FEHD releases Rodent Infestation Rate for first half of 2014

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (August 22) that the overall Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the first half of 2014 was 3.6 per cent, almost the same as the figure in the second half of 2013 (3.2 per cent).

An FEHD spokesman said, "According to a territory-wide survey conducted by the department, the RIRs of all districts were below 10 per cent for the first half of this year, suggesting that the rodent infestation in public areas in the city was generally under control. The district that recorded the highest RIR was Sham Shui Po (7.6 per cent)."

The overall RIR is the average infestation rate of the districts during the period. When the RIR of a district is higher than 10 per cent, the FEHD will strengthen rodent disinfestation operations there.

The spokesman said, "Although the RIRs of all districts were in the low single digits, the FEHD will maintain the momentum of its regular anti-rodent work, which includes street cleaning, eliminating and trapping rats in rear lanes, filling rat holes, and carrying out public health education and publicity on rodent control in all districts.

"The relatively higher RIRs in some districts were mainly caused by poor hygiene conditions at specific spots and rear lanes, including the accumulation of disused articles, indiscriminate disposal of refuse and improper handling of food remnants, which provide shelter and food for rodents."

Effective rodent prevention and control hinges on sustained co-operation between the community and the Government. The FEHD, as in previous years, has rolled out a two-phase territory-wide anti-rodent campaign this year to encourage public participation. The first phase was completed in March and the second phase, launched early last month, will run until September 5.

During the campaign period, the FEHD has enhanced its inspections and rodent control measures in target areas including markets, municipal services buildings, hawker bazaars, typhoon shelters, lanes close to food premises and other problematic spots and their periphery.

On the public education front, the FEHD will continue to organise publicity and educational events at different levels of the community across the territory. The department will also work closely with District Councils to effectively drive home messages on rodent prevention and control.

For more information on rodent control measures and the RIR, please visit the FEHD website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, August 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:30