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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Campaign 2006 today (December 9).
The department's Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, said rural places frequented by visitors as well as villages and their peripheries would be the target areas of the campaign.
"According to records, a substantial proportion of patients with rodent-borne diseases, such as spotted fever and scrub typhus, caught the diseases in rural places during outdoor activities such as trail walking," Dr Ho explained.
The campaign will unfold in two phases: a four-week promotion phase, running from today to January 5, 2006, and a one-month enhancement phase to be launched later in July.
During the promotion phase, relevant departments will step up anti-rodent operations.
"We will also make effort to monitor and control rodent infestations and other environmental hygiene problems."
Dr Ho urged people to keep a hygienic environment and repair structural defects to guard against against rodent infestations.
"The key to combat rodent problems is keeping our environment clean and leaving no food for rodents," he added.
He also advised trail walkers to take preventive measures against rodent-borne diseases.
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The measures include wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and long trousers; applying insect repellent on clothes and exposed parts of the body; walking on footpaths; and avoiding brushing long grasses beside the paths or resting inside humid and dark scrubby areas or under a tree.
According to the Department of Health, 28 cases of scrub typhus and 12 cases of spotted fever were recorded from January to November this year.
During the campaign, the FEHD will also conduct a pilot study on maintaining rat-free villages.
The study takes reference from anti-rodent experience in Budapest, Hungary, where rodent-eliminated areas have been able to remain free from rodents through long-term monitoring and baiting programmes.
"Six semi-rural villages have been selected for the study," Dr Ho said.
The six villages are Shek O Village (Southern District), Cha Kwo Ling Tsuen (Kwun Tong), Tseung Kwan O Village (Sai Kung), Sam Tung UK Resite Village including Hoi Pa Resite Village (Tsuen Wan), San Hui Village (Tuen Mun) and Ngau Pei Sha Village (Sha Tin).
"In the pilot study, the FEHD, with the assistance of other departments, organisations and villagers concerned, will eliminate rodents through extensive baiting operations, comprehensive inspections, installation of rodent-proof measures as well as improving environmental hygiene. Active participation of the villagers holds the key of success to this study.
"Residents of these villages will be advised to keep the environment clean and rectify any unsatisfactory conditions as soon as possible," Dr Ho said.
The FEHD will closely monitor and evaluate the sustainability and effectiveness of the operations under the study.
"If the result is promising, we will extend it to cover more areas and promote it to estate management and other government departments," Dr Ho concluded.
Departments actively participating in the Anti-rodent Campaign include Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Architectural Services; Buildings; Correctional Services; Drainage Services; Environmental Protection; Government Logistics; Highways; Health; Home Affairs; Housing; Immigration; Labour; Lands; Leisure and Cultural Services; Marine; Social Welfare; Water Supplies; the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
On the publicity front, anti-rodent messages will be carried in television and radio announcements and disseminated through roving exhibitions, posters, banners and leaflets.
For further information on anti-rodent measures, please visit the FEHD's webpage (http://www.fehd.gov.hk) or call its hotline at 2868 0000.
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:45
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