Rodentsppt

Rodents : 

Rodents Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Rodent Synonymous with the word “to gnaw” : 

Rodent Synonymous with the word “to gnaw” The most distinguishing characteristic of rodents is their large incisor teeth. These incisors must be worn down to prevent growth of these teeth from growing into their brains. “Self-sharpening” and gnawing not only keeps the teeth short, but it also keeps the edges chisel sharp. 2 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Importance: Rodents : 

Importance: Rodents Cause serious health hazards. Eat, spoil and damage property. Spread diseases by their waste through cross contamination. Weak bladder; urinate and defecate as they move. Highly developed sense of hearing, touch and smell. 3 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Three species of worldwide distribution : 

Three species of worldwide distribution Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Black rat (Rattus rattus). House mouse (Mus musculus). 4 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

General Description of Rattus norvegicus : 

General Description of Rattus norvegicus The common rat is between 20 –27cm in length. It weighs around 100 – 500g. It has a tail shorter than its head and body. It has small eyes and ears. Usually brownish grey on its back and grey underneath. 5 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Rodent Droppings : 

Rodent Droppings 6 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Signs of Infestation : 

Signs of Infestation Living or dead rodents. Droppings Shinny and black (fresh). Gray (stale). Urine stains. Gnawed food, wood or other items. Track or rub marks. Nests or burrows/holes. Odour. Sound. 7 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Physical Signs of Rodent Infestation : 

Physical Signs of Rodent Infestation 8 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Pubic Health Biological Characteristics of Rodents : 

Pubic Health Biological Characteristics of Rodents Climb both horizontal and vertical wires and pipes. Gain entrance through spaces 0.25 cm2 Jump horizontally 4 feet on flat surface. Withstand falls from 50 feet without being injured. Swim as far as 0.8 km in open water. Burrow vertically in earth to a depth of 4 feet. 9 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Public Health Biological Characteristics of Mice : 

Public Health Biological Characteristics of Mice Pass through holes the size of a dime. Jump one foot from a horizontal surface. Run up almost any vertical surface. Swim for considerable distances. Survive in between and underside of freezers for several generations. 10 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Life Cycle of Rodent : 

Life Cycle of Rodent A female rat is capable of reproducing at 3 months. The life expectancy of rats is around one year. A female will typically breed five times. The average size of a litter is between seven and eight pups. Breeding occurs throughout the year but especially in the Spring and Autumn. 11 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Life Cycle of Rattus norvegicius : 

Life Cycle of Rattus norvegicius Rattus norvegicius 1 year 20 pups 12 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Diseases Associated with Rodents : 

Diseases Associated with Rodents Rats host fleas and mites which are vectors for plague, murine, typhus, and salmonellosis. Rat droppings and urine transmit leptospirosis that contaminate food. Rat bites cause rat bite fever. 13 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Control Measures : 

Control Measures Physical Cut trees and shrubs growing close to houses Keep yards and vacant lots clean of garbage and debris. Use bait traps to kill rodents. Biological Cats and dogs can track and kill rodents. Birds can also kill rodents. Chemical Rodenticides can kill rodents. 14 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

References : 

References PAHO. Training Manual: Insect Vector Control Operators. PAHO. Pattron, D. Recent Research In Public Health. New York: Scientific Publishers, 2004. Morgan, M.T. Environmental Health. New York: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2003. 15 All Rights Reserved (c) Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.