field mouse- disease danger?

Question
hi i live in east new york and just found a tiny mouse in my apartment which by the way has 2 cats. It seems to be doing ok. At first it seemed lethargic than read to give it dog food for a possible anecdote for some poisons. I live in a basement apartment. Long story short i want to keep it..too cold to go out. I will have it in a glass fish tank. My concern is  if it bites me while possible handling it will i contract a disease. I have had many animals including gerbils and hamsters but are unsure about mice...any pointers?

Answer
Dear Christine,

There is a very small chance that your mouse carries a disease which could make a human sick.  I recently wrote about this to another questioner:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/10/chance-disease-wild-city.htm

You should always avoid a mouse bite, which means you should wear gloves when handling the mouse.  

Have fun with the little guy!

Do write back if you have questions!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha