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Wildlife Diseases

and

Health Concerns

Rat-bite Fever

Rat-bite fever is caused by the bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is found on the teeth and gums of rats. It is transferred from rats to humans by the bite of the rat. The most frequently occurring rat-bite fever in the United States is called Haverhill fever. It is similar to the rat-bite fever of the Orient called sodoku (caused by Spirillus minus).

Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease)

Leptospirosis is a mild to severe infection that is seldom fatal. Human cases of the disease result from direct or indirect contact with infected urine of rodents and other animals. The spirochetes (Leptospira spp., primarily L. icterohemorrhagiae) are found in contaminated water or on food, and may enter humans through mucous membranes or minute cuts or abrasions of the skin. Thus, Weil’s disease is often found in sailors, miners, sewer workers, and fish or poultry dealers. In a recent study in Hawaii, Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice were found to have high L. icterohemorrhagiae carrier rates.

Symptoms of leptospirosis infection range from none to severe, with acute fatalities. Many infections are characterized by diarrhea, chills, vomiting, myalgia, and kidney damage. Prevention is the most important means of dealing with this disease. Proper sanitation, rodent-proofing, and food storage and handling are essential. Medical attention is typically required.

Salmonellosis

The Salmonella group of bacteria exists nearly everywhere in the environment and, unfortunately, several serotypes are pathogenic to humans and other animals. Salmonellosis can lead to severe cases of gastroenteritis (food poisoning), enteric fever septicemia (blood poisoning), and death. Food poisoning, the most common malady, is characterized by a sudden onset of abdominal pain, diahrrea, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the severity of this disease, medical attention is typically required.

Salmonella bacteria recognize few host barriers and are transmitted in many ways. One common form of transmission is through food contaminated by rat or mouse feces that contain Salmonella (especially S. typhimurium) organisms. It may also be spread by birds, which contaminate food with their feces or bacteria carried on their feet.

As with leptospirosis, the most important means of reducing the potential of this disease is through proper sanitation, rodent-proofing, and food storage and handling. Rodent control through trapping and appropriate use of toxicants may also be necessary.

Rickettsialpox

Rickettsialpox is a mild nonfatal disease resembling chicken pox. It is caused by a rickettsia (Rickettsia akari), which is transmitted from house mice to humans by the bite of an infected house mouse mite (Liponyssoides sanguineus). In this country rickettsialpox has been reported in Boston, West Hartford, New York, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

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