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15
Rat Infestation.
During the year 540 infestations were dealt with. Of these 506
were brown rat infestations and 34 ships' rats. In only 1 case
(rag yard) was the infestation of major character.
In 307 cases houses were affected, 95 were food premises and 138
other industrial premises.
Four hundred and ninty-two premises were baited, 25 were
ferretted, and in the remaining 23 cases advice only was given.
Sixty-five infestations resulted directly from defective or disused
drains and were dealt with accordingly.
In December, 1943, the first part of the sewer baiting treatment
was carried out, and the second part was completed in January of
this year. In November a further treatment was put in hand and
1,990 points were baited.
Throughout the year the numerous cleared sites and derelict
houses were inspected, and where necessary, baits were laid.
In a few cases premises have been baited to destroy mice, but in
the majority of cases enquirers have been advised to deal with the
nuisance by baiting or trapping. Full instructions as to the method
to use in poisoning have been given.
Prevalence and Control Over Infectious and
Other Diseases.
The low incidence throughout the year of all infectious disease
is an indication perhaps of the high standard of nutrition.
Certainly, the table summarising the incidence of tuberculosis,
quarter by quarter for the years 1941-44, indicates that there was
no significant change in the numbers notified during the period,
notifications per thousand population being in the four years 2.19,
2.14, 2.21 and 2.28 respectively. The corresponding number of
notifications per 1,000 population in the four war years, 1914-15-1617,
were 4.2, 5.8, 5.8 and 6.2, years in which the general standard
of nutrition was definitely falling.
Tuberculosis.
Notifications received during the year ended
31st December, 1944
Pulmonary 334 (319)
Non-pulmonary 49 (41)
Deaths certified 142 (191)