XN000022-1995-11-11+12 — Page 13

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Rat prevention campaign launched

The Department of Health is now launching a territory- wide education campaign to remind the public of the importance of rat prevention and to provide them with some basic knowledge on the subject.

The campaign, bearing the theme "Clean environment keeps rat away", was organised with the sponsorship of the Urban Council and the Regional Council.

"Rats are carriers of infectious diseases such as plague and murine typhus. They can also indirectly transmit gastro-intestinal diseases such as food poisoning," a spokesman for the department said today (Sunday).

"Besides, rats can gnaw on home fittings and furniture causing financial loss and may occasionally bite people of lower mobility," he added.

The spokesman said the fundamental method in rodent control was to improve the sanitation of the environment.

During the campaign period, printed educational handouts such as posters, advisory letters and leaflets will be distributed to building management offices, incorporated owners, mutual aid committees, food premises, housing estates and schools to appeal for their adoption of rat prevention measures.

A 24-hour hotline 2723 0013 will also be in operation to provide the public a pre-recorded message in Cantonese on rat prevention.

Members of the public can contact the Pest Control Units of respective district offices of the Urban Services Department or the Regional Services Department.

Meanwhile, the spokesman advised the public to take the following precautionary measures to prevent rat infestations:

* Keep the premises clean. Store all food properly and put all refuse and food remains into a proper dustbin so as to leave no food for rats.

* Seal off any holes on ceilings, walls and floors. Inspect regularly the bottom and back of bulky furniture and concealed places so as to eliminate breeding places for rats promptly.

* Keep drain gratings in good repair. Render all ventilation openings rat-proof by installing strong wire nettings with narrow gauges to keep rats away from the premises. Affix metal plates to the lower part of wooden doors to keep away rats.

End/Sunday, November 12, 1995