Rodent Infestation Rate for second half 2008 released
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (April 3) announced that the Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the second half of 2008 was 6.6% and the full-year RIR was 6.3%.
"The second-half-year RIR was slightly higher than the 6% for the first half. The second-half-year RIRs for most districts fell between 0.8% and 8.9%. This indicates that rodent infestation was generally under control," an FEHD spokesman said.
The RIRs for the 19 districts are: Tuen Mun (0.8%), Sha Tin (2.5%), Yau Tsim (3.3%), Southern (4.3%), Kowloon City (4.6%), Mong Kok (4.8%), Central/Western (5.4%), Kwai Tsing (6.1%), Kwun Tong (6.1%), Wong Tai Sin (6.4%), Eastern (6.4%), Wan Chai (6.5%), Islands (6.5%), Yuen Long (7.1%), Sai Kung (8.2%), North (8.9%), Sham Shui Po (8.9%), Tai Po (12.5%) and Tsuen Wan (15.5%).
"The higher RIRs recorded in some districts are mainly attributable to unsatisfactory hygiene conditions in rear lanes, including accumulation of disused articles and food remnants, and inadequate rodent control measures adopted in road excavation and construction sites," the spokesman said.
"In view of higher RIRs recorded in Tai Po and Tsuen Wan, the department has enhanced rodent disinfestation operations in the two districts. Residents, shops and relevant individuals were also reminded of the importance of rodent control efforts. Subsequent surveys showed that the RIRs of Tai Po and Tsuen Wan dropped to 3.6% and 7.2% respectively," the spokesman said.
"Elimination of food sources and harbourages for rodents are effective rodent control measures. Rodent infestation in these districts can markedly improve if we can make concerted efforts by implementing environmental hygiene improving measures such as clearing of disused articles and food remnants in rear lanes.
"As for work sites, effective rodent prevention measures include disposing of food remnants and refuse in covered rubbish bins, which should be cleared daily. Accumulation of building material or junk for prolonged periods should be avoided and regular inspections and control measures for early detection of rodents at the sites should be carried out."
To enhance the effectiveness of rodent control work in the community, an additional health inspector (HI) will be deployed to each district from this month onwards. The HI will co-ordinate the rodent control efforts of the FEHD and other government departments and local organisations such as District Offices, Lands Department, District Councils, area committees and owners' committees. He will also be tasked with promoting pest control campaigns, publicity and public education activities in the district. More manpower will also be put into inspections by the department with a view to further strengthening frontline work monitoring and offering better quality services. As undertaken at the 2008 Summit on District Administration, the FEHD will continue to maintain close liaison with the District Councils to further enhance the effectiveness of rodent control work.
To monitor rodent infestation, the FEHD has since 2000 conducted yearly RIR surveys throughout the territory by setting baits in selected areas. The ratio of the baits bitten will indicate the RIR.
When the RIR of a district is higher than 10%, the FEHD will strengthen rodent disinfestation operations there. For a district with an RIR reaching 20% or higher, the relevant Government departments will form a joint task force and launch a special rodent control operation to strengthen rodent disinfestation and cleaning services comprehensively, and to promote rodent control in the community.
Apart from day-to-day rodent control measures, the FEHD organises the Anti-Rodent Campaign yearly. During the campaign period, targeted preventive and control measures will be taken, while posters and leaflets will be distributed and talks organised to remind the public and the parties concerned to step up anti-rodent work.
"The reproductive rate and adaptability of rodents are very strong. We must not slacken our efforts. Effective rodent control also depends on the public's active participation," the spokesman said.
"We should cover and store food properly to eliminate rodents' food sources, keep the environment clean, and remove and block potential harbourages and runways for rodents.
"We should also put refuse in dustbins with covers, regularly inspect concealed places like false ceilings, air ducts and wire ducts, seal the holes and crevices in ceilings, walls and floors, and clear refuse and disused articles at home and communal areas of buildings."
In 2008, the FEHD trapped and eliminated about 29,400 rats, and filled about 8,000 rat holes. About 8,000 warnings were issued during inspections.
For more information on rodent control measures and RIR, please visit FEHD's website: www.fehd.gov.hk .
Ends/Friday, April 3, 2009
