An Experimental Rat Eradication Program in an Urban Area
1963; Volume: 78; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/4591943
ISSN2327-6258
Autores Tópico(s)Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
ResumoAN EXPERIMENTAL rodent control pro- XJl gram which I conducted in the munici¬ palities of Victoria, Esquimalt, and Oak Bay at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C, Canada, was born of a conviction that it is technically possible to eliminate rats from ur¬ ban areas.The program deviated from orthodox public health practice in two important respects: (a) it was based on the extermination of rats rather than on control through sanitation measures, such as removal of food and harborage and rat- proofing, and (b) it was conducted as an active health department service, thus extending health department participation in rodent con¬ trol beyond its normal educational and law- enforcement role.The attempt at complete eradication began in 1958 in Victoria and one of its suburbs, Esqui¬ malt, and lasted for 2y2 years.In 1961 the municipality of Oak Bay joined the health area, and a similar program was conducted there.These seaport municipalities have a combined population of 81,692, and they cover an area of 14 square miles.A long coastline affords abundant natural food and harborage for rats, and a mild climate enables them to live out- doors year-round.The area is connected by road and rail to both rural and urban areas which report normal rodent infestation.This urban area is somewhat unusual in that it has few back lanes.Properties, particularly in residential areas, are separated at rear and
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