There are a couple diseases that can spread from rat to human...unfortunately I don't recall the names off hand. However if you start with healthy rats who have been checked for these particular diseases and practice basic hygiene (ie washing hands after handling the rats, their bedding or objects the rats have been in contact with) you shouldn't have any worries.

Also ensuring the cages are cleaned regularly and your rats are healthy and don't get sick, will prevent any chances of them becoming ill. I have kept rats for years and haven't had any problems health wise which could be associated with diseases carried by rats.

Scratches from rats and bite, should be thoroughly washed out to avoid infections, especially scratches, since they are running all over their own wastes, and it often gets into their claws, even in a regularly cleaned cage.
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PHLdyPayne

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