| Rodents join the Joburg rat race |
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| Written by Emily Visser | |
| Wednesday, 16 January 2008 | |
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As Joburg has grown, so has its rodent population. But the City has ways of tackling the problem and is busy revising its pest control and pest surveillance programmes. 
The City's pest control team in action
IN the main, the fast pace of economic growth in Johannesburg is a positive, leading to a stronger economy and an increase in exchange of goods. There has also been a large influx of people to the city. But the unfortunate result is overcrowding of inner city buildings, spectacular growth of informal settlements and a concomitant increase in health-related risks. Increased waste, illegal dumping, littering, unhygienic conditions and overloaded sewerage systems have led to constant blockages in the system, in turn creating a safe haven with ample food for rodents – and so leading to their proliferation. Johannesburg is home to five different species of rats. Among the more notorious is Rattus norvegicus, which is responsible for an increase in rodent attacks on humans in the city.
New programme "The increase in rodent attacks on humans bears proof that humans are living in closer proximity to rodents than before, thus increasing the risk for humans to be exposed to rodent-borne diseases such as plague, leptospirosis [a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through ingestion of food contaminated with the urine of infected rats], and rat bite infections," the report states. These are three of the most significant diseases transmitted by the pests to humans. "Our biggest challenge is the inadequacy of services to informal settlements," confirmed Peter Manganye, the deputy director for environmental health.
Daily operations 
Pest control operations are carried out daily
Pest control operations are carried out daily by the 69 pest control personnel in all seven City regions. But more infrastructure investment will be required if Johannesburg is to stay ahead of the ever-growing rat pack. The report suggests a four-fold approach to their eradication. Firstly, the issue of sanitation needs attention. One of the most prominent food sources for rodents is waste. More refuse bins must be rolled out and storage of waste must be in rodent-proof containers. Secondly, places where rodents hide or nest must be eliminated. According to Manganye, the inner city bad buildings syndrome increases environmental health risks, and exacerbates the rodent problem. As a third measure, buildings should be rodent-proofed, to deny these creatures access to their interiors. And finally, the success of the programme will be determined by the amount of community-based support and co-operation that is mobilised. Waste management programmes should be aimed at empowering members of the community to take responsibility for their waste and assist with the elimination of conditions that lead to rodent infestation.
Vector control services "We will be requesting and educating communities to keep their premises free from accumulations of refuse, rubble or other materials that could enhance rodent harbourage, as well as to minimise available food sources and to institute eradication measures where necessary." Fines of up to R1 500 or imprisonment of up to six months may be imposed for offences of this nature. Johannesburg expects more than 600 000 visitors from across the globe during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. "Rodent borne diseases are a reality in South Africa and it would be irresponsible to ignore [the] threat," the report notes. With expertise, infrastructure and mechanisms in place to deal with most health hazards, the vector control services, forming part of the environmental health sub-directorate, feels a comprehensive rodent surveillance programme will put the City one step ahead.
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