Rat Public Health Concerns.
Public Health Concerns
Among the diseases that can be spread from rats to humans are bubonic plague, salmonella (food poisoning), leptospirosis, and tularemia.
If a person is bitten or scratched by a wild rat, immediately clean the wound by thoroughly scrubbing it with soap and water. Flush the wound liberally, using tap water. Contact a physician and the local health department. This same precaution applies if a person has handled an obviously sick rat that may be harboring a contagious disease. (Children are particularly inclined to handle lethargic small mammals.)
If you can place a large bucket over the rat and secure the bucket with a heavy object, the animal can then be held for inspection by a health official.
Among the diseases that can be spread from rats to humans are bubonic plague, salmonella (food poisoning), leptospirosis, and tularemia.
If a person is bitten or scratched by a wild rat, immediately clean the wound by thoroughly scrubbing it with soap and water. Flush the wound liberally, using tap water. Contact a physician and the local health department. This same precaution applies if a person has handled an obviously sick rat that may be harboring a contagious disease. (Children are particularly inclined to handle lethargic small mammals.)
If you can place a large bucket over the rat and secure the bucket with a heavy object, the animal can then be held for inspection by a health official.
This information was provided by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist
Click here to return to the homepage.
Click here to return to the homepage.
