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77
During the year, 1,438 private dwellings were inspected
following complaints and in 1,032 instances infestation was confirmed
and dealt with by the rodent operatives. In 20 instances
defective drainage was permitting the egress of rats from the
sewers - appropriate action was taken to have the drains repaired
and the adjacent sewers treated. 125 business premises were found
to be infested with rats or mice and these were all disinfested
during the year. Regular inspections are made of premises where
food is prepared or sold and particular attention is given to
methods of prevention of rodent infestation. Corporation owned
premises including sewage works, refuse tips, depots, school
kitchens and serveries, etc., are periodically inspected for the
presence of rodents and if infested then action is taken by the
department to eradicate the pests. 30 infestations at such
premises were dealt with during the year. Included in the Corporation's
ownership are the sewers of the Borough and for some years
now these have been systematically treated for rat infestation
and the results have shown a steady decline in the rat population
over the years.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through their pest
control branch are constantly experimenting in the war against
rodents and other pests, and are ready to pass on to Local
Authorities any new findings which will be helpful in this essential
public health function.
FOOD SUPPLY
The supervision and inspection of the food supplies is carried
out by the Sanitary Inspectors who are all qualified in food
inspection.

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