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It was considered that in view of the time and effort expended on these control measures
drastic action was necessary to secure a further reduction of the residual rat population in the
sewers and with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, extensive experimental
control measures with Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080) and intermediate tests were applied,
institutins the "Direct" poison control system at 3 monthly intervals.
The first test-baiting result in June 1952 after five controls, with "1080" was 35 "takes" of
which 7 or 1.7% were complete. Continued treatments and subsequent tests produced similar
results.
In 1956, Fluoracetamide (1081) was substituted for "1080" and similar controls and tests
were applied until 1960 with equal results, and continued controls since, with annual tests, have
maintained the low level of infestation which was believed could be obtained with "1080" and
"1081" in combination with "Direct" poisoning at 3 monthly intervals. This system is now
standard practice and advocated in the official Handbook on Rodent Control and since adopted
by commercial Pest Control firms offering their services to local Authorities.
In surface properties these rodenticides have been the major factor in the present low level
of rat infestation in general and Ship (Black) rat in particular, and allied to the pre-baiting system
of application which, without exception has always been strictly adhered to, has on numerous
occasions resulted in complete elimination of infestations of both species with the minimum
number of poison baits employed for one night only, and a high body recovery ratio relative to
the number of baits.
The annual reduction of the number of rat infestations treated and their relative quantative
values has followed a similar pattern to the break down in sewers, and a reference to the surface
properties summary from 1950 onwards indicates the reduction subsequently achieved since that
year when controls with "1080" and "1081" were instituted.
Their use over the past fifteen years has shown that when controlled and dispensed by a
responsible person, plus a strict observance of the necessary safety precautions in the handling
and laying of the made up baits, in suitable and safe environments (which applies equallv to less
toxic poisons), a complete clearance can often be made with safety to man and domestic animals.
Having detailed at length the history and value of these rodenticides, it is regretted that
the Poisons Rules 1965, restricts their use to ships and sewers, the effect of which means greater
reliance on Zinc Phosphide and arsenic as acute poisons and Warfarin in the chronic field. While
these poisons, as in the past, still have their place in Rodent Control, experience has shown
that they have rarely produced the desired high rate of kill and consequent elimination of breeding
potential, and the resistance of rats to Warfarin found to exist in parts of this country and on
the continent can only add to resultant difficulties.
It is the essence of good practice, and should be the aim of every responsible person engaged
on Rodent Control to destroy the highest percentage of any infestation quickly and surely
and where possible avoid the often slow and painful results of less toxic rodenticides.
The restriction, therefore, on the use of "1080" and "1081" can only be considered a retrograde
step which must inevitably engender a sense of frustration in personnel engaged for many
years on this important facet of Public Health, often carried out in difficult conditions.
PIGEON NUISVNCE
A firm of pigeon catchers is employed under contract by the City Corporation whose policy
is not to exterminate all pigeons but to control their numbers to such proportions as will ensure
that the pleasure they give to residents and visitors is not out-weighed by the nuisance they cause.
During the year 4,300 pigeons were humanely trapped and killed as compared with 3,800 in
1964.