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My rabbit licked rat poop outside. Is she at risk? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 3.748 lbs

My rabbit just licked and sniffed rat feces and urine that was lying outside on the ground. What do I do? Is she at risk? Are we at risk?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on November 28th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Fluffy. There is a relatively low risk of cross-contamination but a possibility. Diseases such as leptosporosis or Encephalitozoan cuniculi can be horizontally transmitted through the urine and feces, it really depends on what area of the United States you live in. Contacting a local veterinarian with experience with rabbits and exotics should be able to answer those questions. If concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

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