Sialodacryoadenitis a type of coronavirus infection that affects the nasal cavities, lungs, salivary glands and the Harderian gland in rats. These are highly infectious diseases that can be spread from rat to rat simply by being in the same vicinity as an infected rat. Aerial spread of the virus is common through sneezing by the infected rats. In addition, rats do not always show signs of being infected, making this virus an unexpected danger.
Transmission:
Direct contact with infected rats or with their bodily fluids is the most common method of exposure.Transmission is by direct contact and fomites through mucus, urine, feces, or saliva. Transmission between rats is extremely rapid, with the respiratory tract being the primary portal of entry. There are some suggestions that the viruses can become airborne, though research is limited on this point.
Symptoms:
Symptoms will depend on which organs that are most affected by the infection. In fact, a rat may be a carrier of the virus for up to a week sometimes without displaying any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Excessive sneezing
- Discharge from nose
- Enlarged salivary glands
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mumps
- Avoidance
- Discharge around the eyes
- Inflammation of cornea
- Squinting
- Blinking
- Eye rubbing
- Excessive scratching at eyes
- Dehydration, if loss of appetite is present
