Can bunnies carry salmonella?

[PamperB]

Hi! So I was just reading up about hedgehogs and a thing I found out is that their poop can carry salmonella and the general recommendation is to clean your hands after you handle your hedgehog, and don’t kiss it, etc etc. I was just wondering if this has ever been documented for bunnies. Thanks.

[Tessie]

Okay, so lots of animals, including bunnies can carry salmonella. In theory, handling the animal or droppings of the animal that carries it could put you at risk, but cases of this happening are rare, and tend to occur in rodents (bunnies aren’t rodents) or snakes.

There’s an article about it from the RWAF (British Rabbit Welfare Society) here: http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/RWAF_Pet_rabbits_&_your_health.pdf

The relevant bit says: ‘Theoretically, salmonella, listeria and pseudotuberculosis can be passed from rabbits to humans, but the risk is vanishingly small and you are far more likely to catch these diseases via contaminated food.’

If this is something that concerns you, you can wash your hands thoroughly after contact with bunny. But realistically, I don’t think it’s a big worry

[PamperB]

Okay! Yes, of course, I always wash my hands after picking up the ocasional stray poop. It was more curiosity than worry. Thank you!

[LongEaredLions]

I agree that salmonella can be carried by most any animal, and while it is fine to be careful, I don’t think you should be overly worried.

[Author]

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