"Disease" - what is it, definition of the term
A pathological condition in an organism denotes a measurable deviation from normal structure or function, resulting from infectious agents, genetic mutations, environmental toxins, or immune dysregulation, and expressed through characteristic clinical signs; in rodents such as rats and mice, these conditions are extensively examined to elucidate transmission pathways, host responses, and potential treatments.
Detailed information
Rats and mice serve as vital models in biomedical research and as common household pets; their health status directly influences experimental outcomes and animal welfare. Understanding the range of illnesses that affect these rodents is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust disease control.
Common bacterial conditions include:
- Salmonellosis – transmitted through contaminated food or water; signs comprise diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy; antimicrobial therapy guided by susceptibility testing improves prognosis.
- Streptobacillosis (rat‑bite fever) – zoonotic agent spread by bite wounds; rodents exhibit nasal discharge and respiratory distress; prompt antibiotic administration reduces mortality.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis infection – chronic respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, nasal secretions, and reduced growth; supportive care combined with targeted antibiotics mitigates progression.
Viral agents frequently encountered in rodent colonies:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus – asymptomatic in many hosts but may cause meningitis and encephalitis; serological screening essential for colony health.
- Sendai virus – respiratory pathogen causing coughing, nasal discharge, and pneumonia; eradication relies on strict quarantine and depopulation of infected groups.
- Rat coronavirus – induces enteric disease with diarrhea and dehydration; management emphasizes hygiene and isolation of affected animals.
Parasitic infestations affect both species:
- Demodex spp. mites – cause alopecia and skin inflammation; topical acaricides provide relief.
- Syphacia obvelata (pinworm) – gastrointestinal discomfort and weight loss; anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin or pyrantel eliminates infection.
- Protozoan parasites such as Giardia spp. – lead to watery stools and malabsorption; chlorination of water and appropriate medication are required.
Preventive strategies focus on environmental control and health monitoring:
- Implement quarantine for newly acquired rodents, maintaining separate housing for at least four weeks before integration.
- Conduct routine health surveillance, including serology, bacterial cultures, and fecal examinations, to detect subclinical infections.
- Ensure consistent cage cleaning, provision of sterilized food and water, and adequate ventilation to reduce pathogen load.
- Apply vaccination protocols where available, such as for Sendai virus in research colonies, following manufacturer guidelines.
Accurate identification of clinical signs, combined with laboratory diagnostics, enables timely therapeutic interventions and minimizes the spread of illnesses within rodent populations.