More effective rat barren virus
Astro Awani
September 1, 2013 13:12 MYT
September 1, 2013 13:12 MYT
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is currently developing a virus that can be barren rats, which are considered more effective than conventional methods such as trapping or poisoning.
Wildlife Research and Conservation Centre Head, Professor Datuk Dr. Abdul Rani Bahaman is confident with the effort which will produce an effective method of eradicating rats.
As known, rats are quick in breeding, which makes it difficult to control the rat population in an area.
However, with the availability of rat virus, he is confident that rats population can be controlled. Dr.Abdul Rani expects the virus project will result in three years time.
Diseases also can be overcome by controlling the rats population. Leptospira bacteria in rat urine can cause death within a week if left untreated.
Recent statistics from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) 6.8 million rats nest found in Kuala Lumpur. Rat population in the city increases by 2 percent every year.