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New research bites back at rodent problem in townships

29 August 2025 | Story Precious Shamase

Pictured are Prof Steven Belmain, Dr Hayley Thompson, and Prof Lourens Swanepoel during their visit to South Africa to kick off a collaborative One Health research project aimed at addressing rodent-related health risks in townships – an initiative that unites local and international experts in the pursuit of safer, community-driven solutions.

A collaborative research project is underway in South African townships to combat the pervasive rodent problem and its impact on human health. Led by Prof Peter Taylor, Professor-in-Residence in the UFS Afromontane Research Unit and affiliated with the UFS Department of Zoology and Entomology, the initiative brings together experts from the UK's Natural Resources Institute (NRI), including Prof Steven Belmain and Dr Hayley Thompson, and South African institutions such as the UFS and the University of Venda.

This 'One Health' approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. The team visited laboratory facilities at the UFS campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa, the latter being near Phuthaditjhaba township – a key research site alongside Lwamando in Limpopo.

The multidisciplinary project involves local farmers and university departments, integrating expertise in advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, molecular virology and microbiology, genome sequencing, and parasitology. Social scientists, such as Dr Shingirayi Chamisa, a lecturer in the UFS Department of Industrial Psychology, are also involved to understand community perceptions and current rodent control methods, including the impact on mental health.

The research will investigate the health risks associated with rodent infestations, including food contamination with poison residues and fungal toxins, and the transmission of disease to humans and livestock through direct contact or parasites. Practical trials will evaluate methods to reduce food contamination.

Significantly, the project will explore novel and humane rodent control strategies, such as contraceptive baits, offering a safer alternative to rodenticides. Recent concerns about rodenticide-related deaths in townships have increased pressure for safer, ecological solutions.

This research holds significant promise for developing sustainable and effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of rodent pests on the health and livelihoods of township residents. The international and local collaboration, guided by a holistic 'One Health' perspective, marks a crucial step towards addressing this challenging issue. Prof Taylor expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic engagement of all collaborators, highlighting the potential for a truly transdisciplinary project to find meaningful and ecologically sound solutions to rodent-borne pathogens and food contamination in South African townships.

News Archive

Boyden observatory celebrates its achievements

2004-10-05

The red carpet will be rolled out and champagne glasses filled tonight when the Boyden Observatory outside Bloemfontein will launch the first phase of the new science centre.

This phase, which was completed earlier this year, consists of a new auditorium, reception area and paths which connect educational visiting points on the Boyden terrain.

“Over the past two years the Boyden Observatory has been re-sited as a research, educational and public facility. The new facilities are now being utilised for educational and public programmes. The 1,5m Boyden telescope has also recently been upgraded and is used for research purposes,” says Dr Matie Hoffman from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Physics, who is responsible for the management of the centre.

“The Boyden Observatory is a unique facility of the UFS - we are one of the few universities in the world who has its own observatory,” says Dr Hoffman.

“The main purpose of the science centre is to create enthusiasm for science amongst the public. The centre also has a great educational function and focuses specifically on the improvement of the quality of science education in the Free State,” says Dr Hoffman.

Fund-raising for the planned second phase of the science centre, which will consist of interactive in- and outside exhibition areas, will also start tonight. “After the completion of the second phase the Boyden Observatory will probably become the most accessible and public-friendly observatory in the country and a great asset for the Free State Province,” says Dr Hoffman.

A small robotic telescope, which will be controlled from the University College Dublin in Ireland, will also be installed at the Boyden Observatory this year.

“Just as this year is a significant one for the UFS with its centenary celebrations, so it is also a significant one for the Boyden Observatory. The Harvard University in the United States of America started with the construction of the original 1,5 m telescope in its original form 100 years ago, the telescope was put in place at Boyden 70 years ago and Mr Uriah Boyden – the person who donated the money with which the Boyden Observatory was constructed, was born 200 years ago,” says Dr Hoffman.

The first phase of the science centre was built with funds sponsored by the AngloGold Fund, the Shuttleworth Foundation, the Charl van der Merwe Trust and the Lila Theron Trust. Donations from the Friends of Boyden Observatory and other individuals also contributed to the success of the project.

Those who are interested in educational tours of the science centre can contact Dr Hoffman at (051) 401-2322.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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