So maybe it was ill-advised...

[adoptaratcanada]

The preamble: I didn't realize that crows are predatory, I thought they are just scavengers who feed on carrion for meat. ====

So, when I saw a crow grabbing a wild rat (not sure if it was fully grown or not) by it's tail, yes, I DID have to pull over and shoo it away. I called the wildlife rescue place (who, it turns out, don't do rats) and left a message but didn't hear back fast enough (I'm FOREVER finding animals with a problem as I drive to work). It didn't move quickly, having been picked on for at least the minute it took me to get turned around, so I picked it up in a heavy towel, and hid it under some shrubbery.

Should I have any concerns about disease for my own rats, or my other pets? I'm following the recommended routine for avoiding cross-contamination that one reads on all the websites ( for example, as indicated on this website, about half way down, under "Answer" tinyurl.com/6mppxs ). Anything else I should do, or be concerned about?

Thanks in advance!

[ladyjosephine]

uhm...what part?

I think the only big concern is parasites or a virus. But if you disinfect yourself and didn't pick up your own pets with the same close as you where wearing when you touched the rat I think you're safe.

[adoptaratcanada]

Jul 23, 2008 17:58:27 GMT -4 ladyjosephine said:

uhm...what part?

Well, I felt maybe I shouldn't have interefered with nature's great plan...such as it is, and maybe handling a wild animal wasn't the best idea.

Thanks for your input, I ditched my clothes when I came in and am jumping in the shower asap.

[Die Fledermaus]

>> shouldn't have interefered with nature's great plan <<

The great plan includes rare and occasional human compassion.

Cross contamination? I had to keep a rescued kitten isolated for almost three weeks owing to ringworm fungus; even still, an older cat here may have something. So avoid the cross contamination.

One time I was in Brooklyn's large and landmark Prospect Park watching a squirrel. he was on a road that virtually never saw traffic, that was within the park. Then, all of a sudden, a speeding car went right over the squirrel! I let out a shriek, and went looking for the remains - I was going to take the squirrel to a vet, even though a car is not part of Nature! - but the squirrel was untouched and nearby. The car went right over him and never touched him.

[Hamsters82]

For some things I think you should let nature take its course, but when you're that close to an animal and think you can save it, I say go for it.
As far as the contamination is concerned, I'd do what you are doing now read up on it and wash your hands a million times before petting your own animals. I think after that you should be safe, you could ask your vet just to be sure.

[Die Fledermaus]

>> wash your hands a million times before petting your own animals. <<

You may wish to use a little hand softener too after all those washings.

[hamgermourat]

You might want to wash your hands after using all that hand softener!

[Die Fledermaus]

I use a paper towel!