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. The scratches can then become infected from bacteria. Some pet owners develop allergic reactions to guinea pig hair and skin. Although rare, salmonella is a potential pathogen in guinea pigs. Two species of mange mites, the mange mite, Trixacarus caviae, and the sarcoptic mange mite can affect guinea pigs and be transmitted to people.