Celebrating 75 years rat-free: Minister Sigurdson
News release
July 14, 2025 Media inquiries
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of Alberta’s Rat Control Program:
“Rats are a worldwide menace that destroy property and spread disease. For three quarters of a century, Alberta has proudly been one of the few jurisdictions on Earth to live without the pest. We owe that reputation to our Rat Control Program, established in 1950.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for rats. If we spot an infestation, we quickly eradicate it. As a result, we’ve prevented millions of dollars in damages to farms and homes and ensured deadly diseases stay out of our province.
“Our success is a direct result of the proactive measures and hard work from agricultural fieldmen, pest control officers, municipalities in the Rat Control Zone, provincial staff and so many more.
“Albertans have kept our province rat-free through several decades of vigilance. You can help rat on rats through 310-FARM or rats@gov.ab.ca.
“We are so proud to celebrate this success as we mark 75 years rat-free!”
Related information
Media inquiries
587-335-6934
Press Secretary, Agriculture and Irrigation