How to determine if a rat has rabies? - briefly
Key indicators include excessive drooling, uncharacteristic aggression, paralysis, and erratic behavior. Definitive diagnosis requires laboratory analysis of brain tissue, usually by direct fluorescent antibody testing.
How to determine if a rat has rabies? - in detail
Rabies in rodents is rare, yet exposure to a potentially infected animal requires a systematic assessment. Evaluation begins with observation of the animal’s behavior and physical condition. Key clinical indicators include:
- Aggressive or unusually bold actions, such as charging or biting without provocation;
- Excessive salivation or frothing at the mouth;
- Paralysis or weakness, often starting in the hind limbs and progressing forward;
- Disorientation, aimless wandering, or inability to navigate familiar environments;
- Fever, lethargy, or refusal to eat and drink.
These signs may appear within days to weeks after the virus enters the nervous system. Absence of symptoms does not guarantee safety, as the incubation period can be variable.
If rabies suspicion persists, laboratory confirmation is essential. The standard procedures are:
- Direct fluorescent antibody test (dFA) – performed on brain tissue obtained after humane euthanasia; the test detects viral antigens with high specificity.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) – applied to saliva, brain tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid; it amplifies viral RNA for identification.
- Virus isolation – culture of the virus in cell lines; reserved for reference laboratories due to biosafety requirements.
Sample collection must follow strict biosecurity protocols: use of personal protective equipment, immediate cooling of specimens, and rapid transport to a certified diagnostic facility.
In cases where a rat is suspected of carrying the virus, public health authorities should be notified promptly. Quarantine of the animal, avoidance of direct contact, and assessment of potential human exposure are mandatory steps. Post‑exposure prophylaxis for humans is considered based on the risk assessment conducted by health officials.