LOS ANGELES – (INT) - Public health and vector pest control authorities says there’s been an explosion in the rodent population in California cities and a spike in dangerous diseases such as Typhus.

"California is being overrun by rodents – and without immediate emergency action by state and local government, we face significant economic costs and risk a public health crisis," said Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California.

Among the findings:

• California is experiencing a massive spike in its rodent population that is both measured by available data sets and observed by field personnel.

• Increase in California’s rodent population is not explained by environmental factors – but is directly related to the decision by some government officials to ban effective rodent control methods and a spike in the state’s homeless population.

• Rodent infestations fueling an increase in reported cases of dangerous diseases such as Typhus – current rate of increase in cases raises concern regarding possible public health epidemic.

Story Date: July 24, 2019