Rats really do pose a problem

KATY Clifton highlights the problems caused by rats at this time of the year (Gazette September13).

Cuddly creatures they may be. But they really can cause many bacterial infections.

Chief among them is Weil’s disease which attacks the kidneys and liver and is spread by rat urine mostly in rivers.

Cases have doubled in the last two years. There were four deaths recorded in 2014 in the UK and over 70 UK cases diagnosed in 2016. Olympic rower Andy Holmes from Uxbridge died from this distressing disease.

Weil’s is also known as leptospirosis and it is said that cattle, mice, foxes and badgers could also carry the disease.

Hillingdon is on the edge of the countryside, has many rivers and water courses, and with recent heavy rain will certainly exacerbate rat infestations as they seek drier habitation. Rats breed quickly after maturity at three or four years.

They can produce a litter within 21-24 days of eight to 10 young. It is possible that a breeding pair can provide 2,000 babies a year.

Our household waste and recycling bags can be a ready conduit for rats and foxes. On Some Hillingdon streets you can often see trails of debris from bags slit open by vermin eager for their takeaway meal before refuse collections.

So these bags must be securely fastened and sealed. Rats really do pose a problem for public health. We must watch for signs of their encroachment and contact Hillingdon Environmental Health with legitimate concerns. They can be contacted on the website: www. hillingdon.gov.uk Ian Herne Hillingdon