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the Midlands during the latter part of the year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food made
the whole country subject to a Controlled Area Order, which required that no animals be moved without
a licence. These licences are issued on behalf of the Authority by the Principal Health Inspector
acting in his capacity as Inspector under the Diseases of Animals act. Some 31 licences were so
issued permitting the movement within or into the Borough of 46 cows, heifers and calves, and 95
sows and 1641 pigs.
Mr. J. Pickup, M.R.C.V.S., the Council's Consultant Veterinary Surgeon, retired on the 31st March
1967. Mr. J.H. Stockman, M.R.C.V.S., was engaged from the 1st April 1967 on a consultancy basis
to assist in the inspection of animals and premises where necessary.
RODENT CONTROL
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 places the onus on the occupier to rid his land and
premises of rats and mice, but in practice it is found that the provisions of the Act are best administered
by the Council providing a control service. This is carried out by a trained staff of rodent
operatives and in accordance with recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food.
In the case of dwelling houses, treatment is undertaken by the Council free of charge, and on a
"time and cost" basis in respect of business premises.
Treatment of sewers to reduce the level of infestation is carried out four times a year. Fluoracetamide,
a dangerous poison, is used and the work is carried out by a specialist firm under contract.
The arrangements for this work and its supervision are made with the co-operation of the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor.

The Rodent Operatives made 13,371 visits during the year.
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