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Old 02-29-2020, 06:33 AM   #1
Vierville
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Default Hamsters and Corona Virus?

This might be a wierd question but if an owner catches coronavirus, can their hamster also catch it from being in proximity to the owner?
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Old 02-29-2020, 07:23 AM   #2
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

I don't think anyone knows the answer to this. So far information is sketchy as to whether this virus affects other species or if they can even contract it. Take normal handwashing precautions when handling hamsters and if you are ill with any infection then try and get someone else to tend to your animals.
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Old 02-29-2020, 07:24 AM   #3
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

At the moment there's no evidence it affects any pet species, apart from a slight possibility it could infect dogs, but that's based on one inconclusive report from Hong Kong at the moment.

I've been thinking about this because if it could infect rodents that would have implications in terms of containment, if wild rodents could spread it.
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Old 02-29-2020, 07:37 AM   #4
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

Since it's already jumped the species from bats to humans, it seems likely that it could also be transferred to hamsters. There is evidence that it is already transmuting, so it would be wise for anyone affected to have someone else care for any pets.
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Old 02-29-2020, 08:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

I believe it's fairly unique to bats, from what I've read as only found in bats previously I think. So not all species would be susceptible from the sound of it. It would be interesting to know if any pets have become sick with it or if any people who have contracted it, have come into contact with animals etc.

I think if all species could contract it, it would have been spread a lot more by now - as you say sushi - wild animals could spread it very quickly.
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Old 02-29-2020, 10:39 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

I would still take reasonable precautions even with there being no evidence currently to validate any incidence in other species(note that this is by no means a guarantee that it absolutely cannot spread to other species). It is not worth the risk to take that chance just based on lack of evidence to back up the potential for it. Betting with living beings isn't something we want to be doing!
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Old 03-07-2020, 12:03 AM   #7
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

I read about the dog in China being tested for it having caught it from the owner. The dog had no sign of illness but was tested mildly positive. Conclusion was that there was no risk of dogs passing it on to people and they were keen to stress that people should not worry about catching it from pets or risk any chance of animal welfare being compromised due to the virus. I guess by that they thought people might abandon pets or have them pts or something.

A Uk professor thought it more likely the dog didn’t have it and the weak positive result was from the virus being on its fur as the owner had had it and said it was irresponsible to suggest the dog may have had a weak positive.

Anyway hand washing is the main thing to do.

The animal source is said to not have come directly from animals but indirectly via another host but basically they had illegal exotic animals at a meat market where it broke out that would not normally be in contact with the food chain. So although it’s still a mystery it is not animals that are the problem but a food hygiene source by the sound of it.

If it was possible for wild animals to spread it directly then the more remote areas would also have cases so no need to worry about catching it from animals but washing hands protects pets. Wild animals can carry it but not pass it directly is the thought.

Last edited by Pebbles82; 03-07-2020 at 12:30 AM.
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Old 03-07-2020, 02:34 AM   #8
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

Thanks for that update Serendipity7000. My concern was that since hamsters have been used to test human medications on (to humanity's great shame), their physiologies would be similar to ours and thus susceptible in some way.

The concern actually surfaced when I had flu recently and was taking extra precautions to not cough near them and to wash my hands etc as I was worried them might get it.
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Old 03-07-2020, 07:37 AM   #9
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Default Re: Hamsters and Corona Virus?

Hamsters can catch flu and colds from us. It’s unknown if they can catch this type of virus from us but the theory is that animals can’t pass it to us directly. From what I read it was thought a bat (known to carry the coronavirus but not pass it on) bit or infected a pangolin and pangolins are eaten in China. With these unusual species all being kept together - illegally imported or something.

Anyway same precautions with hamsters as with any other illness - don’t breathe on them and hand washing or have someone else feed them.

Interestingly there was a theory in the BMJ saying it’s possible the a high body metabolism protects against coronavirus hence children and pregnant women either not getting it or getting it very mildly. If that’s the case then hamsters should be ok with their fast metabolism!
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