What is the vaccine for rats called? - briefly
Rats have no approved commercial vaccine, so a specific “rat vaccine” does not exist. In laboratory or experimental contexts a killed Yersinia pestis preparation is sometimes employed as a plague vaccine for rats.
What is the vaccine for rats called? - in detail
The only immunizations specifically formulated for laboratory or pet rats are products that target diseases known to affect the species. No single, universally marketed vaccine carries a generic name such as “rat vaccine.” Instead, manufacturers label each preparation by the pathogen it prevents.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis vaccine – a live‑attenuated preparation used to reduce incidence of respiratory infection in breeding colonies. Administered subcutaneously at 3–4 weeks of age, followed by a booster after four weeks.
- Rat coronavirus (RCV) vaccine – an inactivated formulation applied intraperitoneally to protect against enteric coronavirus strains. Doses are typically 0.1 ml per animal, with a repeat dose after three weeks.
- Sendai virus vaccine – a killed virus vaccine employed in research facilities to prevent paramyxovirus‑related morbidity. Delivered intramuscularly; immunity develops within ten days.
- Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat‑bite fever) vaccine – experimental immunogen used in high‑risk laboratory settings. Administered subcutaneously in a two‑dose schedule spaced two weeks apart.
These products are not sold for general pet ownership; they are restricted to accredited research institutions or specialized veterinary clinics. For pet rats, disease prevention relies on biosecurity, regular health monitoring, and, when necessary, off‑label use of vaccines approved for other rodent species under veterinary supervision.