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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (February 27) that the overall Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the second half of 2013 was 3.2 per cent, almost the same as the figure in the first half of the year (3 per cent). The overall RIR for 2013 was 3.1 per cent, representing a slight increase over the 2.4 per cent recorded in 2012.
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 second half of 2013. Rodent infestation in public areas in the city was generally under control. The district with the highest RIR was Eastern (7.1 per cent)."
He added that 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.
The spokesman said, "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. As for districts with relatively higher RIRs, the FEHD has already 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, has rolled out a two-phase territory-wide anti-rodent campaign this year to encourage public participation. The first phase, launched on January 2, will run until March 7 while the second phase will be held between July 7 and September 5.
During the campaign period, the FEHD has 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, February 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:31
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