Do I need a rabies (Rabies virus) vaccine if I'm at risk of exposure to greater bandicoot rats in a location where no rabies cases have been reported?

Rabies Vaccination After Greater Bandicoot Rat Exposure in Rabies-Free Location

You do not need rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after exposure to a greater bandicoot rat, even in locations where rabies has been reported, because rodents are not rabies reservoirs and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans. 1, 2, 3

Why Rodents Do Not Require Rabies Prophylaxis

Small rodents, including rats, are rarely infected with rabies and have not been documented to transmit rabies to humans in the United States or globally. 1, 2, 3 The CDC explicitly states that rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils are not rabies reservoirs and do not warrant post-exposure prophylaxis. 1

• The FDA drug label for rabies immunoglobulin specifically notes that rodents "are rarely found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause human rabies in the United States." 3
• During 1990-1996, even in areas where raccoon rabies was widespread, woodchucks (the largest rodent species) accounted for 93% of the 371 rabies cases among rodents—but notably, rats were not implicated. 1
• In all cases involving rodent bites, state or local health departments should be consulted before initiating prophylaxis, but the default recommendation is that prophylaxis is not needed. 1, 3

Animals That Actually Require Rabies Prophylaxis

The following exposures mandate immediate post-exposure prophylaxis unless the animal tests negative: 1, 2, 3

• Wild terrestrial carnivores: Raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats 1, 2, 3
• Bats: All bat exposures require prophylaxis, even when a bite cannot be confirmed 1, 2, 3
• Wild animal hybrids: Wolf-dog hybrids and similar crossbreeds 1
• Domestic dogs in rabies-endemic countries: Particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America where canine rabies remains common 3

Critical Distinction: Rodents vs. High-Risk Animals

Do not confuse rodent bites with bat or wild carnivore bites—the management is completely different. 2 While bats and wild carnivores almost always require immediate prophylaxis, rodents almost never do. 2

• Lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) are also in the same low-risk category as rodents and do not require prophylaxis. 1, 2
• The only exception among rodent-like animals is woodchucks in raccoon rabies-endemic areas, which should prompt consultation with local health authorities. 1, 3

When to Consult Local Health Authorities

Even though prophylaxis is not indicated for rat bites, you should still report the exposure to your local or state health department for documentation and guidance specific to your region. 1, 3 This is particularly important if:

• The exposure occurred in an unusual circumstance (unprovoked attack by a rat)
• There are any atypical features of the animal's behavior
• You are uncertain about the species identification

Bottom Line

Greater bandicoot rats, like all rodents, do not transmit rabies to humans and do not require post-exposure prophylaxis regardless of the rabies status of your location. 1, 2, 3 Focus wound care on preventing bacterial infection through thorough cleaning with soap and water, and consider tetanus prophylaxis if indicated. 4