SterlingRats0408
Senior Member
My boss came to me yesterday asking about RBF and if it can really kill someone. I had never heard of it so he was like 'oh, so probably a little fishy that some kid died from a bite?' We are expecting some concerned rat parents in the store over the next few weeks and want confident answers to give to these people!
I was stunned. I hadn't heard til he said it about the boy. Upon reading its such a gapped story...how did he die if the bite wound didn't show infection...there would most certainly be an infection on the bite wound.
I am sad a boy died but it really sounds idiotic the whole situation, from why he got the rat in the first place to them deciding it was RBF 6 months later! I think the parents were facing neglect charges and they came up with this whole idea that its the rats fault and thereby Petco's fault.
I work for Petsmart and we carry information on transmitible diseases. RBF is not on there because its such a rare one. But it does state if your new pet should bite, seek medical attention upon ANY signs of infection. It also says that on each care guide we hand out and go over with a new pet owner...experienced or not.
I'm not trying to lay blame on anyone and I know some big chain pet stores can mess up time to time as I work at one. But...I have to say I think some of it is on the family of the boy for not seeking medical attention sooner!
Hoping that people don't go getting rid of their rats because of all this. I would hope current rat owners would see how infrequently this happens. Both Kevin and I have been nipped a few times by new/rescued rats but we're still fine! I'm keeping my eyes, ears and doors open just in case there is a slew of surrendered rats
I was stunned. I hadn't heard til he said it about the boy. Upon reading its such a gapped story...how did he die if the bite wound didn't show infection...there would most certainly be an infection on the bite wound.
I am sad a boy died but it really sounds idiotic the whole situation, from why he got the rat in the first place to them deciding it was RBF 6 months later! I think the parents were facing neglect charges and they came up with this whole idea that its the rats fault and thereby Petco's fault.
I work for Petsmart and we carry information on transmitible diseases. RBF is not on there because its such a rare one. But it does state if your new pet should bite, seek medical attention upon ANY signs of infection. It also says that on each care guide we hand out and go over with a new pet owner...experienced or not.
I'm not trying to lay blame on anyone and I know some big chain pet stores can mess up time to time as I work at one. But...I have to say I think some of it is on the family of the boy for not seeking medical attention sooner!
Hoping that people don't go getting rid of their rats because of all this. I would hope current rat owners would see how infrequently this happens. Both Kevin and I have been nipped a few times by new/rescued rats but we're still fine! I'm keeping my eyes, ears and doors open just in case there is a slew of surrendered rats
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