Considered one of the most common health problems in large cities due to the diseases they carry, rats have become a part of urban landscapes around the world; however, the population of these rodents, traditionally controlled by health and sanitation brigades, might spiral out of control in coming years.
Scientists at Huddersfield University in the United Kingdom have warned about a new generation of rats that are immune to traditional poisons. The new rats have been found throughout the country and, according to a series of tests made by researchers, 3 out of 4 rats analyzed were resistant to traditional poisons, according to Mirror News.
In November, Richard Moseley of the British Plague Control Association, told newspaper Metro that "Normal rats are being exterminated by poison, but this new species are taking their place, and their numbers are rising."
Some rats have been resistant to poison for over 50 years, Moseley explained; however, the new generation of rats in England exhibit genetic mutations that have turned them into "super rats" that are resistant to toxic substances, which might become a serious problem in the future, since these new rats have been found in Sussex Eastbourne, Hastings, Battle and East Grinstead.
The main problem is that common rats need large amounts of poison to be killed, but the costs of brigades have caused people to decide to poison the rats themselves, and many times don't use enough poison.
According to The Daily Mail, this causes rodents to become resistant to poisons and transmit this resistance to their offspring.
"The only solution is stronger poisons. There are doubts about the side effect of poisoning other species and bird, but, if it's carefully controlled, it can be kept to an absolute minimum," researcher Dr. Dougie Clark told Metro.
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