Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Homeless encampments are a persistent feature in the city of Oakland, California. Unsanitary conditions in these camps can contribute to large populations of Norway rats and associated vector-borne disease. Alameda County Vector Control Services District has developed a surveillance program for safe and efficient data collection in these encampments. This program includes outreach to residents, effective live-trap ping, ectoparasite collection, vector species suppression, and coordinating with other agencies. The District’s operations around Oakland’s pilot “Tuff Shed” homeless shelter strategy are presented as a case study for Norway rat and Oriental rat flea risk assessment and control.