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
Greenwich 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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and up to 31/12/47 over 900 baits were laid with very satisfactory
results. The work continued and a complete clearance
is anticipated early in 1948. Although a major infestation,
no adverse circumstances recurred to hold up the work.
Unit Construction Co.—With the advent of the prefabricated
house this Company erected hutments and storehouses on
ground where field rats were known to exist. In consequence
an infestation was reported owing, it is assumed, to scraps
of food and the like being left about by workmen. Treatment
was given over a period of 6 months and the infestation greatly
reduced. Difficulties were encountered owing to the constant
movement of stores causing further disturbances of rats.
The situation is still under observation.
| Details | Date of Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st to 17th Dec., 1947 | 2nd to 12th June, 1947 | |
| 1. No of Manholes in foul and connected systems | 1,157 | 1,157 |
| 2. Bait base and poison used | Sausage rusk an d zinc phosphide | |
| 3. No. of Manholes baited | 921 | 877 |
| 4. No. of Manholes showing prebait takes | 658 | 502 |
| 5. No. of Manholes showing complete prebait take (on one or both days) | 436 | 281 |
| 6. Schemes of baiting used (e.g. ; consecutive days of 1st, 3rd and 5th days) | Consecutive days | Consecutive days |
| 7. No of Manholes test-baited in conjunction with this treatment and not included in No. 3 above | 46 | |
| Regarding No. 7 Test bait carried out 24th to 26th November, 1947 5 Sections tested (totalling 255 manholes) 46 manholes treated (18%) | ||
It may be mentioned that the neighbouring Boroughs of Woolwich
and Lewisham took concerted action at the same time as Greenwich.