Health pests; notification of infestation

Many animals can transmit pathogens and thus impair or even endanger the health of humans and animals. If pests that pose a health risk are detected and there is a justified concern that they may spread pathogens, the competent authority—usually the relevant public health department—will order the necessary measures to control these pests.

Health pests are animals that can transmit pathogens to humans.

The prerequisite for ordering the necessary measures to combat health pests are

1. Identification of pests harmful to health and
2. A finding that there is a justified risk that pathogens will be spread as a result.

Pest control involves measures to prevent the occurrence, reproduction, and spread of pests that pose a threat to public health, as well as measures to eliminate them. If citizens discover such pests, they are advised to notify the appropriate public health department.

• § Section 17 of the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans (Infection Protection Act - IfSG)

Appeals and lawsuits may be filed with the competent administrative court as legal remedies and means of redress under administrative jurisdiction against measures taken by public health authorities to combat pests that pose a health hazard.

If pests that pose a health risk are detected and there is a justified concern that they may spread pathogens, the competent public health authority will order the measures necessary to control them. Compliance with the ordered measures is mandatory.