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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (August 17) that the Rodent Infestation Rate (RIR) for the first half of 2012 was 2.9 per cent, representing a slight increase compared with 1.8 per cent in the corresponding period last year. Nevertheless, rodent infestation in public areas in the city was generally under control.
"According to a territory-wide survey conducted by the FEHD, the highest three RIRs were recorded in Yuen Long (11.4 per cent), Kowloon City (7.4 per cent) and Kwun Tong (7.1 per cent)," a spokesman for the FEHD said.
"The FEHD has stepped up its anti-rodent efforts in these districts. Local residents, food premises, shops and relevant parties were also reminded of the importance of rodent control efforts," he added.
The spokesman explained that relatively higher RIRs recorded in certain districts were mainly caused by poor hygiene conditions at specific spots and rear lanes, including accumulation of disused articles, indiscriminate disposal of refuse and improper handling of food remnants, which provide shelter and food for rodents.
The FEHD will continue its daily anti-rodent efforts in all districts, including street cleansing, eliminating and trapping rats in rear lanes, filling rat holes and encouraging active participation of the public in anti-rodent work, as well as strengthening publicity and education programmes in rodent prevention and control.
"Effective rodent prevention and control hinge on the sustained co-operation and concerted efforts of the community and the Government," the spokesman said.
"To encourage active participation of the public, the FEHD rolled out a territory-wide anti-rodent campaign in two phases this year. The first phase was completed in late February while the second phase, which kicked off late last month, is going to last until September 28," he said.
To enhance the effects of rodent control in the districts and achieve sustainable results, inspections will be stepped up during the campaign period in places that are more susceptible to rodent infestations, which include markets, hawker bazaars, typhoon shelters and lanes close to food premises, and other problematic spots and their vicinity.
The department will also continue to organise territory-wide as well as district-based publicity and educational events to effectively promote rodent control work on various fronts.
For more information on rodent control measures and the RIR, please visit the FEHD website www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, August 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:05
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