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21
In his report on rodent control work during 1958, Mr. Walker, the
senior public health inspector, states:— "The total notifications of
infestation were much the same as in the previous year, and again no
infestation of a major character was discovered. The rivers in the
borough continue to be a source of infestation and these are inspectedand
treated at regular intervals, it being noticed that very few complaints
in this connection are received. No new developments in technique
have come to light and we continue to use the pre-baiting method with
zinc phosphide and arsenious oxide and direct baiting with warfarin."
The undermentioned table gives a summary of the work on the rivers
and ditches, prebait being laid on 3/4 days:—

Special liaison is made with the Borough Engineer's department
for the treatment of sewers. In 1958 treatment was only carried out
during the spring, instead of the usual two occasions, the autumn treatment
not being possible as overhaul of the sewers had to be made
following the severe flooding which occurred in September due to an
unprecedented rainstorm. The method employed in carrying out the
spring treatment was to deposit 8 oz. prebait on the first day and if a
complete take was shown, 16 ozs. of prebait was used on the second day.
Where complete takes were shown on the second day, the poison bait
deposited was equal to the prebait. In any case at least 8 ozs. of poison
bait was deposited. Poison takes were not inspected.
The following is a summary of the results obtained :—
Spring treatment
Manholes baited ... ... ... ... 2,400
Manholes showing prebait take ... ... 710
Manholes showing complete prebait take
(on one or both days) ... ... ... 585
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
A copy of the annual report covering the twelve months ended
31 March, 1959, submitted to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food, as required by the provisions of the above Act, is appended.