Thanks to an online video posted by a resident , the rat infestation at Bukit Batok has been unearthed. And the ineptitude of the highly paid town mayor in charge thoroughly exposed. Expert opinions are now solicited.
Q: How worried should the general public be about this rat infestation?
Assoc Prof Richard J Sugrue, Head of the Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, NTU:
"Being near a MRT station may increase the risk of the spread of infectious agents, since there is a risk that rats can enter the MRT system. This could potentially allow the flow of infected material (e.g. aerosols from infected rat urine) through the MRT underground tunnels, which could have consequences for people living outside the immediate area."
What he should have said:"After shooting the mayor, you guys should shoot the CEO of SMRT. The health and safety of thousands of commuters are at stake! Some more want to increase fares!""
Q: The pest controllers identify the Bukit Batok rats as roof rats, not sewer rats. Is there a difference in terms of the damage these rats can inflict?
Senior Research Fellow Dr Ian Mendenhall and Research Assistant Erica Sena Neves, Laboratory of Virus Evolution, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program,Duke-NUS Medical School:
"Both species are highly adaptable and intelligent, and their propensity to dig and gnaw can cause direct and indirect structural damage to buildings and houses."
What they should have said:"Worried about falling windows even before the 99 year lease is up? The whole bloody flat can collapse before you know it!"
Q: Is it fair to blame the feeders of stray dogs for the proliferation of the rats?
Dr Mendenhall and Ms Neves:
"In highly urbanised cities like Singapore, there are endless sources of food for the rats. "
What they should have said:"The poor, however, may still be struggling for 3 full meals a day, be it at a hawker center, food court or fancy restaurant."
Q: What should authorities and residents do to prevent this sort of rat infestation from happening again?
Dr Mendenhall and Ms Neves:
"It is frequently said that there are as many rats in cities as people, and undoubtedly we will never be able to completely eliminate these animals from urban environments."
What they should have said:"Just imagine the scenario. If Liu Thai Ker has his way, there will be 10 million rats scurrying around. And we don't just mean just foreign talents like the enterprising Yang Yin."
Q: How worried should the general public be about this rat infestation?
Assoc Prof Richard J Sugrue, Head of the Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, NTU:
"Being near a MRT station may increase the risk of the spread of infectious agents, since there is a risk that rats can enter the MRT system. This could potentially allow the flow of infected material (e.g. aerosols from infected rat urine) through the MRT underground tunnels, which could have consequences for people living outside the immediate area."
What he should have said:"After shooting the mayor, you guys should shoot the CEO of SMRT. The health and safety of thousands of commuters are at stake! Some more want to increase fares!""
Q: The pest controllers identify the Bukit Batok rats as roof rats, not sewer rats. Is there a difference in terms of the damage these rats can inflict?
Senior Research Fellow Dr Ian Mendenhall and Research Assistant Erica Sena Neves, Laboratory of Virus Evolution, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program,Duke-NUS Medical School:
"Both species are highly adaptable and intelligent, and their propensity to dig and gnaw can cause direct and indirect structural damage to buildings and houses."
What they should have said:"Worried about falling windows even before the 99 year lease is up? The whole bloody flat can collapse before you know it!"
Q: Is it fair to blame the feeders of stray dogs for the proliferation of the rats?
Dr Mendenhall and Ms Neves:
"In highly urbanised cities like Singapore, there are endless sources of food for the rats. "
What they should have said:"The poor, however, may still be struggling for 3 full meals a day, be it at a hawker center, food court or fancy restaurant."
Q: What should authorities and residents do to prevent this sort of rat infestation from happening again?
Dr Mendenhall and Ms Neves:
"It is frequently said that there are as many rats in cities as people, and undoubtedly we will never be able to completely eliminate these animals from urban environments."
What they should have said:"Just imagine the scenario. If Liu Thai Ker has his way, there will be 10 million rats scurrying around. And we don't just mean just foreign talents like the enterprising Yang Yin."