There are a lot of rats in Hamburg. Some cities are trying to limit the number of rodents. What should I do if I see a rat?
Anyone walking towards the Elbe in the Hamburg district of Altona may come across a small rodent on their way. The area between Altona train station and the town hall is considered a rat hotspot. The animals are attracted because many people feed birds and wild animals there, as the NDR reports. A feast for the rats. Many cities are in the same situation as the Hanseatic city – there are many rats on some corners. In Hamburg, poison bait is used to combat the animals. Animal welfare organizations criticize the killing with poison because death is unnecessarily cruel for the rodents.
Especially in summer, when people are out and about for longer periods of time, encounters with rodents do occur from time to time. But how dangerous are rodents for humans, and what should you do if you come across a rat? An overview.
How dangerous are rats for humans?
Normally, the animals flee when they see a human. However, if rats feel cornered, they can become aggressive and bite. As with any wound, there is a potential for it to become infected. And according to the Federal Environment Agency, rats transmit over 100 diseases.
How can humans become infected from rats?
The rodents are omnivores. On their hunts, they roam the sewers, search through garbage cans, find the remains of picnics in the park or dig through compost heaps. In all these places, rats can pick up germs such as salmonella, leptospira, hantaviruses and toxoplasma. Pathogens can be transmitted to humans through a rat bite. But humans can also become infected through the animals’ feces or urine. Fleas or ticks can also climb from rats onto humans or their pets and livestock and thus transmit diseases.
How can rats be prevented?
Rats are magically attracted to food. Therefore, when visiting the park, people should not feed the birds, ducks, swans or other wild animals there. Even if you are having a picnic or barbecue in the park, you should not leave food scraps in the park. It is better to dispose of the rubbish at home in a closed rubbish bin.
At home, consumers can make sure not to dispose of food scraps in the toilet, and garbage bags should always be thrown into locked bins. Yellow bags should be stored in a locked room and only put out on the street shortly before collection, advises the city of Stuttgart in a flyer.
Because once the rats have found a food source, they can quickly become a big problem. A few rats can quickly become hundreds of animals. The Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection estimates that each rat has around 500 offspring per year. According to the Federal Environment Agency, a female rat can give birth to eight young up to six times a year, which in turn reach sexual maturity after around two months.
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What should I do if I see a rat in the park or on the street?
Anyone who sees a rat must report the animal in their city. Rats are considered pests under the Infection Protection Act because they can transmit diseases to humans. In Hamburg, for example, this is possible at the Institute for Hygiene and Environment.
Sources: , , , State Office for , ,
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
