Thaindian News

Hong Kong, July 7 (IANS) Rat attacks are becoming worse and worse in Hong Kong, which officials say might have an impact on the territory’s image as a tourist haven.
“I think reports of rats biting people are of concern. I am no rodent expert, and I do not know about the behaviour of rats. But as a tourist, I would not go to places where rats are biting people,” Joseph Lee Kok-long, an official in the health services sector, was quoted as saying by the Standard.

The latest attack occurred Tuesday when an elderly man felt a sharp pain on his toe while sleeping and awoke to find it bleeding. The 69-year-old, admitted to a hospital, said he had been bitten by a rat earlier too.

“There are countless rats everywhere in the neighbourhood. The government should think of measures to tackle the problem,” a resident said.

In June, a housewife was bitten while shopping at a supermarket, while in May a British tourist was attacked.

The poison used to kill rats is a major reason for the rodents’ behaviour.

“The poison will cause internal bleeding. As a result, rats will feel thirsty because they are losing blood, and come out for water even in the daytime,” said Gabriel Leung, undersecretary for food and health.

The government will inspect likely rat-infested areas in all markets and restaurants, he said.

In 2009, the authorities trapped and eliminated around 31,900 rats.