The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Other => Rabbits => Topic started by: ShellyB on September 11, 2012, 08:04:53 pm

Title: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: ShellyB on September 11, 2012, 08:04:53 pm

Hi everyone!

I'm just house sitting for friends on a small holding and today when I went to water the rabbits I saw a giant rat dead in the bucket full of water we use to top up their water dispensers. There was another dead rat in the chicken's water bucket (which is smaller). I tipped out the chicken's water and filled it with fresh, but the rabbit's bucket is huge and there is a lot of water in it. I refilled their dispensers from a different supply, and obviously I've removed both the rats, but now I'm just wondering- is the water bucket contaminated now and should I completely empty it? I'm just not really sure of what to do....

Would appreciate any advice!!

Thanks muchly!

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: jaykay on September 11, 2012, 08:45:42 pm

I would. Rats carry leptospirosis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospirosis) and pass it via their urine, so they would have passed it into the water if they carried it.

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: luckylady on September 11, 2012, 08:56:39 pm

Better to waste water than risk sick animals.  I'd tip it, wash it out and refill.

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: Mammyshaz on September 11, 2012, 09:08:30 pm

Rats can carry leptospirosis which is spread by their excreted fluids, ie urine, saliva etc. So it is risky to use for the animals but more so for yourself handling this water as any minute splash in your eye or mouth  :o or into a cut on your skin could potentially be harmful to you.

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: colliewoman on September 12, 2012, 01:48:40 pm

Sling it out, wash and refil hun, it ain't never worth the risk ;) :bunny:

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: ShellyB on September 13, 2012, 02:36:47 pm

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies!  :) I'm glad my gut instinct of not using the water was right! Next question, would the water be ok for watering the veggie garden? How long does the Leptospirosis stay in the water?

Thanks again!!!

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: Mammyshaz on September 13, 2012, 02:55:59 pm

Lepto can be caught by eating contaminated food.
 The bacteria may be present in the water and is contagious until the area completely dries out, as it needs damp or wet conditions to survive.

Title: Re: Dead Rat in the water supply - is it contaminated?
Post by: ShellyB on September 14, 2012, 01:51:54 pm

ok thank you! questions answered! The water needs to go! Thanks to everyone for the advice!