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Precautions
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The anmimals used in the course are laboratory-bred rats who will be placed on a food restricted diet. Although they are normally timid creatures, a rat has long incisors and is capable of inflicting a deep gash by biting. Also, the claws can give you scratches that can draw blood. The risk of these injuries is certainly real, and is something you should consider whenever handling a rat. If scratched or bitten, you should wash the wound thoroughly and avoid any chances for infection. Consult your family physician or Student Health Services regarding your tetanus vacination history to determine if you are protected and seek advice if you observe any signs of infection. (Take this link for information on how to handle a rat.)
A more prosaic, but still real, hazard is that of allergic reactions. Rat fur can provoke or exacerbate an allergy. To reduce this risk, wash your hands after handling your rat and minimize contact of the rat with your clothing. Be aware that even if you are not susceptible to allergies acquaintances may be. |
Michael R. Snyder <msnyder@psych.ualberta.ca>