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> From: Julian and Jackie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> All I can say is that as keepers of rats, mice, gerbils and cavies I can
> safely say that gerbils almost never carry infectious illness whereas
> for the other species it is a major problem.
>
> Gerbil shows have been held in the UK for thirty years and I know of no
> incident of disease picked up at a show.
I agree entirely. Actually gerbils are more at risk of catching diseases
from wild rodents rather than other captive gerbils. Tyzzer's bacteria can
survive as spores for many months. No matter what the quality, there is no
guarantee that bedding or food has not been contaminated. Hay is probably
the most likely source of contamination and for this reason I never give my
gerbils hay as bedding.
Sue
