PEST CONTROL COMPANY REMOVES WILD CATS FROM UHG

Date Published: 13-Dec-2012

The HSE West has called in a pest control company to remove wild cats from the grounds of University Hospital Galway.They've also confirmed this evening that the problem of fleas at the hospital was caused by cats.A number of staff working in the outpatient department at UHG have been bitten by fleas recently, however there is no sign that patients have been affected.The HSE has now identified that the bites were caused by cat fleas, and that the wild cats on the grounds are one possible source.In a statement to Galway Bay FM News this evening, the HSE West says, "There have been wild cats on the grounds of the hospital in recent weeks and we have been in contact with GSPCA on the matter. The cats are being removed from the hospital grounds by a pest control company and are being brought to a vet to be humanely put down or re-housed if possible. The vet is able to identify that these cats are wild due to their condition and the absence of microchips or collars.The statement continues, "The hospital has a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff at all times. We are taking all appropriate measures to address the problem of fleas and we will continue to do so until the matter is fully addressed."The HSE West says they have also liaised with the HSE Environmental Health and Public Health Departments in relation to the matter.