Quarantine is one of the most important things to understand with Rats. There are no vaccines available for ratties. This means that even a simple trip to the pet store can bring deadly diseases back into your rats or rattery. Most of this can be prevented.

We follow a strict 4 week off premises Quarantine for all new rats and rats going and coming back from shows. When we visit the Quarantine location we change our clothes, shower and do not return home for two hours. My (Cara's) parents graciously let us use their house for an Off Site Quarantine location. Depending on the circumstances or illness Quarantines may extend longer than 4 weeks.

 

There are several levels of "Quarantine":

1. Placing Rats in a different room

2. Placing Rats in a different floor of the house

3. Placing Rats in a different air ventilation space or off premises-We believe this is the only "True" type of Quarantine and upholds the up most level of precaution. The majority of rat diseases are airborne and by using a different ventilation space it lowers most chances of spreading air-borne illnesses.

 

Many people cannot provide an off-location Quarantine location. This is understandable. Try your best to put them as far away than your other ratties and in another air space if possible. Use hand sanitizer before and after handling and change your clothes, including shoes.

Quarantine can be cumbersome. It can be time consuming and difficult to plan. But it is worth it. A little extra work and help from family or friends will definitely pay off in the end. Our ratties are worth the extra work and so are yours.

Check out the wonderful article on Quarantine on the RSA web site.