Portland to Implement Rodent Eradication Programme

The Portland Health Department is embarking on a programme to eradicate rodents from town centres.

The parish has seen an increase in rat infestation in recent months.

Public Health Inspector, Samuel Brown, said the programme will cost more than $16 million and will involve interventions such as setting baits and public education on how persons can assist in ridding their surroundings of the pests.

He was speaking at the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation held in Port Antonio.

Rats can transmit diseases to humans including leptospirosis, hantavirus, rat bite fever and lymphocytic choriomeningitis.

They can also carry parasites that spread diseases such as murine typhus and Lyme disease.

“The survival of rodents is facilitated by careless storage of commercial refuse or garbage from restaurants and other establishments where food is served and eaten. Also, persons eating and disposing of unwanted food indiscriminately encourage the rapid growth and multiplication of rats and mice throughout the townships and parish in general,” Mr. Brown said.

He noted that dilapidated buildings also provide nesting areas for the rodents.

The Health Department will host a meeting with stakeholders on Thursday (February 20), at the Portland Municipal Corporation, starting at 2:00 p.m., to outline the eradication programme, which will be implemented in three phases and in three sections of the parish.

It will run for eight to 12 weeks, with the objective of effectively reducing the rat population and preventing reinfestation.

The Public Health Inspector said large food establishments will be targeted as part of the eradication programme.