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53
There has been a slight decrease in the number of complaints. Again no
infestations of ship rats have been recorded
There were 67 infestations traced to defective house drains; two to unsealed
fittings and seven to disused unsealed drains, four of which were situated in
developed housing sites.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued a Circular in August
authorising the use of sodium fluoracetate (1080) for sewer treatments. In
addition to the recommended procedure for using this poison in direct treatments
given in the Ministry's Handbook on Rat and Mouse Control the Ministry issued a
publication entitled, ''Use of Sodium Fluoracetate as a Rodenticide Precautionary
Measures''. It is however considered unnecessary for the Council to use this
poison in this Borough.
The Council authorised the attendance of the Investigators and Operators to a
one day refresher course held by the Ministry during the year.
Tracing the source of rodent infestation is not an easy task and requires
much patience in order that a satisfactory conclusion may be reached. In one case
considerable baiting treatments were carried out without success. A negative
result was obtained when the drain was tested but eventually, upon applying smoke
to the rat hole it was found that there was a defective drain on the adjoining
premises. Upon repairs being executed no further trouble was experienced.
Due to the demolition of buildings and the result of war damage it is not
possible in every case to trace disused drains which should have been grubbed up
or filled in at the time of redevelopment. In four cases infestations have
occurred on housing sites after redevelopment. Upon appropriate action being
taken no further complaints have been received.
It is not often that appreciation of the work done by the Rodent Control
staff is expressed but the following is an extract of a letter received during
the year:-
''My grateful thanks for your help regarding my appeal
to your Department. It is comforting to know that
there is such a service available in the neighbourhood
and one that will be given with such kindly and courteous
consideration."
The Public Health Inspector and the Rodent Officer continued to carry out the
quarterly inspection of four hospitals in the Borough and the Hospital Management
Committee was informed of any matter requiring attention. In addition, a
comprehensive preliminary inspection was carried out at two other hospitals in
the Borough.
Representatives of the Department attended four meetings of the Workable Area
Committee.