It usually needs to enter the bloodstream through the saliva (a bite that breaks the skin). This might include lethargy, falling over, walking in circles, paralysis (total or partial), unprovoked aggression or unexplained fearlessness. Squirrel Diseases and Health Risks Are Squirrels A Health Risk To Humans? Squirrels are one of the few animals that will not cause a rabies protocol in a hospital, clinic or veterinary office. Can I get Rabies from a squirrel scratch? Its theoretically possible, but practically very unlikely. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. According to the Humane Society , rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. The saliva can easily get into the wound and spread through the bloodstream, infecting the victim with the rabies virus. Also, if … This article explains how it’s transmitted, what it looks like, and what to do if you’re bitten by an animal that might be infected. Occassionaly rabies can be transmitted through a scratch..but very unlikely. So, Do Squirrels Carry Rabies? Whether you're interested in training a squirrel or maybe you want to know how to feed an orphaned baby squirrel, you should definitely learn how to tell if a squirrel has rabies. In fact, many people who have pet squirrels will tell you, if you don’t like to be scratched, don’t get a pet squirrel. Anecdotal evidence may suggest that humans can catch rabies from squirrels, but, this is not confirmed by any reputable research. See additional information. The first concern most people have is rabies. Even if you’re squirrel is tame and lives inside with you, they will scratch you. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Do not attempt to lure a squirrel into feeding from your hand. Can rabies spread through food? It scratched me very little and is barely noticeable. If you have been the victim of a squirrel bite, it is important that you care for the wound immediately. You can also get it from touching an animal with rabies blood or saliva (spit) and putting your hand in your mouth or touching a wound on your body. Fortunately, squirrels do not generally carry rabies although it is possible in fact any warm-blooded mammal can carry or contract rabies . Squirrels do not carry rabies, so if the bite is minor and barely breaks the skin, it can be treated as a minor wound. It would need to live long enough to contract the disease to be able to transmit it. Animal Bites:Cause Rabies,Tetanus Infection|Symptoms And Treatment. Yes, and it doesn't have to be a scratch. A squirrel came up to me after feeding it and came up to my hand and took the food. Rabies is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is most commonly spread through bites. Rabies also makes animals act strange, if the squirrel was otherwise normal, its unlikely that it had rabies. The best sign that a squirrel or any animal might be infected with rabies is any out of character behavior. Any mammal can become infected with rabies, and squirrels are no exception; however, as discussed in this eMedTV segment, squirrels have not been known to cause rabies in humans in the U.S. Squirrels, like most other small rodents, rarely get rabies. Since a squirrel is a small animal it would most likely not survive an attack by a rabid animal. It is still possible to get rabies from a cat scratch or a scratch from any infected animal, but it is less common. Some people may need the rabies vaccine because they could come into contact with rabies through their work. While it's common knowledge that you can get rabies from a dog bite, it is possible to get rabies from a dog scratch as well. ... Any mammal can get rabies. “People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. Even a sweet looking little kitty or puppy can leave a nasty bite or scratch. Be sure kids know not to provoke (kick, poke, pull or chase) a street or pet animal. 8 things you may not know about rabies – but should By Pamela J. Wilson, LVT, MEd, and Rodney E. Rohde, PhD - September 28, 2015 - Updated May 23, 2019 13 mins Rabies is a viral zoonosis affecting the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals. Contrary to popular belief squirrels do not pose much of a health risk to humans. It is also extremely rare for a squirrel to be infected. Can you catch rabies after eating food a dog has eaten? The great news is that you can’t get rabies from a squirrel scratch. Obviously,you can do what you like as far as your doctor's advice, but the fact that you have a question about the wisdom of taking rabies vaccine for a squirrel scratch, snows that you are a thinking, and reasonable person. Add Comment. For example, I don't think there has ever been a reported case of rabies in squirrels in the USA, thats how rare it can be in some species. Not to tease the neighbor’s pet. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as … Even if you have been vaccinated, you should still take precautions to avoid coming into contact with rabies if you're travelling in an area where rabies is found, and get medical advice straight away if you have been bitten or scratched.