>>The top was encrusted with dried rat's urine which
>>is toxic and obviously lethal!!!!!
FYI:
in all likelyhood this was a case of bacterial infection (for example,
leptospirosis). Rat urine, which in itself is not particularly toxic, may
be contaminated by such bacteria.
A small amount of dried urine can certainly NOT be lethal because of its
toxicity.
Laura Dai Pra