Despite being vastly outnumbered, the unit’s chief commander is confident of total victory against the enemy army – tens of thousands of rats expected to scurry loose when the world-famous Tsukiji fish market closes next month. To prevent a mass exodus from Tsukiji, Tokyo officials – helped by veteran rat exterminators – are busy blocking pipe and sewer exits and plugging holes in fences with corrugated sheets. Hardly any food poisoningHiroyasu Ito, a veteran fish trader as old as the Tsukiji market itself, has known Tsukiji since the days when buyers and sellers communicated via telegram. Birds fly in, and many things like rats come in and out freely,” he said about the open-air facility. “The air curtain prevents the cool air from escaping outside,” said Miyake, as well as fending off unwanted intruders like dust and bugs – and rats.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 12, 2018 18:00 UTC