Leptospira spp.

Gerbils may be a reservoir for Leptospira spp. bacteria, which are shed in the urine.

Transmission occurs by contact with urine and tissues, or inhalation or ingestion of aerosol droplets.

Humans with leptospirosis may have influenza-like symptoms, orchitis, rash, skin and mucosal hemorrhage, hemolytic anemia, hepatorenal failure, jaundice, encephalitis, and pneumonia.