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51
The monthly average of complaints received was 38 as compared
with 43 last year. The number of infestations continue to
show a steady annual decrease.
Every effort is made to trace the source of infestation in each
case and 29 defective drainage systems were discovered. Intimation
Notices were served under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936
and the drainage defects made good by the owners of the properties.
Block treatments were carried out in 26 small areas, involving
438 premises. Bombed sites and dumps were test-baited but in
orly 1 instance was it found necessary to carry out treatment.
Frequent calls were made on the services of the Borough
Engineer's staff to open up paving to trace the source of infestation
and this service was readily available.
The Blue Cross Kennels, Shooter's Hill Road, were given 2
treatments with excellent results. A small section of old wooden
kennels still remain and until this is replaced by brick-built kennels
with concrete runs, re-infestation is always possible.
Owners and occupiers still continue to take advantage of the
Rodent Control service which has resulted in the early notification
of the presence of rate. Only rarely are rats discovered during
routine investigation.
The Rodent Control personnel have performed their duties
with diligence throughout the year and have given the Department
good service.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.—Under previous legislation
responsibility for the eradication of rats and mice rested with each
individual occupier, but the introduction of the Prevention of
Damage by Pests Act, 1949, whilst repealing the Rats and Mice
(Destruction) Act, 1919, and the Infestation Order, 1943, places the
onus for the destruction of these pests on Local Authorities. The
1949 Act also makes it obligatory for occupiers to notify the Local
Authority of any rodent infestation.
Rats and mice are notorious not only for the wholesale destruc
tion and fouling of foodstuffs and for the structural damage they
cause to buildings, but also for their part in the spread of disease.
Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) is primarily a disease of rats and is
one which can be fatal to man. The disease is transmitted by means
of food, dust, mud, slime and water which has become contaminated
by urine or faeces from infected rats. Efficient rodent control is the
first and most important defence against this type of disease.
The following report was submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries for the 15 months ended 31st March, 1954 :—