Some pets such as snakes may be fed rodents, termed feeder rodents. Care should be taken if feeder rodents are used.
Risk factors for infection related to a feeder rodent:
(1) handling the rodent or anything that comes into contact with a rodent with bare hands
(2) failure to wash the hands with soap and water immediately after contact
(3) cleaning rodent or pet cages inside, especially in the kitchen sink
(4) having rodents or rodent supplies in the kitchen or areas where human food is stored, handled or prepared
(5) failure to clean all surfaces that come into contact with the rodents
(6) eating, drinking or smoking while handling rodents or pets
Feeder rodents:
(1) should not be thawed out in a microwave oven if frozen
(2) should not be taken from the wild
(3) should be frozen if possible, but frozen rodents can still cause infection
People most at risk for infection:
(1) small children <= 5 years of age
(2) pregnant women
(3) immunosuppressed or immunocompromised
Infection secondary to feeder rodents may include:
(1) an unexplained illness in the pet owner, family or friends
(2) sick or dead pet
