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DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1950 & ASSOCIATED ACTS
Mr. G.S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer for the City of London, has submitted the
following report:-
"The administration of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950, in regard to the importation of
animals, is the responsibility of the Corporation of London for the whole of Greater London under
the terms of the London Government Act 1963. The remainder of the functions under the Diseases
of Animals Act and Associated Acts are the responsibility of the individual London Boroughs, but
the Corporation acts, on an agency basis, for 17 London Boroughs. 1971 was the sixth year in
which agency arrangements were in operation and a total of 1840 visits of inspection were made
to 803 premises which the Corporation undertook to visit. These premises included animal boarding
establishments, cattle and poultry shows, circuses, farms, kosher and other butchers and
poulterers, pet shops, piggeries, research laboratories, riding establishments, slaughterhouses,
theatres etc.
The work carried out under these Acts and Orders included the following:Psittacosis
or Ornithosis Order 1953
There were two cases of psittacosis confirmed in parrots purchased from a pet shop in the
London Borough of Tower Hamlets. In the first case, which occurred in September, the owner of a
parrot died and another person was reported as being ill. Both persons purchased parrots which
originated from the shop in question. The second case occurred in October and concerned a parrot
at a pet shop in Croydon which originated at the same shop. Psittacosis was confirmed in both these
cases and full enquiries were carried out with the co-operation of the Ministry of Argiculture,
Fisheries and Food. The shop imports some 5,000 to 10,000 birds per month and it is therefore
difficult to pinpoint the source of disease.
Apart from the above, there were two cases of suspected psittacosis, one in the City of
Westminster and the other concerning a person in Exeter Hospital who had purchased a parrot
which once again originated at the pet shop in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Fowl Pest Order 1936
The epidemic of fowl pest which began in August 1970 continued into 1971 and eight outbreaks
occurred in the Corporation's agency area. Restrictions were placed on four farms which
were exposed to infection. Visits were continued to premises where poultry is slaughtered concerning
the disposal of waste materials and the cleansing and disinfection of vehicles used for
the conveyance of poultry. Farms were visited and the importance of vaccination of birds, disinfection,
hygiene etc., was stressed.
Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
Inspections were carried out at 40 riding establishments in eleven London Boroughs. These
were mainly for the annual veterinary inspections for re-licensing purposes, but investigations
were also made concerning complaints from the public, R.S.P.C.A. and horse societies. A new
form of licence was issued this year, incorporating the conditions of the 1970 Act which came into
operation on the 1st January.
Pet Animals Act 1951
Regular visits of inspection to pet shops are carried out on behalf of seven London Boroughs.
There is one pet shop in the City of London. 118 such shops were inspected regularly and
recommendations concerning the re-licensing of these shops were submitted to the Boroughs. Club
Row, the Sunday market in Tower Hamlets which specialises in the sale of pet animals mainly
from stalls, was visited on several occasions and reports were submitted.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
28 animal boarding establishments were visited on behalf of five London Boroughs and
reports were submitted concerning the re-licensing of the establishments. The service was also
used in a consultative capacity and to investigate complaints. A new form of licence came into
operation, incorporating conditions recommended by the British Veterinary Association.
Live Poultry (Restrictions) Order 1971
Two requests were received for licences to hold poultry exhibitions, but due to the fowl pest
situation these were refused. At the request of the Borough of Guildford, enquiries were made to
assure that poultry purchased at Guildford Market and brought to London is for immediate slaughter
only as required under the terms of the Order.
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