WHAT TO KNOW

• Small mammals include animals like rats, hamsters, hedgehogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
• These animals can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.
• Children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick from these germs.
• Wash your hands after handling small mammals, their food, or their supplies.
• Provide your pet with routine veterinary care to keep it healthy and prevent the spread of disease.

Overview

Small mammals commonly kept as pets can include:

• Rodents like rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs
• Hedgehogs
• Sugar gliders
• Rabbits

Owning a small mammal is a big responsibility, even though the animal itself might be tiny. If you decide that a small mammal is the right pet for you, it’s important to learn how to properly care for your pet.

Do your research before adopting a small pet

Have you thought about getting a small pet like a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig? You may think small pets will make a good “starter” pet for your child, or that they’re less of a commitment than other pets like cats and dogs. Despite their small size, owning one of these pets is a big responsibility! Just like larger pets, small pets need exercise, attention, and veterinary care to stay healthy and happy.

It’s also important to remember that rodents and other small mammals are more likely than other pets to spread germs like Salmonella. These germs are especially risky for young children and can make them very sick. If you have a child under 5, consider another pet.

Before Choosing a Small Pet

• Consider if this pet is right for your family. Children under 5 years old, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness from germs rodents and other small mammals can carry.
• Research and learn how to care for your pet. Small pets need special habitats, toys, and supplies. Some small pets are social animals that shouldn’t be kept alone.
• Choose a pet that matches your lifestyle. Think about the pet’s attitude, size, and activity level and how much time you can spend with your pet. For example, some small pets are shy, while others enjoy being handled.

Keep Your Small Pet Healthy

• Keep your pet in a habitat that can be closed and locked.
• Watch your pet for any changes in activity level, appetite, or overall health.
• Take your pet for regular checkups with an exotic animal veterinarian. Small pets often require specialized care that all veterinarians may not provide.

Keep Yourself Healthy

• Wash your hands after handling your pet or its supplies.
• Keep your pet and its supplies away from anywhere food is stored, prepared, or eaten.
• Don’t let small pets roam freely around the house. They could get injured, and they can also contaminate surfaces with germs.
• Don’t kiss, snuggle, or hold your pet close to your face.
• Learn how to handle your pet properly. Small pets may bite or scratch when scared or startled.

Know the risks

Small mammals can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick even when they look clean and healthy. Some people are more likely to get a severe illness, including:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems

Wash your hands

You don't have to touch a small mammal to get sick. Pet food, equipment, and habitats can be contaminated with Salmonella and other germs.

Wash your hands with soap and running water after:

• Handling small mammals or other body fluids
• Touching or cleaning your pet's equipment (like cages, play areas, bedding, water, and food)

Animal's bodily fluids, like urine, poop, and saliva, can carry germs that spread diseases.

Supervise handwashing for children. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.

Safely care for your pet

Don't cross-contaminate

Keep small mammals and their equipment out of the kitchen or anywhere that food is prepared, stored, served, or eaten.

Don't allow pet small mammals to roam freely throughout a home or living area. Supervise your pet when it is outside of its habitat to prevent accidents and contamination.

Keeps pets away from your face

Don't kiss, snuggle, or hold small pets close to your face. Avoid touching your mouth after handling small mammals.

Safely clean your pet's habitat

Cleaning pet supplies outside

Clean pet supplies outside of your home, if possible. Clean supplies away from gardens or other sources of food or drinking water.

Cleaning pet supplies inside

If cleaning outside the home isn't possible, clean supplies in a laundry sink or bathtub and clean and disinfect after. If you clean supplies in the bathtub, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area before use by others.

Never use food preparation areas to clean small mammal habitats or equipment.

Prevent bites and scratches

Bites from small mammals can be dangerous and spread germs. Bites and scratches can be serious injuries and sometimes can become infected.

How to prevent bites and scratches

Don't kiss or hold small mammals close to your face. This might frighten them and increase your chances of being bitten.

Make sure the animal sees you before you pick it up. If an animal is surprised, it might bite out of fear.

Be cautious with unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.

What to do if you are bitten or scratched by a small mammal

Pet bites and scratches can spread germs, even if the wound does not seem deep or serious.

Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately if a bite from a small mammal breaks the skin. Even healthy pets can carry germs.

