New York City Pursues Rat Birth Control Program to Combat Rodent Population

New York City has unveiled a new initiative aimed at controlling the rat population by implementing a birth control program specifically designed for rats, Aso Naija Reports.

Councilmember Shaun Abreu, representing Manhattan, has put forth a proposal to establish a rat birth control program in collaboration with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Sanitation. The primary objective of this program is to address the ongoing issue of rat infestation in the city.

Abreu, who leads the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, emphasized the importance of an all-encompassing strategy to combat the rat problem. He stated during a council meeting, “We believe that a comprehensive approach is necessary to effectively tackle the rat issue. We need to employ a range of measures to confront it head-on.”

As reported by the NY Post, the plan involves the deployment of “ContraPest pellets” in designated rat mitigation zones spanning at least ten city blocks. These pellets contain an active component known as “triptolide,” which has the ability to render both male and female rats sterile while affecting their ovarian function and sperm cell production.