Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

A rat control program, administered and coordinated by Alberta Department of Agriculture, has kept Alberta essentially free of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) since 1950. A control zone, 29 x 600 km, along the eastern border prevents rats from moving into Alberta from the east. Sporadic rat infestations within the interior of Alberta are reported by concerned citizens and eradicated by government personnel. Strong support for the program by citizens and local governments was developed through public education and information. The program has been successful for a variety of reasons including geography, climate, legislation, availability of warfarin, the relatively small size of the infested area, grass-roots support, lack of complacency, and the personnel involved.