The Absolute Importance of Quarantine

What is Quarantine?

Interestingly the word ‘quarantine’ stems from the number 40, so quarantine would be a period of isolation of 40 days. 

As most communicable diseases in Guinea pigs have an incubation period of less than 2 weeks, 2 weeks is the standard time that most rescues quarantine for on arrival. 

Quarantine is not just for rescues (although all of our incoming pigs do go through quarantine). It is essential to any new arrival from any background prior to mixing with existing pets. Unfortunately it’s often a lesson learned the hard way. 

There are some exceptions to our rule, where the risk to the pig from disease is less than the risk of, for example, not eating through bereavement. In those cases we take the decision that is best for that pig, which usually means company sooner rather than later. Similarly with orphaned babies or rejected babies. Their immediate welfare is more of a concern. 

The most risky thing for a pet owner to do is to impulse buy a new piggy from a pet shop, bring it home and pop it in with the existing Guinea pigs. Pet shop piggies are commonly supplied by rodent mills, mass produced to make profit, not bred for health or longevity. It only takes one pig to start an outbreak, be it fungal, viral or bacterial.   

Common sense measures include housing the new pig separately (ideally in a different room or airspace), and feeding and handling the newcomer last, along with good hygiene precautions. Our quarantine area has separate bowls, bottles, brushes and bins. The two weeks will pass quickly and then introductions can be made. 

What to look out for;

Anything unusual should be monitored. The worst outbreaks can start with nothing more than a gunky eye (as I know to my expense, this is how our outbreak began). The new pig should have bright clear eyes, no noisy or rattly breathing, and be active and eating. Keep an extra beady eye out for mites and fungal signs on the skin and hair. If the two weeks are up and no signs are spotted, then you’re good to go! 

All of our guinea pigs are quarantined when they come into rescue, as all reputable rescues, so if you adopt then you don’t need to quarantine again. 

I hope that this small but important precaution can save some heartache. Our outbreak started despite rigorous quarantine, which just goes to show how easily some things can spread.