The Portland Health Department has embarked on a $16.2 million programme to eradicate rats from several communities.

The Department has reported an increase in rodents, especially in town centres.

Public Health Inspector within the department, Samuel Brown says the programme, which is being backed by several agencies, aims to rid infested areas and provide public education on how humans assist breeding.

The health inspector laments that in addition to transmitting diseases to humans, such as Leptospirosis and the Hantavirus rodents can also affect the parish’s tourism product.