What Diseases Do Flying Squirrels Carry?

Flying squirrels are fascinating for their ability to glide through the air. However, they can quickly become a nuisance in the attic as they chew on wood, electrical wires, and insulation; and even contaminate the attic space with their feces and urine. For such a destructive creature, their ability to spread zoonotic diseases in surprisingly limited as the only known disease they transfer to humans is typhus. In this post, we’re going to examine the flying squirrel typhus, as well as other diseases they carry.

Flying Squirrel Typhus

Flying squirrels are known carriers of lice. Epidemic typhus is transmitted through the infected feces of lice and is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii. After infection, symptoms begin to develop after about 2 weeks. Common symptoms include fever and other flu-like symptoms like chills and nausea. Five to nine days after the commencement of these symptoms, a rash appears in the trunk and slowly spreads to the extremities, eventually covering the entire body, except the soles, face, and palms. 

After about three weeks, encephalitis, pneumonia, and excessive vomiting sets in, as well as meningoencephalitis, which is an infection of the brain. This may affect mental health and lead to a coma. If left untreated, death is almost certain.

Although there are no commercially available vaccines for typhus, luckily, it is a treatable condition. It is commonly treated with doxycycline or chloramphenicol. Typhus can also be effectively treated with tetracycline therapy, although this method isn’t suitable for pregnant women because it weakens their immune system.

Parasites

Flying squirrels are carriers of several parasites including fleas, lice, and mites. A flying squirrel rife with parasites and living in proximity with humans and pets can transfer these parasites to them. Some common diseases that may result from these parasites include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Encephalitis.

Notoedric Mange

Although it does not affect humans, it is a condition that affects flying squirrels. It is caused by mites and it results in hair loss which starts at their chests and shoulders but may progress to their entire body. If they contract this infection in winter, it can be fatal due to the loss of the insulation layer of fur.

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever is caused by flea infection. It is transmitted when an infected animal scratches you. Common symptoms include painful bumps or blisters at the site of injury, as well as painful and swollen lymph nodes. Luckily, most people recover from the infection without treatment. And for those that do not, azithromycin is the preferred antibiotic for treatment.

Do Flying Squirrels Carry Rabies?

Mammals are potential carriers of rabies. That’s why animals like raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks are common wild reservoirs of rabies. 

Even domestic animals like dogs, cats, and cattle can be rabid, as well as humans. Although flying squirrels are also mammals, they rarely transmit the rabies virus. Only a few cases have been reported. Luckily, rabies is an easily treatable condition in both humans and pets.

Conclusion

Flying squirrels are well-known for transmitting typhus to humans. However, the risk of rabies and many other diseases is extremely low. Regardless of that, you do not want to live in proximity to flying squirrels because of the risk of typhus. Moreover, they are carriers of many parasites that can be transferred to your pets, and even to you. Even worse, they cause immense damage in the attic and other home spaces by chewing on wood, wires, and other materials.

Therefore, you should deal with any flying squirrel infestation as soon as possible. And the best line of approach is to involve a wildlife removal professional.

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