Which group of rodents can create health threats to humans by carrying diseases?

Sylvatic rodents are significant when discussing potential health threats to humans due to disease transmission. This group includes various wild rodent species known to be carriers of zoonotic diseases, meaning they can transmit infections to humans. Diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and tularemia can be associated with sylvatic rodents, especially those living in rural or wilderness areas. Their close association with humans, often through habitats or activities that humans engage in, increases the risk of disease transmission.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned either do not typically carry diseases that affect humans or are not primarily categorized in the same context regarding health risks. For example, macro rodents might refer to larger rodent species, but their role as disease carriers is less established compared to sylvatic rodents. Ground squirrels may have localized health concerns, while garden rodents generally refer to urban or domestic species that have a different interaction with humans and their associated health risks. Therefore, understanding the specific implications of sylvatic rodents is essential for recognizing the broader context of public health concerns related to rodent populations.