very interesting, thanks for sharing!
BTW I have read the answer of a doctor on that Leptospirosis thing (rat urine). It's not true, the symptoms are different, not so fast and usual don't end with the death. you sure gotta wash the can from the dirt but it's not so dangerous. You know I had rats, touched them, kissed them and yeah, cleaned their places directly touching their "presents" and I am ok. I know, they were healthy, domestic... Anyway, it's not so hot. Plus, to prevent allergies, we need to be in touch with the dirt