London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barnet 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet]
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The following table summarises the work carried out and is in the form required by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food:
| Properties other than Sewers | Type of Property | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Agricultural | Agricultural | |
| Number of properties in the district | 118,335 | 41 |
| 2. (a) Total number of properties (including nearby premises) inspected following notification | 2,639 | 4 |
| (b) Number infested by | ||
| (i) Rats | 1,785 | 4 |
| (ii) Mice | 731 | - |
| 3. (a) Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 482 | 10 |
| (b) Number infested by | ||
| (i) Rats | 169 | - |
| (ii) Mice | 13 | — |
The Rodent Operatives made 14,697 visits during the year.
DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION
Facilities for steam disinfection and disinfestation, and for the personal cleansing of
verminous persons are provided at the Disinfecting Station, North Circular Road, N.3.
Requests for advice and assistance in dealing with insect pests increased in number
and range over a wide variety. Many of these insects are of no public health significance,
but steps are taken to assist all enquiries. One must again express thanks to the Director
of the Department of Entomology of the Natural History Museum for the helpful cooperation
of his experts in the identification of numerous insects.
Because of complaints from some residents in regard to damage and nuisance caused
by the common squirrel, the Council decided to obtain traps and to hire them out on
request. During the year some 41 requests were received.
"Wild" or "feral" Pigeons are now a widespread pest. A Specialist Contractor has
been employed to reduce the number of pigeons at several major centres of infestation in
the Borough. Their work however is impaired by the well meant but misplaced kindness of
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