Squirrel Diseases
What kind of infections can squirrel contract?
Like many other rodents in the world, squirrels are victims of the acquisition of certain diseases and even transmitting some of them to humans. Some of the diseases can be extremely severe and may cause multiple organ failures. While others are naturally mild and the victim's body maintains normal functions.
Squirrels that are around humans are rarely hazardous, still they could lead to health issues in humans, zoo animals, and tamed animals. Below are some of the known squirrel-related infections:
Bubonic plague
The Bubonic plague can be contracted and transmitted by squirrels. The diseases symptoms are: high body temperatures, petechial rashes, fatigue, weakness, and gangrene. However, some of the squirrels do not show any of the above symptoms. Some are can be carriers, and even go undetected and undiagnosed as they seem normal.
This disease can be found in the South West United States. When the disease rises and is detected, the location of the squirrels are quarantined. This serves to accomplish the containment of the disease as it is zoonotic. Humans infected with the above disease need to be diagnosed immediately and treated with antibiotics.
Squirrel pox/squirrel fibroma
Squirrels are infected by this disease from insect bites. An infected squirrel may only show signs of a harmless skin tumor. However, this infection can progress severely to secondary malfunctions, intrinsic organs, and even trigger multiple organ failures in squirrels. The disease has been main found in the United Kingdom. The virus can be prevented from getting spread to humans via thorough hand washing anti-bacterial soaps.
Microbial infections
Squirrels can also contract infections from bacteria and fungus. An infected squirrel will have excessive loss of hair from their skin. This creates baldness, dark rings, or spots on the skin. To avoid the spread of these diseases, veterinarians should manage and treat the disease as fast as possible since this can be easily transmitted via touch or contact.
Leptospirosis & Tularemia
Squirrels can also contract infections from bacteria and fungus. An infected squirrel will have excessive loss of hair from their skin. This creates baldness, dark rings, or spots on the skin. To avoid the spread of these diseases, veterinarians should manage and treat the disease as fast as possible since this can be easily transmitted via touch or contact.
Rabies
This is both a threat for humans and animals such as dogs. Rabies rarely occurs among squirrels and can be easily detected. These symptoms may include light sensitivity, salivation, and irritability. The disease can only be spread through bites and scratches by infected squirrels or dogs.
Most of the above squirrel diseases are zoonotic. If the diseases is detected, precautionary measures need to be taken. If you suspect an infected squirrel, contact zoonotic specialists to help counter their spread in the community.