| Domestic rodents, also called
commensal rodents, are three species of rats and mice which live
in close contact with man. Damage caused by these animals is
varied and extensive with losses reaching millions of dollars
annually. They are found almost everywhere that man dwells.
They inhabit man's buildings and destroy his food and property. Rodents damage buildings by gnawing at doors, window casings or
almost any point where entry is attempted. Gnawing damage
is also
serious on-board ships and planes, where numerous cables,
communication and navigation systems, water-tight compartment
gaskets, food lockers and other materials are susceptible to
damage.
Norway rats burrowing under building foundations, walks,
driveways and streets frequently cause stress cracks and breaks. Paper and wood merchandise containers are attractive to rats. Feed contaminated by feces and urine is an economic loss to the
owner and a health hazard to livestock.
Commensal rodents are responsible for many diseases affecting
public health. Murine typhus fever and plague are the most
important, although salmonellosis, trichinosis, leptospirosis
and rat-bite fever also are transmitted.
Besides being threats to human health, rats distribute many
diseases to livestock, poultry and pets. Examples are
brucellosis, distemper, leptospirosis trichinosis, equine
influenza, mange, mastitis, swine erysipelas, tracheitis and
tuberculosis.
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