What it is?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, quite a mouthful isn't it – what is it?!
Can humans catch it?
Humans are more likely to contract the virus from house mice, but infections from pet rodents have also been reported on rare occasions.
Infections have been reported in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Japan; and recent cases have shown it to be present (although rare) in Australia as well. However, it has historically been underreported - serologic studies conducted in some urban areas have shown that the prevalence of antibodies in human populations range from 2% to 5%.
What causes it?
Viral infections can occur after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. Transmission may also occur when these substances are introduced into broken skin, the nose, the eyes, or the mouth, or possibly via the bite of an infected rodent.
This means that your pet hamster should always be kept in a safe, clean area where there is no access into its accommodation for wild mice.
What animals are at risk?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is spread by contact with an infected rodent's (usually a wild mouse’s) body fluids. This includes:
Any hamster that has come from a breeder that had these risk factors or has been exposed while in your care could be at risk.
But what people could be at risk?
Owners of pet mice or hamsters may be at risk for infection if these animals come from somewhere that's contaminated with the virus, or if their animals are infected from other wild mice.
What are the symptoms?
Fortunately, the virus does not usually make hamsters sick and eventually resolves on its own. Sadly, however, on occasion hamsters can get sick, usually younger animals who develop a wasting syndrome. Symptoms can be pretty vague such as:
Sick hamsters can pass the virus onto humans, causing flu-like symptoms among other issues. Due to its highly contagious nature, hamsters known to have the virus should be handled with utmost caution.
How can vets diagnose it?
The virus can be detected via laboratory tests and blood samples. Otherwise, the diagnosis is confirmed by doing a post-mortem examination.
Can it be treated?
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for the viral infection. It is likely that your veterinary surgeon will recommend that hamsters that are sick with the virus should be peacefully euthanised.