🐀 The Vet’s Guide to Rat Sialodacryoadenitis Coronavirus in 2025 🦠

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder. Sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV), a type of rat coronavirus, is a common respiratory and glandular infection in rats. Highly contagious, it can spread rapidly through colonies. This 2025 guide details clinical signs, veterinary diagnosis, supportive care, quarantine protocols, and hygiene strategies to help you manage and prevent outbreaks at home.

🔍 What Is SDAV?

SDAV is an RNA coronavirus in the Embecovirus genus, similar to murine coronaviruses. It targets rats’ upper respiratory tract, salivary glands (submaxillary, parotid), lacrimal glands (Harderian), and occasionally lungs. Transmission is rapid via aerosols, direct contact, or fomites :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⏳ Incubation & Duration

• Incubation: ~5–7 days before symptoms appear :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Infection lasts about 2–3 weeks; no long-term carrier state—recovered rats develop immunity :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

👀 Clinical Signs

• **Sneezing**, nasal discharge
• **Swollen salivary glands**—neck appears suddenly thick :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• **Bulging eyes**, porphyrin staining, squinting, photophobia, tearing :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• **Mild respiratory signs**, possible secondary infections (e.g., Mycoplasma) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Occasional decreased appetite or dehydration

🔬 Diagnosis

• Clinical diagnosis based on typical signs in a known outbreak :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Definitive diagnosis: serology (ELISA) or PCR of glands/tissues :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🏥 Treatment & Supportive Care

No specific antiviral treatment exists. Focus is on supportive care:

• Quarantine all infected/at-risk rats for 3+ weeks
• Provide soft foods, fluids; use subcutaneous fluids if needed
• Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., enrofloxacin, doxycycline) to prevent secondary bacterial infections :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Apply topical eye medications if corneal ulcers develop
• Maintain warm, humidity-controlled environment for healing

🏡 Quarantine & Colony Management

• Move infected rats to a separate room if possible; otherwise use cage isolation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Quarantine new rats for at least 2–3 weeks before introducing to colony :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Halt breeding programs until at least 60 days post-outbreak to prevent new cases :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

🧼 Hygiene & Environmental Decontamination

• Disinfect cages and accessories between occupants using pet-safe disinfectants
• Thoroughly clean ventilation systems and surrounding areas—virus survives on surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Implement bedding and toy rotation with deep cleaning during outbreaks
• Use appropriate PPE—gloves, masks, and wash hands/clothes after handling rats

🔁 Prevention Strategies

• Source rats from reputable, virus-free breeders
• Quarantine newcomers for 3 weeks
• Maintain low-stress, clean housing with proper ventilation
• Minimize cross-contamination via equipment or hands
• Provide colony health monitoring or serologic screening if feasible :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

📚 Case Examples

Colony Outbreak

All rats in a large cage developed neck swelling. Broad antibiotic treatment and strict quarantine halted illness within 3 weeks, with healthy recovery observed.

Isolated Pair

Two pet rats with mild sneezing and eye discharge recovered with supportive care, humidity management, and isolation—no other rats were infected.

⚠️ When to See the Vet Immediately

• Severe respiratory distress or lethargy
• Poor appetite or weight loss
• Ocular ulcers or vision issues
• Colony-wide rapid spread—veterinary oversight recommended

✅ Key Take‑Home Points

• SDAV is a highly contagious rat coronavirus affecting respiratory and glandular tissues :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Incubation period ~5–7 days; infection lasts 2–3 weeks
• Clinical signs include sneezing, gland swelling, eye discharge, and porphyrin staining
• Treatment is supportive—antibiotics for secondary infections, fluids, isolation
• Strict quarantine and hygiene stop the spread; recovered rats are immune

🛠️ Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Solutions

• Ask A Vet: Remote vet assistance for diagnosis, treatment planning, antibiotic choices, and follow-up during outbreaks.
• Woopf: Offers easy-clean cages, isolation kennels, and low-dust bedding to control spread.
• Purrz: Supplies immune support, eye-care kits, and colony health monitoring protocols.

With vigilant quarantine, supportive care, and expert hygiene, SDAV outbreaks in 2025 can be managed effectively—protecting both your rats and household. For tailored advice and emergency support, download the Ask A Vet app today. 🐀❤️