Can pests spread or transmit COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
24 March 2020Pests have a history of transmitting viruses – Bubonic Plague, London, England
This is why we have a world wide pest control industry. Rats, mice, cockroaches, flies, foxes and birds are all capable of carrying harmful pathogens that can transfer to humans. All species have lived along side man since the dawn of time, utilizing our food sources, dwellings and not so hygienic conditions.
Rat In a BTP Control Box
Rats are well documented at carrying leptospirosis or Weils Disease and passing to huans from contact with urine, blood or body tissue of an infected animal. Birds. especially the Feral Pigeon can carry Salmonella, Bird Flu (H5N1) and Psittacosis. This can be from their droppings or nest areas. Foxes have the potential to carry Toxacariasis and Sarcoptic Mange. Flies are thought to be one of the greatest ways salmonella is passed about. Just look what the feed and walk on, then on your food prep surfaces or items. Cockroaches can carry some scary diseases such as Salmonella, Typhoid and Dysentery. Just a simple internet search of kitchens shut down and fined for severe Cockroach infestations, gives you an idea how serious infestations are taken.
As pests are highly mobile, then if they come in to contact with the virus are then capable of spreading it on to surfaced that humans come in to contact with. The World Health Organisation has stated that COVID-19 survives on surfaces. Trials have suggested that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours, or a few days.
It is still too early in the development of vaccines for Coronavirus (Covid-19) and that means that there are currently no meaningful results as to the origins of the current pandemic, though most experts believe it originated in animals.
What we must remember is though, with many buildings shutting down there will be stored products and food items that will be an attractant. Especially if there are less people on the streets leaving waste food behind. These buildings and areas should still be monitored and protected for pest activity. Otherwise when we come to start up again there could be a pest infestation to contend with, along with damage from gnawing or contamination from droppings and urine.
That old saying has more resonance now:
While the cat’s away, the mice will play!
Call us on 01525 863 951, Email for help or advice during this tricky period.
Rats feeding
