The significance of zoonoses in the emergence of human infections cannot be overemphasized.Zoonotic disease transmission is either indirect or direct,between a vertebrate animal host and humans,but with very limited potential to spread from one human to another.Unfortunately,due to various complex reasons,most zoonotic diseases in African countries are neglected,and there is a false perception that the burden and impacts of such diseases on society are low.In this study,we examined methods of transmission,prevention and control of seven common zoonotic diseases of rodents.We also conducted a survey to determine the burden and prevalence of these diseases in Zambia for 5 rural health centres and for 4 District hospitals.Our study revealed that two zoonotic diseases,Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and "Rat bite fever" are highly prevalent (P<0.01,n=250) in 4 rural health centres but not so prevalent (P>0.04,n=200) in 4 urban District hospitals.However,a lack of suitable diagnostic strategies,poor managerial capacity,as well as lack of information to raise awareness of disease transmission seems to play a major role in their existence in Zambia.Our campaign on surveillance and prevention strategies on rodent zoonotic diseases will contribute to the reduction of the disease burden in most rural societies of Zambia.