Emergency treatment of regional rodent density increase at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Objective To control rat density and ensure public health security at the capital airport. Methods In a routine rodent density investigation carried out by Beijing Capital Airport Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau from October 15 to 17, 2009, it was found that the average rodent density in some areas of the capital airport was up to 5.17%, which exceeded the standard limit of International Hygiene Airport. An emergency response was immediately launched according to the Frontier Public Health Emergency Response Program, including the establishment of an emergency response team, development of the rodent control plan, administration of rodenticides and deployment of glue traps to reduce the rat density. Results After 30 days of emergency treatment, the rodent density decreased to 0.50%, and the monitoring after 40 days revealed zero rat density (based on the night trap measurement). Conclusion The Frontier Public Health Emergency Response Program played a crucial role to proper handling of rodent density increase.