Squirrels may look cute, but like most wild animals, they can carry some harmful diseases, parasites, and infections. Contact or cohabitation with an infected squirrel can pose health risks to you and your family. This can include pets as well. Below, we will discuss some of the harmful diseases and parasites that squirrels are known to carry in the New York – New Jersey area.
Common Ways Diseases Spread From Squirrels
Squirrels can pass diseases to people and pets in a variety of ways. A squirrel may have parasites in or on them, such as ticks, mites, fleas, and ringworms. Additionally, contact can cause the spread of some diseases, especially in the event of a bite. Lastly, waste matter such as feces or urine from a squirrel can lead to exposure to diseases.
Salmonella in Squirrel Feces
While we commonly associate salmonella with raw poultry, salmonella bacteria can also be commonly found in squirrel feces. After 12-72 hours of contact with the fecal matter, it is possible to experience the effects of Salmonellosis. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. For a full list of symptoms, visit the CDC page for Salmonella. When left untreated, salmonella can be life-threatening or lead to complications like sepsis.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a type of parasite. They cause itchy, ring-shaped rashes in the affected area. Humans and pets that come in contact with an afflicted squirrel may contract the parasites. For more information on ringworm, visit the CDC page here.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can be found in ticks, which may be on squirrels or other wildlife. The disease can cause symptoms that include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and heartbeat irregularities. It can also lead to long-term conditions such as arthritis and damage to the nervous system. For more on the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, click here.
Rabies in Squirrels
One of the more serious conditions that squirrels can transmit via bite is rabies. While most squirrels are not rabid, you should always seek medical attention after a bite from a wild squirrel just in case. Generally, rabies can cause damage to the central nervous system which can include paralysis, brain damage, and death. For more on rabies from the CDC, click here.
Squirrels in Your Home? Call NY/NJ Wildlife Removal Inc.
If you have a squirrel problem in your home, call us to handle them. We use proven methods to humanely remove and relocate wildlife from your property. Our team also handles proper cleaning, repair, and sanitation of areas affected by the pest animals. This is vital to reducing the spread of harmful diseases, parasites, and bacteria.