Can Guinea Pigs Get Rabies? (Vet Answer) – Nirantara

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When some people hear the phrase “rabies”, they sometimes assume this solely impacts canines. In any case, you’re taking your canine in to acquire their rabies vaccine usually every 1 to 3 years. Nonetheless what about completely different small mammals like guinea pigs? No one has ever steered a rabies vaccine to your guinea pig. Is that one factor you’ll wish to concern about? Do guinea pigs get rabies? Whereas any mammal can get rabies, pet guinea pigs are unlikely to contract the sickness.

What Is the Rabies Virus?

Rabies is a zoonotic virus, which means it could be transmitted between animals and people. It’s a lethal sickness, nevertheless we’re in a position to forestall its unfold with vaccinations.

Rabies is normally transmitted through saliva, nevertheless you may even get rabies through thoughts tissue, scratches, and open wounds. Vaccination functions have dramatically decreased rabies in dwelling animals within the US. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless a precedence in positive places across the globe. Within the US, plenty of wild animal species are considered frequent carriers for the virus, along with:

Can Guinea Pigs Get Rabies?

Whereas any mammal can get rabies, your guinea pig is unlikely to contract the sickness.

That acknowledged, there have been cases of rabies detected in guinea pigs within the US. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation highlighted a case the place a guinea pig in all probability turned contaminated with rabies after being uncovered to a raccoon exterior, and there have been completely different opinions extending all through earlier a few years.

Indicators of Rabies in Guinea Pigs

The symptoms of rabies that we’d seek for in guinea pigs are very similar to these amongst all mammals.

Most affected animals change their demeanor. They may grow to be additional affectionate nevertheless additional extra more likely to grow to be withdrawn or aggressive. Even beforehand docile animals might bite.

Some animals have excessive drooling or foaming on the mouth. Animals with rabies could stagger and even have paralysis. Totally different neurologic indicators embody convulsions or seizures.

Rabies Prevention in Guinea Pigs

You’ll wish to cease rabies in guinea pigs to cease their potential publicity. You in all probability have one different pet that goes indoors and open air, keep it vaccinated and away out of your guinea pig if it encounters a rabies-infected animal, equal to your canine attacking a raccoon in your yard.

In case your guinea pig goes exterior typically to stretch its legs and enjoy some grass, it is advisable to observe it fastidiously. Don’t let it out unsupervised, which may also be essential to cut back the hazard of being preyed on by larger animals. You may also ponder a very enclosed cage to cut back the hazard of it coming into contact with completely different animals.

What to Do if Your Guinea Pig Bites You

In case you’re concerned about potential publicity to a rabid guinea pig, contact your veterinarian and your human physician immediately. Often, animals presumably uncovered to rabies are monitored for some time. Your veterinarian will usually work with plenty of public nicely being people and presumably animal administration to seek out out what steps must be taken.

If the animals current indicators which will very nicely be in keeping with rabies, they have to be euthanized and examined. Your veterinarian will submit tissue for testing, usually at a metropolis or state laboratory.

Your physician acquired’t typically recommend an anti-rabies vaccine till there’s been a threat of publicity, as guinea pigs are unlikely to contract rabies. That acknowledged, your physician will in all probability clear and flush your wound. It’s your decision antibiotics or a tetanus booster vaccination for a nasty wound. Your physician will work with you to seek out out potential publicity and recommend treatment.

Usually Requested Questions

Can I get rabies from guinea pigs?

Whereas guinea pigs can have rabies, it’s vitally unusual within the US for lots of of our small pets to get the virus, along with:

Because of it’s so unusual, it is going to be extraordinarily uncommon as a way to get rabies out of your guinea pig. The CDC reports that there haven’t been any cases of individuals contracting the virus from these animals.

Do guinea pigs need rabies photos?

There isn’t a rabies vaccine labeled for use in guinea pigs. In case your veterinarian recommends it, they’d be using the vaccine off-label, and we don’t understand how environment friendly it is going to be. Often, we don’t give guinea pigs vaccines.

What animals don’t get rabies?

Some animals don’t appear to have the flexibility to get rabies. Whereas any mammal can technically get contaminated with the virus, these animals don’t:

Conclusion

Guinea pigs can get rabies, nonetheless it’s very uncommon for them to be uncovered to the virus, to not point out contract it. In case you’re concerned that your guinea pig could have been uncovered to a rabid animal, you’ll should contact your veterinarian immediately to seek out out the following steps you’ll take.

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