[BuggieMom]

I would call the vet's office this morning. Vets are usually really good about staying on top of information about problems in their local area. They are always the first to know when a case of rabies is reported in town, and they would probably know if there have been any reports of rodent-related viruses, etc.

I know fleas are usually the biggest threat from rats (because they carry most of the nastiness you hear about), and being February in Jersey, the flea population should be way down.

If the vet tells you there's nothing to worry about, you might calm yourself by reminding yourself that cats kill rats/mice all the time, and even our beloved Yorkie breed was developed to hunt and kill rats. Anything you can think of that helps to "normalize" the experience will help diffuse some of the anxiety you're feeling about it. Imagine that the rat died from falling into a bucket of industrial disinfectant.

Then you can focus on the important stuff, like making sure your neighbors haven't put out poison, and getting rid of the rat!