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Update Date: 2009/05/17 04:09 [Compiled by Zhang Peiyuan / Comprehensive Report]
British scientists have warned that rats across the UK have evolved resistance to poison, making pest control efforts more difficult.
New DNA Strain: Evolution of Poison Resistance
Professor Smith from the Department of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield stated that the DNA of these genetically mutated "super rats" enables them to resist common poisons. Researchers in Berkshire and Hampshire were the first to report that rodenticides were no longer effective, though experts initially attributed the issue to enhanced immunity in rats. As these poison-resistant rats spread, tests revealed they possess a new DNA strain that protects them from rodenticides.
UK Town Reports 500% Increase in Rats
Swindon in Wiltshire is the latest town to be invaded by poison-resistant rats, with local pest controllers reporting a 500% increase in rodent numbers. Many have turned to traps or air rifles to control the population. Smith warned that these super rats could proliferate in communities across the UK. The government has ceased funding for tracking rat poison resistance, seemingly unaware of the severity of the issue.
Smith explained that natural selection means that in cities with rat populations, poison kills off non-resistant rats, leaving behind the mutated, poison-resistant ones.
It is estimated that there are currently around 80 million rats in the UK, with their numbers growing by over 200% since 2007. The British Pest Control Association believes that infrequent garbage collection, leaving waste outdoors for extended periods, is also a factor in the surge. The UK Pest Association will urge the government to approve the use of stronger outdoor poisons, arguing that a potential rat population explosion this summer could threaten public health.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 090517/ 78/ 1jmqv. html
Evolving Monsters/Super Rats: Indestructible to Rodenticides
British scientists have warned that rats across the UK have evolved resistance to poison, making pest control efforts more difficult.
New DNA Strain: Evolution of Poison Resistance
Professor Smith from the Department of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield stated that the DNA of these genetically mutated "super rats" enables them to resist common poisons. Researchers in Berkshire and Hampshire were the first to report that rodenticides were no longer effective, though experts initially attributed the issue to enhanced immunity in rats. As these poison-resistant rats spread, tests revealed they possess a new DNA strain that protects them from rodenticides.
UK Town Reports 500% Increase in Rats
Swindon in Wiltshire is the latest town to be invaded by poison-resistant rats, with local pest controllers reporting a 500% increase in rodent numbers. Many have turned to traps or air rifles to control the population. Smith warned that these super rats could proliferate in communities across the UK. The government has ceased funding for tracking rat poison resistance, seemingly unaware of the severity of the issue.
Smith explained that natural selection means that in cities with rat populations, poison kills off non-resistant rats, leaving behind the mutated, poison-resistant ones.
It is estimated that there are currently around 80 million rats in the UK, with their numbers growing by over 200% since 2007. The British Pest Control Association believes that infrequent garbage collection, leaving waste outdoors for extended periods, is also a factor in the surge. The UK Pest Association will urge the government to approve the use of stronger outdoor poisons, arguing that a potential rat population explosion this summer could threaten public health.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 090517/ 78/ 1jmqv. html