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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Facilities are provided at the Council's treatment centre for the cleansing
and treatment of scabetic and verminous persons.
During the year 138 persons were treated, 125 for scabies and thirteen for
pubic lice.
Seventy-three requests for treatment of verminous premises were dealt with.
At the disinfecting station 772 articles of bedding and 255 garments were
treated. References to other work undertaken at this station are contained
in the item " Disinfection " in this report.
Pest Control
Rats and Mice
Prevention of Damage
by Pests Act 1949
The occupier of premises is required to notify the local authority of infestation
at those premises by rats or mice. It is also the responsibility of the
occupier to take steps to destroy them. In Enfield rodent control is undertaken
as a public health service, and householders and occupiers of business
premises may have the assistance of trained council staff, without charge
in the case of householders.
The majority of complaints received concerning rats are attributable to
defective drains and sewers. When complaints are received, adjoining
premises are surveyed and, where necessary, the drains tested. Although
there was no evidence of any concentrated major infestation 7,657 visits
to premises were made by the rodent control staff and 1,644 visits in
connection with complaints concerning rats and mice were made by the
public health inspectors. In all, 3,558 premises were visited.
Pigeons
Section 74
Public Health Act 1961
The pigeon continued to be a serious nuisance, causing damage to crops
and buildings. It is now one of the commonest pests. Fernal pigeons, and
in some cases wood pigeons, have adapted themselves to urban life, and
because people encourage their presence by feeding these birds, their
numbers continue to rise. Section 74 of the Public Health Act 1961 enables
a local authority to take steps to abate the nuisance caused by pigeons and
other birds. Forty-two treatments were carried out.
A further five treatments were carried out where large congregations of
pigeons had accumulated under railway bridges.
Wasps and Bees
Garden pests continue to be a common cause for complaint by householders
: 814 wasps' nests, together with 76 bees' nests were destroyed
and 269 other insect infestations were treated.
Control is the responsibility of the householders. However, some people
are nervous of stinging insects and others may be handicapped by age or
infirmity, and the Department provides a free service for this work.
From time to time complaints are made to the Department concerning foxes,
squirrels, rabbits and moles. Help is given wherever possible either in a
practical way or by advice and, if necessary, by the loan of equipment.
Animal Care
Diseases of Animals
Act 1950
All aspects of animal care, including movement, protection and quarantine
during outbreaks of notifiable disease, are dealt with by the Act. Controls
may limit movement and provide for the cleansing and disinfection of
premises and vehicles occupied by animals.
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