can rat get sick because of me?

Question
i have a young female rat and i was wondering that if i got sick could i get my rat sick?


Answer
Hi Valerie

There are just a few things rats can get from humans.

1. Ring worm which of course is not a worm, but a fungus that is the same type of fungus that causes athletes foot!

2.Streptococcus pneumoniae, and NOT the same strain that causes strep throat which is Group A Streptococcus. These are two different types of strep bacteria and in fact, some websites are very misinformed and will scare rat owners into thinking they can give their rat strep that turns into pneumonia if they have strep throat. Again, the group A strep is actually non pathogen to rats.   However if we have Streptococcus pneumoniae there may be a slight chance we can pass this but the reality of it is that if you have this type of bacteria you will be more than likely in the hospital on oxygen and very sick and not even having contact with your rats.