Making the world better, one answer at a time. Rich soil is made up of sand, silt, clay and organic matter (compost) in various stages of decomposition. Humus is the stable remains of decayed organic matter, carbon remains of unknown sorts that attach themselves to clay to improve soil structure. Humus has the ability to increase the soil's water retention, buffer PH , and helps the plant use nutrients although humus is not fertilizer but humic acids and humins.
Salmonellosis, or salmonella, is another bacterial illness that both domestic and wild rats carry. Like leptospirosis, it is spread to humans through contact with urine and feces. In humans, salmonellosis causes gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HAN-tuh-vy-rus PUL-mo-nar-ee SIN-drome) is a lung disease that causes respiratory distress (breathing difficulty) and, in some cases, death. Hantavirus, the virus that causes the disease, is carried by rodents.ice and rats shed hantavirus in their saliva, urine, and droppings. The rice rat (seen here) primarily inhabits the southeastern United States and carries the Bayou virus, a form of the disease that has been found in Louisiana.