Numbers are on the increase and resistance to poisons developing.
Great care should be taken when handling rats even when dead because of the health risks. One benefit is that rabbits are edible - the reason they were introduced by the Normans in the first place. Rabbits found suffering from Myxomatosis should be put out of their misery. Introduced from North America this rodent causes damage to trees and buildings due to its constant gnawing. It is especially a pest causing tremendous damage in tree plantations.