Rabies virus infection in a pet guinea pig and seven pet rabbits.

To prevent rabies virus infection, domestic rabbits and pet rodents should be protected from contact with wild animals by, for example, using double-cage housing when housed outside. Pet rabbits or rodents with any possible contact with a wild animal, particularly if the rabbit or rodent has wounds of unknown origin, should be quarantined for 6 months to allow observation, to prevent escape, and to avoid contact with humans who will require treatment if the rabbit or rodent develops rabies. Bites and scratches to humans from rodents and lagomorphs should be evaluated for potential rabies virus exposure on an individual basis, with consideration of whether the animal was caged outside or permitted outdoors unsupervised.