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55
it is rare to find occupiers tolerating infestation after being made
aware of the service available under the Rodent Control Scheme.
Following the policy of tracing the source of infestation in each
case, 31 defective drainage systems were discoveied. Intimation
notices were served under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
and the drainage defects made good by the owners of the properties.
Bombed sites and dumps were test baited resulting in 7 infestations
being found and treated, and block treatments were carried
out in 15 small areas.
The Blue Cross Kennels premises in Shooters' Hill Road,
although subject to regular inspection were found to be free from
infestation. Contributing to this satisfactory condition has been
the removal of the remaining wooden kennels and harbourage.
Calls were made on the services of the Borough Engineer's
staff to enter the sewers during colour tests or in the tracing of
disused drains and also to the lifting of paving to locate sources of
infestation. These services were readily available.
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 destruction
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 been 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 12 months ended 31st March, 1957 :—