Rats carry typhus fever  germ and it is spread by fleas. Very rare in
this country. High mortality rate back in the 1920's.
Just a thought, Bob Neely
 
On Thu, 22 May 1997 20:06:50 -0400 "List  James E. Chiles"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>Fellow Bee-l's
>
>I'm looking for information pertaining to a disease caused in part by
>handling bee equipment that has been "accessed" by rodents.  I
>understand
>there is a rather significant illness associated and the mortality
>rate is
>somewhat high.  I'm concerned for a neighbor (former beekeeper) who
>has come
>down with an illness which is affecting his lungs.  I respectfully
>request
>anyone knowing about the name of such a disease and or any reference
>(I shall
>relay to his doctor) contact me directly ([log in to unmask])
>
>Thanking you in advance,
>
>Jim Chiles
>Spotsylvania, VA, USA
>