Martens make a lot of noise. Without a doubt, no one likes having a marten in the attic or living in the house. But in addition to the noise, does the marten also pose a he alth risk? Find out here whether martens transmit diseases.
Can martens transmit diseases to humans?
Martens can carry pathogens such as viruses and bacteria as well as parasites, but the likelihood of transmission to humans is low. Marten droppings are largely harmless, but should be removed with gloves and a face mask.
Martens and diseases
Like every animal on earth, martens can carry pathogens such as viruses or bacteria and parasites and can also transmit them. The Hannover University of Veterinary Medicine carried out a small study in 2016 to check the he alth status of foxes, martens and raccoon dogs.
The scientists were able to detectno illnesses of the following dreaded diseases:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Aujezky virus (pseudo-rabies)
- Mange
In individual cases it is of course still possible that martens carry these pathogens, but the probability is low.
Tip
If a marten is very trusting and shows no shyness, there is reason to be careful - loss of shyness is the number 1 indicator of rabies.
Parasites in martens
The scientists in the study mentioned found endoparasites of the relatively harmless genus Capillaria in stone martens, butno zoonotic parasites, i.e. those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. However, such parasites have been increasingly found in foxes. Martens can therefore transmit parasites to other animals, such as cats, but they are unlikely to endanger humans.
Is marten droppings dangerous?
Marten droppings are largely considered harmless. If the animal is sick, the feces can of course contain bacteria or viruses that may be transferable to humans. Gloves and a face mask should therefore be worn when removing marten droppings. There is no known risk of toxoplasmosis transmission.
Conclusion
A marten in the garden, in the house or in the attic is no more dangerous than a cat in the household. Like any animal, a marten can be sick and possibly transmit its pathogens to humans and other pets, but there is no increased risk. Serious diseases such as rabies or mange are hardly to be expected.
