Syrian hamsters and other rodents can be affected by Tyzerr’s disease. Tyzzer’s disease does not usually cross from one species to the next. Most strains of the disease are unique to one particular species of rodent. Gerbils, however, have been know to contract the disease from another rodent species, although this is not common.

The disease can easily be transmitted from one hamster to the next. This is because Tyzzer’s disease is highly contagious among hamsters. In most cases, the disease is fatal, and can kill the hamster in as little as 48 hours after the first symptoms appear.

Typical symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, a scruffy coat, and general lack of activity. However, symptoms are not always present. In the cases, you only know that something is wrong because the hamster suddenly dies.

Quarantine your sick hamster right away if you think she has Tyzzer’s disease. Put her in a covered cage and take her to the vet immediately. This will prevent the spread of the disease. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics for your hamster and any other hamsters you may have if Tyzzer’s disease is suspected. Unfortunately, the only way to be absolutely sure that it is Tyzzer’s disease is an examination of the hamster after it is dead.

There are no official records of humans having symptoms of Tyzzer’s disease. However, some tests have shown that an infection is present although no symptoms have presented itself. To be safe, always wash your hands properly before and after handling your hamster, even if she is not ill.

You can do these 3 things to help prevent Tyzzer’s disease:

Clean your hamster’s cage on a regular basis. At least once per week, remove all bedding and replace with fresh material. Waiting until you smell an odor before you change the bedding is not a good idea. An odor means that the bedding is already too dirty. Wash the entire cage and then disinfect it on a monthly basis. In order to disinfect the cage, use a bleach solution. One tablespoon of bleach added to one gallon of water is a good mixture.

You also want to prevent stress in your hamster as much as possible. If your hamster is sleeping, do not wake her up. Try to limit the amount of noise and activity your hamster will be exposed to. Do not allow your children to abuse the hamster. Watch for any signs that your hamster does not wish to be handled and leave her alone.

Be sure to quarantine any new hamsters for at least 2 weeks then you can place them with the rest of your hamsters. Even if the new hamster appears to be healthy you should still quarantine it. You can never tell if they have some disease or condition that will present itself because of the stress of a new home. You might think it is just an additional expense to buy an extra house, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Now for the good news. Tyzzer’s disease is rare in hamsters that are well taken care of and not stressed. So, you should not be worried about your hamster having the disease. Just keep an eye out to be safe.

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