Hand Foot Mouth Disease and Dwarf Hamsters

[GreyHamster]

I have recently become aware that I have contracted Hand Foot Mouth Disease from my younger sister. However, I started to experience symptoms before I knew that I had the disease and had assumed that they were allergy symptoms. Because of that assumption, I continued to handle my dwarf hamster, Tessa, because hamsters cannot contract allergies. I am worried that she may have contracted Hand Foot Mouth disease, and I would not know what to do if she has. If anyone has experience in this situation or a situation similar to this, help would be appreciated.

[cypher]

I'm no expert but as far as I know it isn't transmitted from humans to animals so she should be ok but I would still take precautions, maybe wear gloves when touching anything in the cage & handle her as little as possible or get someone else to handle her, feed her etc if that's an option so you aren't breathing on her, keep a close eye on her to be on the safe side & if you are worried about any changes check with a vet but I think she should be ok.

[racinghamster]

I`m not sure what hand, foot, mouth disease is? Sounds serious but I`m sure it has a basic meaning?

[cypher]

It's a virus or rather caused by a group of viruses RH, most common in children I think but adults can get it too.

It's transmitted between humans but not humans & animals as far as I know but it never hurts to be cautious when you're unwell!

[bert330201]

i had this the other week, with H,F&M which cause small blister on you hand and feet.

i stay well clear of my kids and hamster, in case one of the blister pop which can pass on to little humans

[GreyHamster]

Thank you very much for the responses.

[BluerayDarkes]

Hand, foot and mouth disease is generally found in cows, sheep, and goats, it can pass to people. There was an outbreak of it back when I was in college, since we had goats at the college and nearby farms we were told to stay home. Students who actually stayed in the college rooms as they lived too far away, were also told to return home until further notice.

Think we only had a few days off as all the staff and farmers made sure none of their animals had it.

[cypher]

Are you maybe confusing it with foot & mouth disease Blueray?

[Purdy Bear]

I think the term is Zoonosis - the cross over of diseases between animals and people. If your concerned just give the vets a ring and they will tell you. The nurses at our practice are brilliant for answering my daft questions.

[BluerayDarkes]

Originally Posted by cypher

Are you maybe confusing it with foot & mouth disease Blueray?

Maybe... I am rather stupid at times xD