Tue, 12 May 2026 22:46:31 -0400WeeblyWed, 13 May 2026 02:19:00 GMThttps://www.evolutionrattery.com/evo-rattery-news/recent-hantavirus-outbreakHealth Update: Pet Rats and the Recent Hantavirus Outbreak

We are addressing recent news regarding the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship. Headlines combining "hantavirus" and "rodents" can cause immediate concern for pet owners. Your pets, our rattery, and your families face zero risk from this outbreak.

The Facts: Why Your Pet Rats Are Safe

A Different Strain: The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship is caused by the Andes virus strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this strain originated from wild pygmy rice rats in South America. It is entirely unrelated to domestic pet rats.

Strict Pathogen Testing: The only hantavirus strain historically associated with domestic rats is the Seoul virus. Our rattery strictly tests for and maintains a 100% negative status for all zoonotic pathogens, explicitly including Seoul hantavirus.

Controlled Environment: Hantaviruses cannot spontaneously generate in captivity. Our rats live in a highly controlled indoor environment with zero exposure to wild rodents.

Low Public Risk: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the overall risk to the general public from this cruise ship outbreak remains extremely low.

Easy Everyday Care & Hygiene Tips

While our rats are fully certified pathogen-free, the CDC small mammal guidelines recommend basic, common-sense hygiene habits for all pet owners to keep both your family and your pets healthy.

🧼 Smart Handling Habits

•Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water right after playing with your rats or touching their toys.

•Keep Food Separate: Do not eat, drink, or share your snacks while you are playing with your rats.

•Bandage Scratches: Cover any open cuts on your hands with a bandage before handling your pets.

🧽 Simple Cage Cleaning Steps

•Dampen the Dust: Spray dirty bedding lightly with water or animal-safe disinfectant before cleaning. This stops dusty bedding particles from floating into the air.

•Wash Out of the Kitchen: Clean your rat's cage, plastic igloos, and food bowls outside or in a bathroom tub. Never wash pet items in the kitchen sink where you make human food.

🐭 Keep Wild Rodents Away

•Store Food in Plastic: Keep your pet rat food and treats sealed tightly in hard plastic or metal containers so wild pests cannot smell them.

•Block Wild Invaders: Check your home for small gaps or holes to ensure wild mice and rats cannot get inside to meet your pets.

Our rigorous biosecurity protocols ensure our lines remain healthy, happy, and pathogen-free. Please don't hesitate to contact us directly if you have any specific concerns.]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:11:23 GMThttps://www.evolutionrattery.com/evo-rattery-news/new-year-new-procedures-please-read**POST UPDATED FOR CLARITY AS OF JANUARY 23, 2026**

As we move into 2026, I wanted to share a bit about some changes for the rattery, and what changes will affect you as adopters, and be absolutely transparent with our reasons. Our Mission Statement remains unchanged; To provide 'Quality, safe, family pets, accessible to everyone.'

PRICES
​Unfortunately, the cost of fulfilling our mission continues to rise and our pricing will reflect the increases we have experienced in the cost of annual health testing, supplies, bedding, food, and maintaining a zoonotic pathogen negative rattery. We do not cut corners, and will not drop our standards to save money at the expense of our rats care.

As of Monday, January 19th 2026, our prices per rat are as follows:

• Basic - $65
• Dwarf - $85
• Harley - $85
• Werewolf - $100
• Retirees - Half price or free of charge for previous adopters.

*Prices are subject to change at our discretion.

PAIRS VS TRIOS
EVO has always required rats to be adopted minimally in pairs since rats are a colony species, and lone rats can develop behavioral issues linked to depression and stress. Rat husbandry is ever evolving, and as we often learn through experience or research, we can always do better and just because it was done one way in the past doesn't mean it always has to be that way. Our recent discussions with adopters and other breeders have brought to light evidence from personal observations, that rats are far less stressed in groups of three or more. Bethany from CRTH also found research studies that support this finding. In advocating for the best environment for our rats, we strongly recommend new rat owners, or those that do not currently have rats to adopt a minimum of a trio. Those with an established mischief will be required to take a minimum of a pair. ​​

ORDER FOR RESERVATIONS 
As explained in a recent FB post, we pick the most suitable babies to hold back for our breeding program first. If we home out the best we won't be able to make progress towards our goals of improving temperaments, conformation, health, or longevity. These goals all serve our adopters in the end as they will potentially save $ with fewer vet visits for sick rats, or expensive interventions (spay, neuter, etc.) for behavioral issues. Each pairing we make is done with specific goals in mind for the line.  Babies are then offered to our sister ratteries and/or other breeders if any. It is actually more rare that they will need babies from us as they already have EVO lines, so more typically after we choose our holdbacks we will move straight to pet adopters.

1. ​EVO
2. CRTH/TOW/Breeders - RARE
3. New/Returning Pet Adopters

As always, we are honored when you choose EVO for your ratty pets, and will continue to work hard to live up to your expectations.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. 

​Official Sister Rattery Introduction Post

As many of your know we officially partnered with two like-minded ratteries, Creeping Things Rattery in Greenville SC, and Tails of Whimsy Rattery nr. Nashville TN, towards the end of 2025. 

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