Can Guinea Pigs Spread Plague?
How is Plague Caused?
Plague is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This deadly pathogen primarily spreads through three main routes, with the most common being the bite of infected fleas. These fleas typically infest rodents and certain wild mammals. When these animals are bitten, the fleas carry the bacteria to humans, who then become carriers. The disease can then spread further as infected individuals transmit the bacteria through coughing, skin contact, and other means, leading to the expansion of the plague outbreak.
Although the initial hosts of the plague are rodents, the majority of infections come from wild rodents such as squirrels and others. While guinea pigs are also a rodent species, they have been domesticated for centuries due to societal development. As a result, guinea pigs have very little opportunity to be infected with Yersinia pestis and thus do not pose a risk for causing plague. This is unless their owners force them into outdoor survival training, releasing them into the wild to endure the elements. In such an unlikely scenario, guinea pigs could potentially be exposed to the bacteria.
However, it is highly unlikely that any owner would take such an extreme measure, and if they did, they would likely not be concerned about their guinea pig contracting the plague. So, for those who are considering keeping guinea pigs as pets, rest assured that under normal circumstances, these adorable creatures are not at risk of contracting the plague. There is no need to worry about this possibility.
Dr. Oxygen Pet温馨提示: Since guinea pigs have been domesticated, there has never been a single case of them contracting the plague. Especially now that guinea pigs are commonly kept as pet pigs, the risk is even lower. Pet owners can have peace of mind and enjoy raising their guinea pigs without any concerns about the plague.
