 |
Designated Pests - vermin and vector controlThe Public Health Act 2005 introduces a new term – designated pests. Designated pests are rats, mice, mosquitoes and any other animal nominated by the Public Health Regulation 2005. The only animals nominated by the Regulation at present are rats and mice and mosquitos.
Other vectors or pest species that transmit disease or are hazardous to human health, not included as 'designated pests' are included under the broader definition of 'public health risk' (see definition on the legislation page) .
Designated pests under the Public Health Act should not be confused with 'pests' under the Pest Management Act. (see information on the Legislation page)
Other commonly used names for designated pests are vectors or vermin. Vectors are carriers of bacteria, parasites, viruses or other micro-organisms that cause disease. For example, mosquitoes can be vectors for dengue or Ross River fever. Rats can be vectors for leptospirosis. There are other animals which can be vectors that are not nominated as designated pests under the Public Health Act 2005 eg flying foxes and cockroaches. Rats and mice are also known as vermin.
Notifiable conditions are those that can threaten public health and must be reported to Queensland Health. It is usually doctors and hospitals that report notifiable conditions. In some cases, an EHW may be involved in finding the cause of a notifiable condition in their community. Notifiable conditions are listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Health Regulation 2005. Current examples include all diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (eg. malaria, Ross River, dengue, Japanese encephalitis), Australian Bat Lyssavirus, leptospirosis, and plague (transmitted by rats).
Some diseases spread by designated pests can cause serious sickness or death. For example, each year in Queensland, up to 100 people who are infected by leptospirosis have to be put in hospital. People who get dengue or Ross River fever can take months to get well. Some people have died from the disease. Outbreaks of disease also make an area less attractive for tourists and visitors, which reduces income for local businesses.
Older people and very young children are often the worst affected by these diseases. If they need to go away to hospital, separation from family causes additional stress. By helping to control vermin and vectors, EHWs contribute to the general wellbeing of their communities.
More detailed information on designated pests and vector control topics and issues can be found by clicking on the links at the left under Designated Pests - Vermin and Vector Control.
Other languages