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The Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the first half of 2009 was 8.5% and five districts that had recorded higher infestation rates gained improvements with stepped-up disinfestations measures.
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (September 1) that the half-yearly RIRs for most districts fell between 2.7% and 8.4% and rodent infestation in the territory was generally under control.
The RIRs for the 19 districts from January to June were: Tai Po (2.7%), Wan Chai (3.2%), Mong Kok (4%), Kwai Tsing (4.1%), Central and Western (5.5%), Wong Tai Sin (6.4%), North (6.9%), Yuen Long (7%), Tsuen Wan (7.1%), Sai Kung (7.3%), Kowloon City (7.3%), Sham Shui Po (7.8%), Yau Tsim (8.2%), Sha Tin (8.4%), Southern (11.8%), Islands (12%), Eastern (15.6%), Tuen Mun (16.7%) and Kwun Tong (18.8%).
For the five districts with recorded RIRs higher than 10%, the department had enhanced rodent disinfestation operations. Residents, shops and relevant individuals were also reminded of the importance of rodent control efforts.
The results of subsequent surveys in the five districts showed improvements. The RIRs of Southern District have dropped to 8.6%, Islands 9.3%, Eastern 5.2%, Tuen Mun 11.8% and Kwun Tong 10%.
¡@¡@ The higher RIRs recorded in some districts were mainly attributable to unsatisfactory hygiene conditions in rear lanes, including accumulation of unused articles, improper handling of food remnants, or inadequate rodent control measures adopted in factory buildings.
¡@¡@ Noting that to eliminate food sources and to remove and block harbourages for rodents were effective rodent control measures, the spokesman called for concerted efforts to improve environmental hygiene, such as clearing unused articles and food remnants in rear lanes.
¡@¡@ The FEHD has, over the past year, implemented initiatives to sustain anti-rodent efforts in districts in addition to regular rodent prevention and control measures. These included providing a round-the-clock live rodent collection service; and alerting instantly relevant departments of RIRs recorded in various districts for timely adjustment to their rodent prevention and control measures.
¡@¡@ The FEHD will continue to liaise with the District Councils (DCs) to further enhance the effectiveness of rodent control work. Manpower has been strengthened at district level since April this year to co-ordinate the rodent control efforts of DCs, local organisations and other government departments.
¡@¡@ In the first six months of 2009, the FEHD trapped and eliminated about 13,700 rats, and filled about 3,800 rat holes. About 3,300 warnings were issued during inspections.
¡@¡@ To monitor rodent infestation, the FEHD has, since 2000, conducted yearly RIR surveys throughout the territory by setting baits in selected areas. The percentage 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.
¡@¡@For more information on rodent control measures and RIR, please visit FEHD's website: www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:01
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