Paris anti-rat campaign starts

PARIS police have launched their annual rat-catching campaign in a bid to cut down on hygiene risks across the capital.

Although Paris is much cleaner than it was 20 years ago, it is still estimated that there are two rats for every inhabitant – although rat-catchers say no one knows for certain.

Spring is when they start to come out of the sewers and move into basements or back yards full of rubbish and they reproduce very quickly and can spread diseases such as Weil's syndrome. The symptoms start like flu but can quickly worsen to include meningitis, liver damage and kidney failure.

The city’s six pest inspectors can order owners and co-ownership syndics to clean up sites, do repair works and bring in specialist extermination companies. They do not do any rat-catching themselves. Owners who ignore their recommendations are liable to a €450 fine for each offence.

Get more information from the police Unité de Prévention des Nuisances Animales on 01 40 27 16 00 or on the internet at UNPA website