FEHD Launches Thunder Action Against Rodent Infestation Across Hong Kong
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 9 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched the Thunder Action on November 4, adopting a risk-based and precision deployment approach to combat rodent infestation across Hong Kong. The operation actively traces rodent activity paths to locate nests and primary hiding spots, marking a shift from previous methods that focused mainly on catching rats at surface-level sighting locations. The campaign has inspected 1,373 high-risk locations, discovering 199 rodent holes or hiding spots and capturing 103 live rats while collecting 51 dead ones .
Key Points
- Thunder Action launched on November 4, utilizing big data and frontline intelligence to identify key locations, then tracing rodent holes and activity routes to target nests and breeding grounds
- The operation inspected 1,373 locations, finding 199 rodent holes or hiding spots, catching 103 live rats, collecting 51 dead rats, and completing rodent extermination and hole blocking at 92 locations
- Night rodent control teams deployed to Kwun Tong industrial building on Shing Yip Street after 15 pest elimination notices failed to resolve the problem, capturing over 50 rats in the first night
- Initial phase prioritizes parks, recreational areas, green belts, slopes, restaurant back alleys, and areas around garbage collection points as high-risk locations
- FEHD may prosecute the industrial building's responsible parties under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance and seek reimbursement for extermination costs
Why It Matters
This targeted operation represents a strategic shift from reactive pest control to proactive source elimination, addressing rodent problems at their roots rather than merely managing surface infestations. The Kwun Tong case demonstrates the department's willingness to pursue legal action against property owners who fail to maintain sanitary conditions, potentially setting a precedent for future enforcement. With the dual approach of Thunder Action combined with the existing Tianluo Action, the government aims to achieve rapid control of rodent problems through coordinated efforts among authorities, businesses, and residents.
This targeted operation represents a strategic shift from reactive pest control to proactive source elimination, addressing rodent problems at their roots rather than merely managing surface infestations. The Kwun Tong case demonstrates the department's willingness to pursue legal action against property owners who fail to maintain sanitary conditions, potentially setting a precedent for future enforcement. With the dual approach of Thunder Action combined with the existing Tianluo Action, the government aims to achieve rapid control of rodent problems through coordinated efforts among authorities, businesses, and residents.