About Vector Management Program
Vectors, such as rats, mice, and other vermin are known to cause human disease. It is important that proper sanitation is maintained at properties throughout Los Angeles County to eliminate food sources and harborage conditions that can help these vectors to grow and thrive.
The objective of the Vector Management Program is the reduction of the risks of exposure to the pathogens of vector-borne disease through early detection and abatement of those conditions that enhance the transmission of disease to humans. This program consists of two parts, Vector-borne Disease Surveillance and Vector Control.
The Vector-borne Disease Surveillance team conducts routine surveillance of such diseases as plague, flea-borne or murine typhus, Lyme borreliosis, as well as hantaviruses and arenaviruses.
The Vector Control team is responsible for investigating rodent complaints and conducting inspections of licensed animal keeper premises for sanitation concerns in most areas of Los Angeles County.
Learn About Our Services
Vector-borne Disease Surveillance
- Surveys public use areas and other regions of the county where wild animal populations exist to determine potential human exposure to vector-borne disease
- Works closely with Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Control Program to investigate confirmed and presumptive human cases of locally acquired vector-borne disease to determine the source and conditions of transmissions
- Organizes preventive control activities in areas where potential disease transmission capabilities exist
- Provides emergency control measures in the event of an epizootic or when there is an outbreak of vector-borne disease. Coordinates interagency services in the event of a vector-borne disease outbreak
Vector Control
- Responds to rodent complaints and requests for services at unlicensed sites by conducting in-depth inspections, providing consultations and literature, issuing inspection reports and referrals.
- Routinely conducts in-depth inspections of licensed livestock and poultry ranches (including racetracks and fairgrounds) and enforces relevant laws. Investigations include rodent and fly control, pesticide use, manure storage and disposal, public health licensing requirements, animal welfare conditions, drainage conditions, toilet facilities, and sewage disposal.
- Identifies conditions that may lead to the attraction, harborage or breeding of vectors, such as: pooling or standing water or urine, accumulated manure and wet bedding piles, unclean stalls, improperly stored feed, spilled feed, leaking water dispensers, algae-filled water dispensers, trash and other waste not stored or removed properly, and no vector control measures in place.
- Ensure correct minimum distances are met from water drawn for human consumption, homes, schools, and hospitals.
- Ensure backflow protection devices are used at all applicable plumbing fixtures.
Areas We Serve
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health's Environmental Health Division is responsible for ensuring that animals keepers and other properties within unincorporated areas and cities that have adopted the County's ordinance comply with Los Angeles County Code (LACC) and any applicable codes related to rodent infestation.
Report a Problem
If you observe a rodent infestation on a property or observe sanitation concerns at an animal keeper business in an unincorporated area/city in Los Angeles County, you may report this issue by calling (888) 700-9995. In addition, you may also File a Complaint Online.