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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launches the 12-week territory-wide enhancement phase of the Anti-Rodent Campaign from today (May 13) to August 8.
The target areas of the campaign include markets/ market buildings, fixed pitch hawker stalls/ hawker bazaars, food premises and associated rear lanes, cargo handling areas and the surroundings of these locations.
"Though the rodent problem is largely under control, we must not slacken our anti-rodent efforts," an FEHD spokesman said.
The territory-wide rodent infestation rate (RIR) for 2007 was 4.8%, somewhat higher than that of 2.9% in 2006, but generally on a par with the annual RIR ranging 4.1% to 5.6% between 2003 and 2005.
"To tackle rodent problems, prevention is more effective than disinfestation. Hence the environment must be kept clean, food sources and harbourages for rodents removed and their routes blocked," the spokesman said.
During the campaign period, the FEHD will step up control measures including carrying out rodent surveys and disinfestations in public places of the target areas and problematic spots, setting up poisonous baiting stations and rodent cage traps, and enhancing cleaning services to eliminate rodent harbourages.
Enforcement action will be taken if rodent infestation is detected during regular inspections of licensed food premises.
On the education and publicity front, the FEHD will disseminate anti-rodent messages through exhibitions, thematic talks, posters, pamphlets and banners.
Other departments joining the campaign include Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Drainage Services; Highways; Home Affairs; Housing; Lands; Leisure and Cultural Services; and Marine.
More information and advice on anti-rodent measures are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:01
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