The leptospores are carried and shed in the urine of healthy hosts. They can contaminate water supplies. Species Specific Zoonotic Potential Rats have historically been thought of as dirty animals. Many customers wonder whether rats can still transmit dreaded diseases such as bubonic plague. However, the disease problems associated with wild rat populations are rare to unknown in pet rats.
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.