for a while. Your veterinarian will often work with a number of public well being individuals and presumably animal management to find out what steps ought to be taken.
If the animals present indicators that may very well be in step with rabies, they must be euthanized and examined. Your veterinarian will submit tissue for testing, often at a metropolis or state laboratory.
Your doctor received’t sometimes suggest an anti-rabies vaccine until there’s been a risk of publicity, as guinea pigs are unlikely to contract rabies. That stated, your doctor will probably clear and flush your wound. You may want antibiotics or a tetanus booster vaccination for a nasty wound. Your doctor will work with you to find out potential publicity and suggest remedy.
Regularly Requested Questions
Can I get rabies from guinea pigs?
Whereas guinea pigs can have rabies, it is vitally uncommon in the US for a lot of of our small pets to get the virus, together with:
Rabbits
Hamsters
Rats
Mice
Squirrels
Chipmunks
As a result of it’s so uncommon, it will be extremely unusual so that you can get rabies out of your guinea pig. The CDC reports that there haven’t been any instances of people contracting the virus from these animals.
Do guinea pigs want rabies pictures?
There isn’t a rabies vaccine labeled to be used in guinea pigs. In case your veterinarian recommends it, they’d be utilizing the vaccine off-label, and we don’t know the way efficient it will be. Usually, we don’t give guinea pigs vaccines.
What animals don’t get rabies?
Some animals don’t seem to have the ability to get rabies. Whereas any mammal can technically get contaminated with the virus, these animals don’t:
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can get rabies, nevertheless it’s very unusual for them to be uncovered to the virus, not to mention contract it. In case you’re involved that your guinea pig may have been uncovered to a rabid animal, you’ll must contact your veterinarian instantly to find out the subsequent steps you’ll take.
Featured Picture Credit score: PHOTO FUN, Shutterstock