Seek medical attention, especially if:

• Your pet looks sick or is acting unusual.
• The wound is serious.
• The wound or site of injury becomes infected.
• It has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot.
• Your pet is housed outdoors.
• Your pet has been in contact with wildlife.

Serious wounds

Serious wounds are characterized by bleeding that doesn't stop, being unable to move, and extreme pain. Exposed muscle or bone or the bite being over a joint can also make a wound serious.

Infected wounds

If the wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen, it may be infected. Some people may be at risk for serious complications from infected wounds. This includes those who are younger than 5 years old, 65 or older, pregnant, or those with a weakened immune system.

Rabies risk

Small mammals kept outside may be at risk for rabies.

If the animal becomes sick or dies after biting a person, call a veterinarian.

Before choosing a small mammal

Consider the people in your household before choosing a pet since small mammals can spread germs. Research and learn how to properly care for small mammals before buying or adopting.

Find an exotic veterinarian

Find an exotic veterinarian in your area. Small mammals often require specialized care that all veterinarians may not provide.

Ask your veterinarian about the proper needs of the specific pet you are interested in choosing. This includes the proper food, care, and environment for your pet.

Check local laws

Check your state, local, and property laws before choosing a small mammal. Some small mammals might not be allowed in apartments or rental homes, and some are not legal in certain states.

How to choose a small mammal

Choose a pet whose attitude, size, and activity level matches the needs of your family. Consider your home environment and time available to spend with your pet. If you want a pet that can be frequently handled and petted, do not choose a shy or aggressive pet.

Choose a healthy pet

Pick a pet that is bright, alert, and active. Small mammal pets should have shiny, clean fur.

Do not choose a pet from a cage where any other animals look sick. Signs of illness in a small mammal include appearing sluggish or depressed, diarrhea, abnormal breathing, and runny nose or eyes.

Within a week after getting your pet, take it to the veterinarian for a check-up.

If your pet becomes sick or dies

If your pet becomes sick or dies soon after purchase or adoption, take it to the veterinarian. Inform the pet store, breeder, or rescue organization about the pet's illness or death.

Consider waiting before purchasing or adopting another pet. Do not use the pet's habitat until it has been properly cleaned and disinfected. These practices will help prevent the spread of disease.

How to house your small mammal pet

• Keep your pet in a habitat that can be securely closed and locked.
• Make sure your pet has fresh food and water every day.
• Secure enclosures to prevent wildlife and other animals from entering.
• Provide appropriate items for enrichment.

Ask your veterinarian about which equipment is right for your pet.

Monitor your pet's health

Examine your small mammal daily, looking for any changes in activity level, appetite, or overall health. Specifically, look for:

• Sluggish or depressed behavior
• Dull fur or hair
• Loose poop
• Runny eyes or nose
• Abnormal breathing

These signs could mean your pet is sick. If your pet seems sick or shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To keep your pet as healthy as possible, visit a veterinarian for regular checkups.

If you no longer want your pet

You should find out how to appropriately relinquish a small mammal if you no longer want or cannot care for a pet. Check with local or regional animal rescues, local animal control, veterinarians, pet shops, or state wildlife agencies for more information.

Let’s face it: we love our pets, but they can be gross sometimes. Animals – even our beloved pets – can spread germs that can make people sick, from parasites to bacteria. Even clean and healthy pets can spread germs.

Odds are that you aren’t washing your hands enough around your pets. Handwashing is the easiest and best way to stay healthy around animals. It’s especially important for young kids, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems to wash hands regularly because they’re more likely to get seriously sick from germs animals can carry.

In a perfect world, you would wash your hands after every time you touch your pet. If you can’t do that, here are the most important times you should wash your hands around pets.

After handling pet food or treats

• Pet food and treats can be contaminated with germs like Salmonella.
• Raw pet food is especially risky. Don’t feed your pets raw pet food or uncooked meat.
• Pet food includes frozen or live rodents for pet reptiles!

After touching pet supplies

• Germs can contaminate pet supplies like cages, tanks, toys, and food and water dishes.
• Pet reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and rodents can spread Salmonella germs in their poop, which can contaminate items in their habitats, including tank water.
• Clean and disinfect your pet’s supplies regularly.

After picking up pet poop

• Parasites, bacteria, and other germs can spread through pet poop.
• Always wash your hands after scooping litterboxes or picking up dog poop, even if you used gloves or a bag.

Below is a list of diseases that small mammals can spread.

• Campylobacter infection
• Giardia infection
• Leptospirosis
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
• Sarcoptic mange
• Rat-bite fever
• Ringworm
• Salmonella infection
• Seoul virus infection

Campylobacter are bacteria that can make people and animals sick with a disease called campylobacteriosis. This type of bacteria can infect rodents like hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils.

How it spreads: Campylobacter most often spread between animals and people through feces (poop), contaminated food or water, or the environment. People can become infected if they don’t wash their hands after touching an infected animal or its poop, food, toys, or habitats.

Who is at risk: Anyone can get a Campylobacter infection, but children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe illness.

Signs in small mammals: Some infected animals might have diarrhea but others might not show any signs of illness.

Symptoms in people: People can have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. The diarrhea may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually start within 2–5 days after infection and last about 1 week.

Giardia is a parasite found on surfaces or in water, food, or soil that has been contaminated by poop of an infected person or animal. This parasite is uncommon among small mammals but can infect chinchillas, rats, and mice.

How it spreads: You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs. Giardia spreads easily and can spread from person to person or through water, food, surfaces, or objects contaminated with poop from infected people or animals.

Who is at risk: The risk of getting Giardia from small mammals is low. The exact type of Giardia that makes people sick is usually not the same that infects animals. Anyone can get Giardia, but the following groups have a higher risk:

• People in childcare settings
• People who are in close contact with someone who has the disease
• Travelers within areas that have poor sanitation
• People who have contact with poop during sexual activity
• People who drink untreated water from springs, lakes, or rivers
• Swimmers who swallow water from swimming pools, hot tubs, splash pads, or untreated recreational water from springs, lakes, or rivers
• People who get their household water from a shallow well
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have contact with infected animals or animal environments contaminated with poop

Signs in small mammals: Infected animals often have diarrhea, gas, greasy poop, and dehydration. Some pets don’t show any signs of illness.

Symptoms in people: Infected people often have diarrhea, greasy poop, dehydration, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 2 weeks after infection and last for 2 to 6 weeks. Some people don’t have any symptoms.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect people and animals. Many kinds of animals can carry the bacteria in their urine, including rodents like mice and rats.

How it spreads: The bacteria that cause leptospirosis spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and survive there for weeks to months. Some animals that can spread leptospirosis include cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. People get infected through contact with urine or other body fluids (except saliva) from infected animals, or through contact with water, soil, or other materials (such as animal bedding) contaminated with urine from infected animals.

Who is at risk: Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in tropical and subtropical climates. It has been associated with contact with infected animals and activities in contaminated lakes and rivers, such as swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting. It is also a risk for people in certain jobs that involve contact with animals or their waste, like farmers, sewer workers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians.

Signs in small mammals: Rodents infected with leptospirosis may not show any signs of illness.

Symptoms in people: People with leptospirosis might not have any symptoms, but those who do will usually become sick within 2 days to 4 weeks of exposure and can have high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, conjunctivitis (red eyes), abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. A small number of people with leptospirosis can have more severe disease, such as liver and kidney failure, hemorrhagic pneumonia, and even death. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics is important and can reduce the duration and severity of illness.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a rare viral disease that is spread by rodents, mainly the common house mouse. It can also infect hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and other small rodents.

How it spreads: LCMV spreads through contact with the urine, poop, saliva, or bedding of infected rodents, especially in broken skin or the nose, eyes, or mouth. Rodent bites can also spread the virus. Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus.

Who is at risk: Anyone who comes in contact with infected rodents can become infected with LCMV, but most people won’t get seriously sick. Young children, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe disease. LCMV is especially dangerous for pregnant people, who can pass the infection to their fetus, which can cause serious birth defects.

Signs in small mammals: Infected rodents often look healthy or have small decreases in activity and appetite. Later, these infected animals may show weight loss, poor hair coat, or hunched posture, and some may die.

Symptoms in people: LCMV infections are rare in people. Infected people might have fever, stiff neck, loss of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. LCMV infection also can affect the brain and spinal cord during a second phase of illness. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. LCMV infection during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in fetal death or miscarriage, while in the second and third trimesters, birth defects can develop in the fetus.

Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by tiny mites. Guinea pigs commonly get these mites, but they are not the same type of mites that cause scabies in people.

How it spreads: Guinea pigs can get mange through close contact with animals infested with mites, or contaminated bedding or other materials. Trixacarus caviae mites cannot infest a person or spread from person to person, but they can affect a person who has close contact with an infested guinea pig. The mite will not be able to reproduce on the person, though, and will die on its own in a couple of days.

Who is at risk: Trixacarus caviae mites can affect anyone who handles an infested animal.

Signs in guinea pigs: Infected animals often have hair loss, itching, and skin irritation.

Symptoms in people: People cannot become infested with the animal versions of sarcoptic mange. However, contact with an infested animal could cause temporary skin irritation.

Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare disease spread by rats that is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus bacteria. It is also known as Haverhill fever. Other rodents, like mice, guinea pigs, and gerbils, can also carry and spread the bacteria.

How it spreads: The bacteria that cause RBF spread through bites or scratches from infected rodents. People also can get sick through contact with rodent urine or poop or through contaminated food or water. Rat-bite fever does not spread from person to person.

Who is at risk: People at higher risk for rat-bite fever include those who have pet rats or other rodents in their home; people who use feeder rodents; and people who work with rats or other rodents. Children 5 years old or younger, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe disease.

Signs in rodents: Infected rodents might have arthritis, skin infections, pneumonia, or swollen lymph nodes. Some infected rats might look healthy.

Symptoms in people: Infected people can have fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain or swelling, and a rash. If left untreated, RBF can spread to the joints, liver, heart, lungs, brain, and blood.

Ringworm is fungal disease that can affect the skin, hair, or nails of people and animals.

How it spreads: Ringworm spreads through contact with an infected person or animal’s skin, or from the environment.

Who is at risk: Anyone can get ringworm.

Signs in small mammals: Infected animals, usually guinea pigs, might have circular areas of hair loss and crusts anywhere on their body. Infected rodents and rabbits might have areas with mild hair loss and reddened, irritated, itchy or flaky skin.

Symptoms in people: Ringworm infections in people are usually itchy and can appear on almost any part of the body. Redness, scaling, cracking of the skin, or a ring-shaped rash may occur. If the infection is on the scalp or beard, hair may fall out. Infected nails can become discolored, thick, or could crumble.

Salmonella are bacteria that can make people and animals sick with a disease called salmonellosis.

How it spreads: People can get infected with Salmonella by eating contaminated food, or through contact with an animal or its poop, food, habitat, or items like toys and food dishes. People can get sick if they don’t wash their hands after touching their small mammal or anything in its environment and then touch their mouth and swallow Salmonella germs.

Who is at risk: Anyone can get sick from Salmonella, but children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe illness.

Signs in small mammals:Salmonella bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy rodents and small mammals. Salmonella infection usually doesn’t make these animals sick.

Symptoms in people: Most people infected with Salmonella have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.

Seoul virus is a type of hantavirus. Seoul virus, like other species of hantavirus, is spread by rodents (specifically the Norway rat and the black rat).

How it spreads: People can get infected with Seoul virus by breathing in tiny particles of rodent urine, poop, or saliva. Seoul virus can also spread through bites from infected rats or by consuming food contaminated by infected rats.

Who is at risk: Anyone can get Seoul virus, but people who handle or are around rodents are more at risk. Children 5 years old or younger, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe illness from Seoul virus.

Signs in rodents: Rats infected with Seoul virus don’t show any symptoms of disease.

Symptoms in people: Infected people might have fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and chills. However, some people do not get symptoms at all. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. Rarely, it may take up to 8 weeks to develop symptoms.

What is Seoul virus?

• Seoul virus, a type of hantavirus, is carried by Norway rats and can make you sick. When people are infected with Seoul virus, they may have mild or no symptoms, but some people will develop serious illness that may require hospitalization.
• Rats that carry Seoul virus do not appear sick.

How do people get Seoul virus?

• People get Seoul virus when:
  • They come in contact with urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rats.
  • They breathe in virus particles.
  • They get bitten by an infected rat.
• You do not have to touch pet rats to get infected with Seoul virus or other germs.

How can you protect yourself and your pet rats from getting Seoul virus?

