Keeping chickens

We would have a rat problem if we didn't poison regularly. Two large cats and two Jack Russells also help. Team effort really.

When keeping chickens beware of Psittacosis pneumonia

It is a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds, birds spread the infection to humans.

However it is a rare disease, in the US, there were around 150 cases reported in a year.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) states around 50 cases are confirmed in England and Wales each year, so I don't think GN chicken-fanciers need to worry unduly!

True, as I said it is a rare disease, but my brother caught it and it was life threatening.

You can become infected with Weil's disease from rats' urine too. I do know someone who had that, although he was fine after a course of antibiotics.

And tetanus from stabbing your foot with a garden fork.

Sure is a good life in the country

I have spent most of my life in it, so think maybe I am immune. However, there are more rats by the Louvre than there are by us.

www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/28/parisian-public-gardens-tuileries-louvre-rat-infestation

Apparently Manchester had a plague in 2008, Winchester had one when they remodelled the poorhouse and a prison wing, I believe Newcastle has a huge problem. they are everywhere. I think I read somewhere that you are never more than 5 yards from a rat. I think maybe most of that is in our drains.