Thoughts on Quarantining New Rats

It is probably not good enough to use a separate quarantine cage. You want to minimize germ travel as much as possible, and lots of things can be transmitted through the air. Try using a separate room as a quarantine room. Your new rats will benefit from the individual attention, and you'll lessen the risk of germs spreading. Feed them separately, and make sure you wash your hands after touching them. I'm not sure exactly how thorough you have to be, but having something to put over your clothes when you play with them is also a good idea. Depends on how much risk you're willing to take. Right now I'm being ultra-conservative, but after losing 4 rats to SDA, I'm determined not to let it happen again.

When is Quarantine Necessary?

Anytime your rats are exposed to new rats and/or new rat germs. Here's a sample of times when quarantines are necessary:

• When you get new rats, quarantine them for 2 months. If they show any sign of viral disease, quarantine for 2 months after symptoms disappear.
• Before you go to a show or gathering where there will be other rats, avoid adding new rats to your colony for 2 months or make sure you quarantine the rats who are going to the show for 2 months before the show.
• At rat shows or gatherings, take along a packet of wipes for people to use to disinfect their hands before handling your rats. Insist on people using them - you won't be able to protect all the rats, but you can attempt to keep yours as safe as possible.
• When you get back from a show or gathering where there were other rats, quarantine the rats who went for 2 months. If they show any sign of viral disease, quarantine them for 2 months after the symptoms disappear.
• If your colony has had an illness run through it, do not add any additional rats for at least 2 months after the symptoms disappear from your colony.

Quarantining rats isn't very convenient sometimes, but it doesn't take that much effort, and that little bit of effort and planning ahead may help save a lot of pain and suffering later.

Resources

Diseases of Laboratory Rodents
SDA Virus
Sendai

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