• The best way to protect yourself is to prevent Seoul virus infections in pet rats.
  • Consult your veterinarian about testing new rats for Seoul virus before they are introduced to a new home, especially if they will be living with other rats in a home or breeding facility.
  • Keep wild rats (which naturally carry Seoul virus) away from your pet rats by taking steps to prevent rodent infestations.
• Pet rodents, including pet rats, are not recommended for families with children 5-years old or younger, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems as they are at a greater risk of serious illness.

How to safely care for your pet rat

• Always wash hands immediately after touching, feeding, or caring for pet rats or cleaning their habitats
• Play safely. Do not kiss, nuzzle, or hold pet rats close to your face.
• Never eat, drink, or smoke while playing with or caring for your pet.
• Ensure rat enclosures are properly secured and safe so your pet does not get hurt or contaminate surfaces (pet rats can shed germs like Seoul virus that can contaminate areas where they live and roam).
• Keep pet rats and their supplies out of the kitchen or other areas where food is prepared, serviced, or eaten.
• Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s health; they can help you and your pets stay healthy.
• Tell your healthcare provider that you have been around pet rats, especially if you are sick or have been bitten or scratched.

How to safely clean up after your pet rat

Preparing cleaning solution:

• Seoul virus is sensitive to most general-purpose household disinfectants, including diluted bleach.
  • For commercial disinfectant, follow manufacturer’s instructions on the label and disinfection time.
• Use these products in an area separate from where your rat is housed as rodents may be sensitive to disinfectant fumes.
  • Allow time for disinfected items to dry and air out before putting in contact with rats

Cleaning pet rat habitat:

Soiled bedding is one way pet rat owners can become infected with Seoul virus. Take the following steps to prevent infections even if your rat is not known to be infected with Seoul virus.

• Wear disposable waterproof gloves when cleaning up after pet rats.
• Clean and disinfect rodent habitats and supplies outside the home when possible for better ventilation.
• Use a laundry sink or bathtub in a well-ventilated area if cleaning rodent supplies indoors.
  • Never clean rodent habitats or their supplies in the kitchen sink, other food preparation area, or the bathroom sink.
  • Clean and disinfect the area immediately after cleaning.
• Wet down soiled bedding with disinfectant or bleach solution before bagging for trash disposal to reduce generating dust.
• Clean empty cages/enclosures with disinfectant or bleach solution and allow it to dry completely.
• Wet down spilled bedding or droppings with disinfectant or bleach solution before vacuuming.
• Wash hands immediately after cleaning pet rat habitat.

Extra cleaning and handling steps are needed if a pet rat is known or suspected of being infected with Seoul virus. Because rats infected with Seoul virus can transmit infection to other rats and people, CDC recommends euthanasia of infected rats. Please contact your veterinarian or public health department if you have a rat that you know or suspect may be infected with Seoul virus.

Veterinarians protect more than just your pet’s health

Did you know your veterinarian plays a part in keeping you healthy, along with your pet? Pet health is connected to human health – germs can spread between you and your pets when you feed them, clean up after them, and even when you cuddle or kiss them.

Taking your pet to the veterinarian regularly can help ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life. And when pets are healthy, it helps keep you healthy!

Why take your pet to the veterinarian

Every pet – no matter how big or small – should have a trusted veterinarian. Veterinarians provide pet care, advice, and comfort for pet owners over the course of a pet’s life. Just like a human doctor, your veterinarian should be someone you trust and can go to when you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health.

Here are just a few ways your vet can help you:

• They can help you pick the right pet for your lifestyle.
• Veterinarians are trained to understand animal health – they can give you advice on your pet’s nutrition, exercise needs, and other needs.
• Yearly veterinary visits can help prevent health issues in your pet, through routine vaccinations, and flea, tick, and parasite prevention.
• Veterinarians are there for you when your pet gets sick or injured.

Learn more about keeping pets healthy.

How veterinarians protect human health

By keeping pets healthy, vets are also helping to keep people healthy too.

• Veterinarians vaccinate pets to prevent diseases that can spread to people, like rabies.
• Veterinarians prevent and treat bugs and parasites in pets that can also affect human health, like ticks and worms.
• Veterinarians can give you advice about ways to prevent the spread of germs between you and your pet.