An attempt to control house rats in Rangoon

An outbreak of bubonic plague was expected at the time of the Allied reoccupation of Rangoon in 1945. Rat control by poison was attempted. 2. The town was infested with Bandicota bengalensis, Rattus rattus, R. exulans, some R. norvegicus, Mus musculus, and the shrew Suncus caeruleus. Notes on the appearance and habits of each are given. 3. Plague seemed to be associated with the first three only. 4. Trapping and gassing methods had long been in use, and were considered ineffective. 5. A method of poisoning with barium carbonate in boiled rice after 4 days' prebaiting was evolved. 6. Results were satisfactory, and with further research the method should prove an effective method of control.