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Exotic Pets

Check with your vet to find out what vaccinations your exotic pet needs. Most common exotic animal bites come from:

  • Skunks and raccoons. Wild (endemic) populations of skunks and raccoons have the greatest risk for having rabies.
  • Ferrets. These animals can transmit rabies.
  • Rodents, such as rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters. This group of animals does not transmit rabies but can spread other diseases through biting.
  • Rabbits or hares (lagomorphs). This group of animals does not transmit rabies but can spread other diseases through biting.
  • Monkeys. This group of animals does not transmit rabies but can spread other diseases through biting.

If you have questions about local rabies issues, contact your local health department. If you will be traveling with your pet, check with your vet about the protection your animal needs and the risk your animal has for getting rabies.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised June 10, 2010

Last Revised: June 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

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