Rodents (rats, squirrels and hedgehogs) can be found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ‘the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is one of the rat infestations and breeding grounds in the world. Bangladesh is one of them again. The coastal saltwater and freshwater areas are ideal for rat breeding. In addition to crop fields, rats are also more prevalent in the hat-bazaars and industrial areas in the basin. In many places, rodents live close to humans and their livestock or pets. Elsewhere, especially in suburban areas, rodents spread zoonotic diseases to humans through natural biodiversity, creating bonds between wildlife and humans. Diseases and infections that spread naturally between vertebrates and humans are sometimes called zoonoses (World Health Organization, 2006). Dog rabies is one of the most common zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases range from mild to moderate and can sometimes lead to death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 81% of human diseases are caused by zoonotic diseases.
Many countries in the world are suffering from the infestation of rats. Its detrimental effects on public health and even animal health. Rats carry, store and spread the germs of more than 60 diseases. Many types of zoonotic diseases, various skin diseases, worms, rat bites, jaundice are transmitted by rats. The germs of these diseases are spread through rat excrement and hair.
Some diseases carried by rats and its symptoms
Hontaan virus or hemorrhagic fever: Huntaan virus has been identified in rats in many cities around the world. The virus is spread from host to host through infected saliva, urine and feces. Some strains have a small effect on people. Others can be the cause of major illness with a variety of symptoms.
Tick typhus (Rikettsia conori): The main cause of the disease in dogs, but also in rats. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (a type of insect). Involved in the spread of the disease in all of Asia.
Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi): Rodents are the main source of the disease in all of Asia. Different types of spider larvae in the genus Thrombiculid, known as ‘chigar’, are transmitted to humans through their bites. Early treatment will reduce mortality.
Rickettsia typhi: Outbreaks have been reported in all of Southeast Asia. The disease is spread by the bite of flea (medicinal) insects or through infected feces or twisted fleas. Although the disease causes a large number of symptoms in humans, the mortality rate is much lower.
Queensland tick typhus or spotted jaundice (Rickettsia australis): The disease is found as far as the east coast of Australia and is transmitted by the Weirfarf ticks. The natural variants of this disease are marsupial mice, bandicoots, pusham (rats), rats and mice (serpentine). Although the disease causes widespread symptoms in humans, the mortality rate is low.
Leptospirosis: A variety of genus Spirokits carrying the genotype germ that carries and spreads black rats in the field. Almost all species of rodents act as hosts. Infections of water, moist soil or plants contaminated by rat urine in an open space actually infect humans. Mortality rates are low in most species. The symptoms are similar to those of influenza and last from a few days to three weeks. Many people mistakenly think that the symptoms of leptospirosis are malaria or dengue fever. Those who work on planted plants or in the field have a higher risk of contracting the disease.
The incidence of a disease called leptospira, which is carried by rats, is increasing in Bangladesh. According to the newspaper, common fever, cold-cough, jaundice and rash are the symptoms of this disease but in most cases the doctors are failing to identify the disease properly.
Rat bite fever or rat bite fever: The disease is spread by the bite of rats. This disease is caused by spitokites. This disease is seen all over the world. The disease lasts for several weeks and the symptoms usually appear after the wound has healed / dried.
348.115 SRY