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Council urged to reclassify mice as 'public health risk'

12/09/2007

Manchester City Council has been urged to review its pest control policy after it was found that nearly a third of homes in Cheetham Hill were infested with mice.

A study by the University of Salford also found that mice, rather than staying dormant in one particular house, travel up and down a terraced street.

And because the majority of mice nearly carry the potentially-fatal Toxoplasma disease, researchers believe the rodents should be upgraded from 'nuisance pests' to 'public health risk'.

Dr Gai Murphy, who led the study, said: "For the first time ever, we have conclusive proof that mice migrate between properties, increasing the risk of disease considerably.

"It is essential that they are considered a health risk because, although Toxoplasma is rare, its effects can be life-threatening."

The city council, which partly funded the report, has already made efforts to change its pest control systems, such as treating entire property blocks.

Persons at most risk from Toxoplasmosis are pregnant women, those who have HIV/Aids and anyone undergoing chemotherapy.