NYC Mayor Eric Adams hosts summit to address rat problem in city.
In an effort to tackle New York City’s persistent rat problem, Mayor Eric Adams has announced the inaugural National Urban Rat Summit. Set to take place on September 18 and 19, the summit will bring together experts in rat control from Boston, New Orleans, and Seattle to address the escalating rodent issue in the Big Apple.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, expressed his disdain for rats, stating that the key to overcoming this challenge is understanding the enemy. He emphasized that despite a nearly 14% decrease in rat sightings in the city’s Rat Mitigation Zones, the battle against rats is far from over.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue highlighted the city’s unwavering commitment to rat control, commending Mayor Adams and Cornell University for spearheading the summit. She emphasized the importance of sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among cities nationwide to combat the rat menace.
Kathleen Corradi, the Citywide Director of Rodent Mitigation, expressed pride in hosting the first National Urban Rat Summit, underscoring the city’s leadership in rat management. She emphasized the significance of leveraging science and data to drive effective mitigation efforts.
Mayor Adams’ decision to lead the Urban Rat Summit follows his ongoing battle against New York City’s rodent population. With concerns about potential health risks posed by rats, the city’s efforts to eradicate these pests have been ongoing for over a year.
Following a warning issued by New York City health officials regarding the rise in bacterial illnesses transmitted through rat urine, six cases of leptospirosis linked to rat urine have been reported in the city so far. Leptospirosis can lead to serious health complications, including kidney damage, meningitis, and liver failure.
The CDC warns that individuals in the homeless population or those living in facilities with crowded living conditions are at higher risk of contracting leptospirosis. Symptoms of the disease can mimic other illnesses, making early detection crucial.
According to health officials, from 2001 to 2023, the Bronx recorded the highest number of leptospirosis cases with 37, followed by Manhattan with 28 cases. Tragically, six deaths were reported during the same period.
The upcoming National Urban Rat Summit signifies a proactive approach by Mayor Adams and city officials to address New York City’s rat problem comprehensively. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the summit aims to advance rat management strategies and protect the health and well-being of the city’s residents.
As New York City continues its fight against rats, the summit represents a significant step towards creating a more rat-resistant urban environment and enhancing public health and safety in the city.
