SDA (Sialodacryoadenitis) and the Sendai virus affect rats, mice, hamster, guinea pigs and other rodents. These diseases are a major threat in the USA. SDA exists in other countries, eg United Kingdom, but it is not the potential death sentence that it can be in America.
Immediate veterinary attention can save animals, but it is not a guarantee. Please minimize the risks to your pets by taking sensible precautions.
Introducing New Animals
You should quarantine your new rodents in a separate building from your other rodents for at least three weeks before allowing them to share the same air space as your existing pets.
Guidelines
You must keep your animal’s safety in mind at all times. A trip to the pet store or a friend's house can potentially cause trouble for your animals. The SDA and Sendai viruses can be carried on clothes for a short period of time.
1.After a pet store visit, or visiting friend who has rodents, wait a minimum of two hours before exposing yourself to any other rodents (4 hours is often recommended).
2. Blow your nose. Wash, and change clothes. Disinfect hands and any other part of the body that had contact with rodents.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Sneezing (persistant or repeated sneezing)
Rattling sound when breathing
Porphyrin (red staining around nose and/or eyes)
Swelling (appearance) of eyeball or around eye
Cloudy eye(s)
Bleeding into the eye
Swelling in the neck area
Puffy face
Lethargy
Weight loss
Scratching
Scabs
Nits or lice
Illness & Quarantine
Illnesses like SDA, Sendai or another viral illness, make rodents more susceptible to secondary infections. The quarantine period cannot begin until the last symptoms of the SDA/Sendai AND any secondary infections are seen.
Should a litter be involved, quarantine must begin once the last litter is fully weaned.
Quarantine is then for two full months. During that time there can be no new rodents introduced to the building, no new litters and animals should be symptom free.
If any of these occur, the quarantine must start over again.
Author: Vicki Anderson (10rats)
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