Birmingham Faces Disease Threat from Rising Rat Infestations Amid Bin Strikes

Birmingham is facing a severe public health crisis as ongoing bin strikes have led to piles of uncollected waste, fostering an explosion in the rat population. Experts warn that these giant rats, some the size of cats, could transmit dangerous diseases, particularly leptospirosis, which can be fatal in severe cases. Infectious disease specialists emphasize that the combination of warm weather and accumulated refuse creates ideal conditions for rat breeding and disease spread. The Birmingham City Council has declared a major incident to manage the situation, but local residents report seeing the rats thriving among the rubbish. Health professionals advise the public to be cautious, highlighting the importance of hygiene to prevent exposure to rat urine. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for outbreaks of other rat-related diseases as well.