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
Islington 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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Visits 9
Clothing treated
on factory site 19 tons
at disinfecting station 2.4 tons
DISINFESTATIOIM
Rats and Mice
The total number of complaints of rodent infestations during the year rose from 2,667 in 1968 to
3,095 of which 1,289 referred to rats and 1,806 to mice.
Mice are now proving difficult to eradicate since they have developed almost total immunity to
Warfarin based baits. We have now reverted to the use of direct poison for control. This method is, of
course, more timeconsuming than when Warfarin was effective. We are fortunate that, as yet, there is no
evidence of Warfarin resistance to rats in this area.
There were 16,900 visits made by Rodent Operatives dealing with infestations found during the year.
70 smoke tests of suspected defective drains were carried out.
Due to a severe shortage of staff there was only one poison baiting of the sewers undertaken during
the year.
Due to a severe shortage of staff there was only one poison baiting of the sewers undertaken during the year.
| Type of Property | Local Authority Premises | Dwelling Business Houses Premises | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Complaints received (including repeats) | 117 | 2416 562 | 3095 |
| 2. No. of properties inspected as a result of | |||
| a) Notification - initial complaint only; | 39 | 570 516 | 1125 |
| b) Block survey | 28 | 429 139 | 596 |
| 3. No. of properties found to be infested by rats (including NIL ship rats) | 41 | 239 158 | 438 |
| 4. No. of properties found to be infested by mice | 12 | 615 300 | 927 |
| 5. Completed treatments during year | 61 | 1672 280 | 2013 |
| 6. No. of business agreements dealt with | 356 |
VERMIN
Rooms treated1,599
PIGEONS
Treatments by authorised catcher 12
39