For centuries, people have recognized that rats and
mice are not only a nuisance but are a public health
problem. Rats and mice damage and contaminate food,
damage structures, and carry diseases that threaten
health and quality of life, and they can cause injury
and death. This manual describes techniques to help
us protect ourselves from these disease vectors by
gathering information (surveillance) about infestations
and about the causative conditions of infestation.
Accurate recordkeeping by public health officials
provides the information needed to manage rodent and
other pest problems.