It is highly contagious and presents a high mortality rate for rodents. Supportive care, along with antibiotics for prevention of secondary bacterial infections, is all that can be done for rodents infected with this disease. Virus is carried in the respiratory tract. Symptoms to look out for Weight loss, rough coat, heavy breathing and matted eyes. Important Always quarantine new arrivals for at least 3 weeks before introducing them to your existing colony.
Prevention is better than cure.
In this case, there is no cure. You cannot treat for this disease, but immediate treatment for any secondary bacterial infection is the only hope for some affected animals. SDA is passed very quickly through the air, or by direct contact, when one rat comes in contact with another s respiratory secretions. It can also be passed via fomites, meaning that you can handle an infected animal and then handle another, thereby passing it to the uninfected rat. Important Always quarantine new arrivals for at least 3 weeks before introducing them to your existing colony.