Councilor Flynn seeks hearing after Tufts study finds leptospirosis in Boston rats

Councilor Ed Flynn filed an order on July 9 requesting a hearing to review a Tufts University study that found leptospirosis and other bacteria among Boston’s urban rat population and to evaluate whether the city’s rodent-control strategy is adequate.

Flynn said the study describes different bacterial strains circulating in rat colonies that can infect humans and animals, with symptoms ranging from flu‑like illness to rare severe complications. He noted that rats have proliferated since the pandemic and argued the city should consider a single point person, or “rats czar,” to coordinate cross‑departmental efforts, expand language‑access outreach and improve trash containerization.

Councilor Michelle Murphy and others supported the hearing, citing increased complaints from districts across the city and concern for street‑based populations, sanitation workers and families. The council referred docket 1369 to the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology.

Why this matters: the Tufts study and rising rodent sightings raise public‑health and quality‑of‑life concerns. Councilors sought expert testimony from entomologists/epidemiologists, public‑health officials and pest‑management practitioners to assess risks and mitigation steps.

What’s next: the city services committee will schedule a hearing to review the Tufts report, current Boston rodent action plan, and city coordination among ISD, Public Works and Boston Public Health Commission. Councilors asked for recommendations on monitoring, trash containment, and whether a central coordinator is needed.