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The work carried out under these Acts and Orders included the following:Psittacosis
or Ornothosis Order, 1953
A case of psittacosis occured in November in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
The bird concerned was an imported dove, one of a consignment of twelve from Germany. The bird
died and tests proved positive for psittacosis. Restrictions were placed on the remaining birds.
These were examined after the usual period and as they had remained healthy restrictions were
lifted. The relevant medical authorities and Ministry were informed.
Another case of this disease occurred in November in the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea. In this case three parrots died over a period of 4 weeks. The carcase of the first bird
to die was disposed of but the other two were sent to a laboratory where tests proved positive
for psittacosis. The pet shop from which the birds came was visited and all cages,utensils etc.,
were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The owner of the shop and his staff received advice
from the Medical Officer of Health of Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
There were nine other parrots at the shop and the owner was informed that these should not
be sold until permission was given. The shop was re-visited in December and as all the birds
were in good health permission was given for the birds to be disposed of.
Fowl Pest Order, 1938
An epidemic of fowl pest began in August in the County of Essex and by December had
spread to some 40 counties in England and Wales. Eight outbreaks occurred in the Corporation's
agency area and restrictions were placed on 13 other farms which were exposed to infection.
At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Officers visited premises
where poultry is slaughtered or sold concerning the disposal of waste materials and the cleansing
and disinfecting of vehicles used for the conveyance of poultry. The correct disposal of
viscera etc., is necessary in preventing the spread of disease and this problemwas heightened by
the strike of dustmen, road cleaners, etc., which occurred during the outbreak.
The Ministry requested the department to deal with one outbreak which occurred in the London
Borough of Lewisham. The cleansing and disinfecting of the premises and destruction of the
diseased carcases were carried out and the necessary forms issued.
Riding Establishments Act, 1964
Under the provisions of this Act, Veterinary inspection must be carried out of riding establishments
at least once per year. Such inspections were made at 40 establishments in eleven
London Boroughs Also, a number of investigations and enquiries were made concerning complaints
from members of the public and the R.S.P.C.A.
Pet Animals Act, 1951
Visits of inspection were made to 97 pet shops in seven London Boroughs and to the pet
shop in the City of London. Recommendations were submitted concerning the re-licensing of
these shops. Visits were also made concerning complaints from the public. Club Row, the
Sunday morning market which specialises in the sale of pet animals was visited regularly and a
problem which was particularly encountered was that of un-licenced vendors selling animals.
The prevention of this practice is difficult in that Officers have to obtain absolute proof that a
sale took place. Several persons were warned about this practice and the co-operation of Officers
of the Police and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is greatly appreciated in this respect.
The London Borough of Islington has now asked the department to commence the inspection
of pet shops in that Borough,
Animal Boarding Establishments Act, 1963
28 animal boarding establishments were visited on behalf of four London Boroughs and reports
were submitted concerning the re-licencing of these establishments, The service was also used
in a consultative capacity and to investigate complaints.
Live Poultry (Restrictions) Order, 1957
Two licences were issued under the terms of this Order, to enable the holding of poultry
exhibitions at the Dagenham Town Show and Carnival and the International Poultry Show. Inspections
were carried out to ensure that the terms and conditions of theOrder were conformed to.
At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, no further licences have
been issued due to the epidemic of fowl pest.
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