Do hamsters have rabies virus
Hamsters are small mammals and belong to the group of rodents. Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, with symptoms including abnormal behavior, water intolerance, photophobia, and mania. Although rabies virus is present in some rodents, hamsters are not a common host of rabies virus.
First, let's take a look at how rabies is transmitted. Rabies is mainly transmitted through saliva, and the virus enters the body when an animal with the rabies virus bites or licks a wound. However, hamsters are very clean animals, and they usually do not actively bite or lick humans. Therefore, the chance of contracting rabies is very low when in contact with hamsters.
Secondly, let's take a look at why some people think hamsters carry the rabies virus. Sometimes, hamsters are found to have antibodies to the rabies virus in their saliva, perhaps because they have been exposed to rabies-containing environments or have been in contact with other animals that carry the virus. However, this does not mean that the hamsters themselves carry the rabies virus. In addition, if a hamster is bitten by an animal with rabies, it may carry the rabies virus for some time, but this is very rare.
In summary, although there is a theoretical possibility that hamsters can carry rabies virus, in practice, the chance of infection is very low. Therefore, for most people, contact with hamsters does not lead to the development of rabies. Still, we should be vigilant, especially when it comes into contact with wild animals. If you develop symptoms after being bitten or having contact with an animal that may be carrying the virus, you should seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor.