The Short Answer: Almost Never
Rats and mice can theoretically be infected with the rabies virus — they are mammals, and rabies infects mammals. But in everyday life, the question "Do rats carry rabies?" has a very practical answer: generally lower concern in US surveillance, while unusual circumstances should be assessed professionally.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that small rodents — including rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, and squirrels — are almost never found to be infected with rabies, and have not been known to cause rabies in humans in the United States. See CDC ACIP 2008: small-rodent exposure guidance (historical species statement, not a current dose schedule).
What US Surveillance Shows
A 2023 study examined US rodent and lagomorph rabies reports from 2011–2020. Infections differed by species, with groundhogs and beavers accounting for most positive reports. These are animals submitted for testing, not a random survey of all wild rodents. The findings do not establish why infection is uncommon. See Hareza and colleagues: US rodent and lagomorph surveillance, 2011–2020.
What About Larger Rodents?
This is where the rule starts to change. "Rodent" is a big category. The CDC distinguishes between small rodents (the ones above) and large rodents.
- Groundhogs (woodchucks): the rodent most likely to have rabies in the eastern US. In raccoon rabies regions, groundhogs are sometimes infected via spillover. Bites from groundhogs are typically evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Beavers: rare but documented cases of rabies, especially in regions with active raccoon rabies.
If you are bitten by a groundhog, beaver, or similar large rodent, treat it as a potential exposure and follow standard post-exposure steps. See rabies PEP assessment factors after an animal bite for the assessment framework — the same logic applies to larger rodents.
What If a Rat or Mouse Bites Me?
Rabies is generally a lower concern in this setting, while bacterial infection and tetanus still warrant attention. A clinician or public-health authority can assess unusual circumstances.
Real Risks From a Rodent Bite
- Bacterial infection: a concern after a bite. Rodents can transmit bacteria such as Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat-bite fever) and various staph and strep species.
- Tetanus: A healthcare professional should assess whether you need a tetanus vaccine based on the wound and your vaccination history. See CDC tetanus wound-care guidance.
What to Do Immediately
- Wash and flush the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible. This is an important early wound-care step.
- Apply a clean dressing. Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, or pus over the next 1-3 days.
- Check your tetanus shot status. A healthcare professional should assess whether you need a tetanus vaccine based on the wound and your vaccination history.
- If the bite was from a wild rat (rather than a pet) or you have any signs of infection (fever, joint pain, spreading redness), see a doctor.
For more detailed bite first-aid steps, see our guide on what to do after a bite.
What About Pet Rats, Mice, and Hamsters?
Pet rodents that have always been kept indoors and have not had contact with wild animals are generally considered lower concern for rabies in US surveillance. There is no documented case of pet rodent-to-human rabies transmission in the United States. If your pet rat or mouse bites you, wound care and signs of bacterial infection require attention; a clinician or public-health authority can assess unusual rabies-exposure details.
That said, if the pet rodent was recently acquired and could have been exposed to wildlife (for example, an animal caught in a humane trap and kept), or if it is behaving abnormally — ataxia, paralysis, sudden aggression — talk to a veterinarian.
Comparison: Where Real Rodent-Adjacent Rabies Risk Sits
To put rodent-bite risk in context against other common wildlife questions on this site:
- Rats and mice: no documented human rabies transmission in cited US surveillance; unusual situations still warrant professional assessment. Wound infection is the real concern.
- Squirrels and chipmunks: same category — see do squirrels carry rabies for the full breakdown.
- Opossums: an animal in which rabies is reported uncommonly, without an established explanation for rarity — see can opossums get rabies.
- Bats: the highest-risk wildlife encounter in the US, including cases with no visible bite. See what to do after bat exposure.
- Raccoons, skunks, foxes: the highest-volume rabies reservoirs in US wildlife. Any bite from these animals is a potential exposure and warrants medical evaluation.
When to Get Medical Advice After a Rat or Mouse Bite
A clinician or public-health authority can decide whether rabies PEP is indicated. Clinical evaluation is also important for the wound, particularly if any of the following apply.
- The bite is deep, on the hand or face, or bleeding heavily.
- Your tetanus vaccination history is unknown or incomplete, or you need advice about protection for this wound.
- You are immunocompromised, diabetic, or on chemotherapy.
- The wound shows signs of infection within 24-48 hours: redness, swelling, warmth, fever, or pus.
- You develop joint pain, rash, or fever within 1-2 weeks — these are signs of rat-bite fever.
- The rodent was unusually aggressive, behaving abnormally, or could have been exposed to wild animals.
Use the SafeRabies exposure checklist if you want a guided check for your specific situation, or your local health department or a healthcare professional to locate urgent care nearby.
Part of our animal rabies guide: see the full overview of which animals carry rabies — including which are higher-concern and which almost never spread it.
Sources support the specified claims; citing an organization does not imply its endorsement. This sourcing update is not a completed medical review.
Rodent bites can also transmit rat-bite fever. Fever, rash or joint pain after rodent contact needs medical advice. See CDC: rat-bite fever symptoms and transmission.
For the wound-washing advice above, see WHO: washing exposed wounds for at least 15 minutes and seeking prompt care. Washing does not replace professional exposure assessment.