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The Public Health Inspectors are "authorised officers" for enforcing the provisions
of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950 and the numerous orders made thereunder.
There is one establishment, licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food, for the detention of cats and dogs under quarantine following importation to this
country. 107 dogs were received during the year and kept under observation to check on
the presence and isolation of the animals for the required periods.
Farm records of the movement of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs on or off the
premises are periodically checked. The records show that the average numbers of
stock held were:—
Cattle 1006
Pigs 2546
Sheep 46
Goats 2
Poultry 23141
Fifteen licences were in force at the end of the year permitting the use of plant
for boiling waste foods for animal feeding. Cleanliness and adequate cooking of such
wastes are essential to prevent the spread of animal disease.
The Borough fortunately did not have any cases of Foot and Mouth Disease
during the outbreak which originated in 1967, but, with the whole of the country,
was subject to the restrictions of a Controlled Area, and during the period, November
1967 to February 1968 , 63 licences were issued for the movement into the Borough
of 53 cattle, 98 sows and 3,200 pigs.
In October a suspected case of Foot and Mouth Disease outside the Borough
required the posting of notices on various roadsides to mark the boundary of the area
under restrictions. A trainee working on a local farm was a possible contact with the
suspected animals and until the matter was cleared up, no movements in and out of
the farm were permitted. The restrictions were lifted in 24 hours.
Mr. J.R. Stockman M.R.C.V.S., continued to act 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 on the occupier of land the
onus of ridding his premises of rats and mice, but the Council provides a service
which is free in the case of private property, and chargeable on a "time plus cost
of materials and overhead expenses" basis in respect of business and other premises.
The work is carried out by a trained staff of rodent operatives and in accordance
with the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
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