There are about 100 species of gerbils in 14 genera, including Rhombomys, Psammomys, Meriones, Brachiones, Desmodilliscus, Gerbillus, Microdillus, Sekeetamys, Pachyuromys, Desmodillus, Ammodillus, Tatera, Taterillus, and Gerbillurus. The gerbil most commonly used for research in the US is Meriones unguiculatus, the Mongolian gerbil or jird, which was introduced into this country in 1963. Some of the other species are used occasionally, so one must be careful to relate reported lesions to the correct gerbil species. Most Meriones unguiculatus used in research are obtained from Tumblebrook Farm, Inc., West Brookfield, MA, but many local breeding colonies are maintained by investigators and pet shops. No natural viral infection of gerbils has been reported, although it is most unlikely that none exists.
Gerbils are susceptible to experimental infections with many viruses.
Matsuzaki H et al. 1989. Staphylococcal Dermatitis One report. Endemic disease occurred in weanling gerbils from commercial suppliers shortly after admission to a multisource user colony of 200 animals. Five to 7 days after arrival, weanlings developed localized alopecia and erythema around the external nares, which rapidly progressed to moist dermatitis of the feet, legs and ventral body surfaces. The predominant lesion was acute suppurative dermatitis.