Rats can potentially harbor salmonellosis. The most likely adverse zoonotic ailment among pet owners is that some individuals might be allergic to their rat's urine or dander. Pet mice can potentially carry salmonella. However, they rarely transmit any zoonotic diseases. Some pet owners develop allergies to their mouse's dander and urine.
Gerbils represent few potential health hazards to people keeping the animal as a pet.
Salmonella and tapeworms have rarely been reported in colonies of gerbils. Hamsters have a low zoonotic potential. Occasionally, salmonella and tapeworm have been documented in large colonies of hamsters, but such conditions are not typical of hamsters kept as pets. Rabbits can transmit ringworm sarcoptic mange and salmonella. Because rabbits often struggle if held improperly, pet owners can be scratched.