Bunnings Smithfield managing vermin outbreak linked to case of lepto

A vermin infestation at a Bunnings store linked to a potentially deadly bacteria infection after a rat bit an employee has now attracted scrutiny of the workplace safety regulator.

Bunnings management confirmed it was dealing with a rat issue at its Smithfield store.

A vermin infestation at a Cairns big box outlet linked to a case of a potentially deadly bacteria infection after a rat bit an employee has now attracted scrutiny of the workplace safety regulator.

Bunnings management has confirmed reports of the rodents at its Smithfield store, stating it was now working with industrial relations watchdog WorkSafe to ensure it was following safety procedures and communicating with workers.

The hardware giant responded to Cairns Post questions on Sunday by stating the situation was being closely monitored after a whistleblower claimed a staff member had been bitten by a rat and contracted the bacterial infection leptospirosis.

The whistleblower who stated they were not an employee, but worked at the store claimed the rodents had been around for months.

A whistleblower who says they work at Bunnings Smithfield, but not as an employee, claimed rats were running rampant through the store, capturing this photo of feces.

“I understand exterminators have been employed and the rats are dying or dead and they need to be removed,” the whistleblower said last week.

“The store clearly should have closed for however long it took to properly deal with this problem before it got out of hand.”

A Bunnings spokeswoman said the retailer regularly conducted pest management treatments and professional cleaning.

“We continue to monitor the store closely to ensure any activity is addressed swiftly and effectively,” she said.

Bunnings Smithfield is working to manage a vermin infestation that's linked to an employee contracting a a potentially deadly bacteria infection. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“When required, we engage pest control specialists to manage rodent activity, as we are currently doing so at our Smithfield store to avoid disruption to customers and operations.”

It’s understood rats were entering the Smithfield store enticed by pet food

A source said pest exterminators were often called to the store but have been unable to get on top of the situation.

On Saturday a large rat decried to be a similar size to a “small cat” ran over the foot of a customer which was “not a good look” for the national retailer.

Rats have targeted the pet food section of the Bunnings store in Smithfield. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Leptospirosis affects both humans and animals, and is often found in tropical and humid areas. The bacteria are typically spread through contact with urine or other bodily fluids from infected animals, like rodents, cattle, and pigs.

Without treatment, leptospirosis in people can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.

Principal at Smithfield Central Vets Dr Liza Sergeev said rat infestations in warehouses and similar buildings around the northern Cairns suburb wasn’t a surprise given the vegetation surrounds including cane fields.

Dr Sergeev said cases of lepto in pets had dropped in recent weeks following a spike earlier in the year, with anecdotal data suggesting most incidents were occurring at Goldsborough Valley.

Originally published as Bunnings Smithfield managing vermin outbreak linked to case of lepto