Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. Rodent-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through bite wounds, consuming food or water that is contaminated with rodent feces, coming in contact with surface water contaminated with rodent urine, or through breathing in germs that may be present in rodent urine or droppings that have been stirred into the air (CDC).

Douglas County Environmental Health Services provides education and information on prevention of disease through management of disease-carrying pests.

Information on Rats and Other Rodents

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - is a non-profit, grant funded site that provides research-based information on how to responsibly handle wildlife damage problems.
• CDC Rodent Control - Seal Up, Trap Up, Clean Up - provides information about rodent-borne diseases and how to prevent them.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus from Pet Rodents - can be transmitted to humans by rodents, including wild and pet mice, hamsters, and, on occasion, guinea pigs.
• Diseases Directly Transmitted by Rodents
• Diseases Indirectly Transmitted by Rodents