Rats found on Qantas plane

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SYDNEY, June 2 (UPI) -- Australian airline Qantas said a 767 jet was taken out of service for 36 hours after five baby rats were found in one of the craft's medical cupboards.

A Qantas spokeswoman said the rats were discovered during a safety and security check moments before passengers were due to board Tuesday for a flight from Sydney to Brisbane, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Thursday.

The spokeswoman said the rats were killed and the aircraft was taken out of service for 36 hours.

Sky News reported the plane was inspected Wednesday by engineers who found the plane's wiring systems were undamaged.

The spokeswoman said the airline is investigating the incident and the plane was scheduled to return to service Thursday.