Rats are carriers of what? - briefly
Rodents transmit numerous pathogens, including bacteria such as Leptospira and Yersinia pestis, viruses like hantavirus, and parasites such as Giardia and tapeworms. These agents cause diseases such as leptospirosis, plague, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and salmonellosis.
Rats are carriers of what? - in detail
Rodents act as vectors for a wide range of pathogens that affect humans and animals. Their close association with human habitats, food stores, and waste streams facilitates transmission of infectious agents.
Key disease agents transmitted by rats include:
- Bacteria: Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp. (leptospirosis), Yersinia pestis (plague), Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat‑bite fever).
- Viruses: Hantavirus (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome), Lassa‑like arenaviruses, various encephalitis‑causing arboviruses.
- Parasites: Taenia spp. (tapeworms), Echinococcus spp. (hydatid disease), Fasciola spp., and numerous protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Additional health concerns involve allergic reactions to rat urine and dander, as well as mechanical transmission of ectoparasites like fleas and mites that can carry additional diseases.
Control measures focus on sanitation, exclusion of rodents from food production areas, and targeted pest‑management programs to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover.