COMMENSAL RODENT CONTROL: CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Abstract:
Predictions for world human population trends predict exponential growth. The close relationship between commensal rodents and human populations suggests that the commensal rodent population may also increase exponentially, perhaps most dramatically in those areas which are least able to cope. The paper identifies a number of challenges relating to both the need for further research and development of effective control techniques and the co-ordination and application of the results of this research on a world wide basis. The need for effective identification of the cost benefits of control is identified as a catalyst for the development of more effective rodent control strategies.