A homeless encampment in Berkeley, California, housing approximately two dozen people has been ordered to close following a leptospirosis outbreak in 2025 that killed one person and hospitalised another. The disease, spread through infected rat urine, emerged after residents bred over 200 rats within an RV at the site on 8th and Harrison streets. The area was declared a fire hazard and public nuisance. The clearance proceeds after a federal judge rejected a legal challenge by the Berkeley Homeless Union, which had previously secured a temporary halt to closure efforts.

Judge Edward Chen's ruling permits the encampment's closure "in short order" whilst requiring the city to develop alternative accommodation options for the 23 displaced residents. A key provision mandates special accommodations for residents with disabilities, though disputes have arisen over implementation—of 19 accommodation requests submitted by the Homeless Union president, only seven were approved by the city authorities. Additional litigation involved local businesses seeking to address ongoing concerns about open flames, rodents and general safety conditions at the site. Individuals living in vehicles may remain, whilst those refusing to leave face potential arrest or citation.