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 >