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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.

Recommended Related to Pets

Adopting a Rescue Pet: What to Consider

So you want to open your heart to a homeless pet? Before you run out to your local shelter looking for a new best friend, take a moment to think about your decision: adopting a cat or dog is no small thing. It requires the right environment, the right attitude, and the willingness to train, exercise your animal, and pay veterinary bills. You may not find the perfect match the first or second time you visit a shelter, so be patient. Take a little time to investigate the shelter and perhaps visit...

Read the Adopting a Rescue Pet: What to Consider article > >

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDavid Messenger, MD
Last RevisedJune 10, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 10, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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