Flood victims told to watch out for rats

Vermin are expected to move above ground after being flushed out of their underground homes by the floodwaters.

With the rats comes the threat of illnesses such as Weil's Disease, which is transmitted to humans via contaminated water and is carried by up to 30 per cent of the rodent population.

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The infection is carried in rat's urine, contaminating water, banks of canals, ponds, rivers and ditches. It can lead to kidney or liver failure and eventually death.

The warning comes as health experts warned that flood water may contain dangerous bacteria like E.coli and salmonella.

Engineers said infestations of rats were common following large scale floods.

Phil Hoey, managing director of drainage repair company Auger, said: "Traditionally we find rats living below ground in places like sewers and drains and ditches.

"But just like human beings they are forced to flee when their homes are overcome by floodwater. Unfortunately, they tend to find refuge above ground in people's homes or outbuildings.

"The rats carry disease so it is important to make sure all areas which have been flooded are thoroughly disinfected."

Last month, a plague of two billion rats swamped central China after torrential rain caused floods in the eastern province of Hunan.