Advisory
2004-52
October 2, 2004
For immediate release
The Public Health Agency of Canada Advises of a Potential Health Concern Related to Dwarf/pigmy or Regular Hamsters
OTTAWA - The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising Canadians in British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario who have purchased a dwarf/pigmy or regular
hamster in the past three months of a potential health concern.
Ill hamsters from a pet distributor in Manitoba have tested positive for Type B tularemia. It is
a rare and usually mild disease in humans that can be treated with antibiotics. In rare cases, some
forms of tularemia can be fatal.
The purpose of this advisory is to ask people who have purchased a hamster in the past three months
to contact their health care provider if both they and their hamster have experienced illness.
"We believe the risk to human health is low, but if people have sick hamsters and are feeling ill
themselves, we want them to advise their health care provider," explained Dr. David Butler-Jones,
the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
Ill hamsters, along with other small mammals (chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, degues) that were
included in shipments with the hamsters, were sent to pet stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,
Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. At present, there is no indication of illness in the other animals.
The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Alberta Health and Wellness, Saskatchewan Health,
Manitoba Health, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and the Public Health Agency of
Canada are working together closely on this investigation.
Tularemia is a bacteria found naturally in wild animals, particularly rodents. Human tularemia
disease is rare and is not known to spread from person to person.
Tularemia is usually transmitted by contact with infected animals or their cages/immediate environment.
This means:
- being bitten or licked by the animal,
- handling or cleaning the animal, its toys, cage and feeding equipment,
- breathing in air contaminated with the bacteria, or
- eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of tularemia may include ulcers on the skin or mouth, swollen glands and painful lymph
glands, sudden fever, chills, headache, diarrhoea, muscle aches, dry cough, progressive weakness,
joint pain, sore throat and swollen and painful eyes. Symptoms usually appear three to five days
after exposure to the bacteria but can take as long as 14 days to appear.
If your hamster appears sick or dies, and within 14 days you also feel ill, see your health care
provider. Be sure to let your health care provider know why you think you may have been in contact
with tularemia. Advise your health care provider to speak with your local or regional public health
office.
Pet stores should closely monitor their hamsters and notify their local veterinarian if they observe
illness and higher than usual mortality.
Handling sick/dead animals and their accessories
When handling sick or dead animals or items from their environment (cages, toys, dishes), wear
gloves made of rubber, latex or other water-proof material. Commercially available dishwashing gloves
that have no tears are adequate. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap
or an alcohol hand gel after removing your gloves and after every contact with the sick animal or
its environment. If your hamster dies, you should double bag it and dispose of it in the garbage
or bury it deep enough (1 metre) that it will not be dug up by other animals.
The cage and animal accessories should be washed in hot soapy water using any commercially available
household disinfectant. Rinse the cage in a 10% bleach solution (one part household bleach, nine
parts water). Let the cage air dry for at least 10 minutes. A 70% solution of alcohol can then be
used to further clean the area and reduce the corrosive action of the bleach. Consult your pet store
before using the cage for another animal.
Equipment, including cages and toys, can be disposed of in regular household waste. All the items
should be cleaned using the procedure described above before disposal. When handling litter, if possible,
wear a mask. Wrap contaminated litter in plastic prior to disposal. Do not attempt to disinfect the
litter.
After handling animals, or after being licked or bitten by a household pet, be sure to always wash
your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap or an alcohol gel. The same should be done after handling
pet toys or cleaning bowls or cages used by animals. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the
spread of disease.
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Media Inquiries:
The Public Health Agency of Canada (Health Canada)
(613) 957-2983
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