Can Guinea Pigs Carry Infections Like Pet Rats?

Guinea pigs require little space and offer amiable companionship in return for water, food and shelter. These compact pets are rodents, as are other pocket pets such as rats, hamsters, and gerbils. Though they're domestic mammals, they're vulnerable to the same diseases as their wild counterparts. Infectious diseases spread between animals and sometimes to people.

  1. LCMV

    • Wild mice are the primary carriers of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. When infected mice mix with pet rodents at breeding facilities, pet shops, or homes, the pet guinea pig or other pet can be infected with this virus. LCMV symptoms in pocket pets range from lethargy or loss of appetite to death. When the disease is transmitted to people through infected rodent urine, feces, or bedding, it causes flu-like symptoms. Most people who get LCMV are infected by house mice and not by their pet guinea pig.

    Salmonella

    • Wild and pet rodents often carry salmonella, a group of bacteria that causes intestinal problems. Pet guinea pigs or rats infected with salmonellosis may die from the diarrhea complications. When people get the disease from the stool or feces of infected animals, the first symptom is digestive upset and diarrhea. Children, older people and those with weak immune systems are at greatest risk for salmonella. If you suspect salmonella is affecting your pocket pet and your family, take your guinea to the vet and contact your doctor promptly.

    Leptospirosis

    • Wild mice carry disease.

      Wild and domestic animals as large as cattle and as small as rodents may carry the leptospirosis bacteria. Some animals have no symptoms, while others are severely ill from the infection. The bacteria pass through the urine. People usually get the disease from urine-contaminated soil or water. In mild cases, you may feel like you have the flu. Sometimes the bacteria infect the liver and kidneys, causing severe and life-threatening complications.

    Precautions

    • Simple steps help protect your guinea pig and you from infections. Seal holes to keep wild mice and rats out of your home. If your pet rat or other pocket pet appears ill, isolate it from healthy pets to reduce infection. Keep your guinea̵7;s cage clean and remove soiled bedding. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling your pet. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers help protect against disease. Teach children and other pet handlers to wash their hands after handling the guinea. Don't handle a sick pet and then handle a healthy pet, as you may carry the disease from an animal such as a pet rat to another animal such as a guinea pig. Wash your hands thoroughly between the two pets.

    Considerations

    • Inspect pocket pets carefully before purchasing. If a guinea pig looks lethargic, its eyes are dull or its rear is coated with diarrhea, don't handle or purchase the pet. Look for healthy animals, clean cages and fresh bedding. If you see mouse or rat droppings in corners or at wall holes, wild rodents may be running freely in the shop after-hours and infecting caged pets in their search for food.