Rats are a serious problem in Shanghai, and the city has issued the nation's first regulation on rat prevention and control, fining businesses, restaurants and other enterprises that do not control the rodents.

An anti-pest campaign, or rat sweep, will run from today through November 11, according to a weekend announcement by the Shanghai Patriotic Health Campaign Office.

The new rule also regulates the use of chemical pesticides and rat-proof facilities.

Autumn and spring are rat breeding seasons, so the rodent population is soaring. Businesses and residents will be able to get information about rats, how to control, catch and kill them, from their local health campaign office.

Enterprises failing to undertake rat control under the health authorities' requirement can face fines of up to 20,000 yuan (US$2,469).

Under the regulation, food processing and sales facilities, drug manufacturers, kindergartens, hospitals, and mental health centers, among others, are not allowed to use chemical rat poison. Rat-proof facilities are recommended.

(Shanghai Daily October 24, 2005)