Viral Infections
Kilham Rat Virus
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22/06/2009 - 21:12
The Science
It was first discovered by researchers Kilham and Oliver in 1959 and it is basically the rat version of Canine Parvovirus and human Parvovirus B19. It is a single-stranded DNA virus of the genus Parvovirus. Many rats normally carry this infection without ever showing any signs or symptoms, but occasionally (usually when associated with a secondary infection) it can lead to death....
Sialodacryoadenitis Virus
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22/06/2009 - 21:44
The Science
Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDA) is a naturally occurring pathogen in rats, and is related to mouse hepatitis, rat coronavirus and human coronavirus. It is a highly infectious disease but on its own will cause very few deaths. It is only when it is mixed with another disease (i.e. your rats has something else on top of SDA) that it becomes a real killer. Although mostly affecting...