25 November 2023 , 22:15
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Glasgow's rat problem has been labelled a 'public health crisis' by a union, with refuse workers in the city reportedly dealing with it daily.
The GMB Union, representing the city's cleansing workers, said the issue is negatively affecting the mental health of workers due to the health risks posed by vermin. Chris Mitchell from GMB Union expressed his concern: "I've been raising this issue for a number of years now.
"Telling the council that it's a daily occurrence. It's having a detrimental effect on our members mental health and wellbeing. It's becoming extremely dangerous."
He added: "Two years ago, we had two members that were hospitalised because of rat bites and scratches. And you look at leptospirosis, Weil's disease. It's a new risk assessment, it can kill you." Mitchell concluded: "So, this is becoming a public health crisis right across Glasgow."
One part of a park in the city has already been sealed off due to a rodent infestation, Daily Record reports. A spokesperson for the council stated: "We became aware of issues with rats in Festival Park earlier this month and our teams have been responding to the situation."
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The spokesperson continued: "Unfortunately, well-meaning residents have been leaving out food for local wildlife and that has attracted rats into the park." They added: "We are removing this food as we find it and bait boxes have been stationed appropriately."
"Affected areas have been cordoned off to help minimise the risk to pets coming into the park. To ensure pest control treatments are as effective as possible, we urge people to stop leaving food for animals in the park."
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