XN000022-1992-10-25 — Page 2

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1992

RAT PREVENTION CAMPAIGN STARTS NEXT MONTH * * * * *

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE LAUNCHING A TERRITORY-WIDE RAT PREVENTION EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN AND HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CAMPAIGN, BEARING THE THEME "CLEAN FLATS, NO RATS", WAS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

THE SPOKESMAN CALLED FOR THE PUBLIC'S FULL SUPPORT AND CO- OPERATION IN CARRYING OUT RODENT CONTROL MEASURES, POINTING OUT THAT RATS CAN DAMAGE HOME FURNITURE AND FITTINGS.

"RATS ARE NOT ONLY CARRIERS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES SUCH AS PLAQUE AND TYPHUS, THEY ALSO INDIRECTLY TRANSMIT GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES INCLUDING FOOD POISONING,' HE ADDED.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, PRINTED EDUCATIONAL HANDOUTS ON RAT PREVENTION SUCH AS POSTERS, ADVISORY LETTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT OFFICES, FOOD PREMISES, HOUSING ESTATES AND SCHOOLS.

IN

A ROUND-THE-CLOCK TELEPHONE SERVICE (723 0013) WILL ALSO BE OPERATION TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES IN CANTONESE ON RAT PREVENTION.

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AS FOR THE ADVICE OR ASSISTANCE ON RAT PREVENTION, THIS CAN OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT PEST CONTROL UNITS OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL METHOD IN RODENT CONTROL WAS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION IN WHICH RATS WOULD BE DEPRIVED OF HARBOURAGES AND FOOD SUPPLIES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE HEED OF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT RAT INFESTATION:

KEEP BUILDINGS IN GOOD REPAIR. SEAL OFF HOLES AND CREVICES ON CEILINGS, WALLS AND FLOORS;

KEEP PREMISES AND COMMON PARTS OF BUILDING CLEAN AND FREE FROM DISUSED FURNITURE AND JUNK;

STORE ALL FOOD PROPERLY IN COVERED CONTAINERS; AND

PUT REFUSE AND FOOD WASTE IN A TIGHTLY EMPTY THE DUSTBIN AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.

COVERED

DUSTBIN,

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