When you think of a rabid animal, your mind probably goes to wild animals such as bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. But our domesticated pets can also get rabies, including hamsters. Now, can you get rabies if your hamster bites you?
You can get rabies from a hamster bite if the hamster is rabid. However, you’re unlikely to get rabies from a hamster bite because hamsters aren’t typically known for their rabidness. The only way you can get rabies from a hamster is if it gets injured by an infected animal. Still, that’s unlikely.
Hamsters are natural nibblers/biters, and animal bites can be infectious. Keep reading as this article helps answer whether or not you can get rabies from a hamster bite. It’ll also discuss how you can prevent your hamster from possibly catching rabies.
Can Hamsters Contract Rabies?
Hamsters can contract rabies, like all mammals. However, the chances of hamsters contracting rabies are very low. That’s because rabies in hamsters is very rare. In other words, a hamster bite is typically harmless.
Though a hamster contracting rabies is rare, it doesn’t mean it’s an impossibility. As mammals, they still have the possibility to contract rabies.
But there’s some good news! According to the United States CDC, hamsters have no history of transmitting rabies to humans. So in the rare event that your hamster gets rabies, you won’t. So no rabies shot is needed for that small love nibble.
Excellent news if you’re taking your children to purchase their first hamster from your local pet store. But say you come across a wild hamster. Is the wild hamster safe to bring home and keep as a pet?