Landsudvalget for Rottebekæmpelse Efterlysning

Striking original Danish public health poster warning against the dangers of rats, presented in the style of a police wanted notice. The bold headline EFTERLYSNING (“Wanted”) in bright red sans-serif type dominates the top of the sheet, followed by two black-and-white mugshot-style photographs of a rat: one frontal view and one in profile.

The accompanying text brands the rat as a “dangerous criminal at large” who has robbed society of millions and poses a continuous threat to public health. A physical “description” of the culprit is given — 25 cm long, pointed nose, long scaly tail, and grey-brown fur — reinforcing the poster’s satirical framing. Citizens are urged to assist in the extermination effort by inspecting basements and outbuildings where rats may hide, and to report sightings immediately to the municipal office.

A powerful example of postwar Danish public health propaganda, the poster merges the language of crime and policing with the urgency of pest control.

In excellent condition.