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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (September 5) that the Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the first half of 2013 was 3 per cent, almost the same as the corresponding figure (2.9 per cent) for last year.
An FEHD spokesman said, "According to a territory-wide survey conducted by the FEHD, Yuen Long has the highest RIR (10.5 per cent) while the RIR of the other districts were below 10 per cent. As a whole, rodent infestation in public areas in the city was generally under control."
He added that the relatively high RIR in some districts was 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.
The spokesman said, "Apart from maintaining 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 FEHD has, in the districts with relatively higher RIRs, stepped up anti-rodent efforts, urged food premises, shops and other relevant parties to implement rodent control measures, and encouraged residents to actively participate in the prevention and control of rodents."
Effective rodent prevention and control hinges on sustained co-operation between the community and the Government. The FEHD, as in previous years, rolled out a two-phase territory-wide anti-rodent campaign this year to encourage public participation. The second phase was completed on August 30.
During the campaign period the FEHD enhanced its inspections and rodent control measures in target areas including markets, market buildings, hawker bazaars, typhoon shelters, lanes close to food premises and other problematic spots and their peripheries.
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/Thursday, September 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:31
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