Raising hamsters is a lot of fun, but for newbies, there may be a variety of doubts. One of the most worrying questions is: can you get rabies if you are bitten by a hamster?
First of all, we need to understand that rabies is an infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which is usually transmitted through bites or scratches from animals carrying the virus. Although hamsters belong to the class of rodents, they are not the natural reservoir for rabies. This means that the hamster itself does not carry the rabies virus.
However, if a hamster has been bitten or touched by an animal with rabies, it may carry the virus. So, if your hamster has recently been exposed to other animals or has been outdoors, it is still possible to carry the virus.
So, what should you do if you get bitten by a hamster?
First, wash the wound with water and soap.
Then, disinfect the wound with medical alcohol or iodine.
If you're concerned about rabies, or if your hamster may have been exposed to other animals or been outdoors, it's best to see a doctor at the hospital to see if you need a rabies vaccination.
Overall, the risk of being bitten by a hamster is not high, but if you have any concerns or experience symptoms, it's best to seek medical attention promptly. Hamsters are popular on them