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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Sections 83-86,
Public Health Act 1936
as amended by
Sections 35-37,
Public Health Act 1961
Disinfestation
The Council is empowered to deal with filthy or verminous premises and
articles and also with persons. Facilities are provided at the Council's treatment
centre for the cleansing and treatment of scabetic and verminous
persons. During the year 123 persons were treated, 121 for scabies and two
for pubic lice. Ninety-four requests for treatment of verminous premises
were dealt with. At the disinfecting station 60 garments and articles of
bedding were disinfested. References to other work undertaken at this station
are contained in the item "Disinfection" in this report.
Rats and Mice
Prevention of Damage
by Pests Act 1949
Pest Control
If premises are infested by rats or mice the occupier is required to notify the
local authority and to take the necessary steps to destroy the pests. 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. No charge is made for this service in the case of householders.
The majority of complaints 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
major infestation 7,776 visits to premises were made by the rodent control
staff and 748 visits by the public health inspectors in connection with
complaints of rats and mice. In all 2,692 premises were visited.
Pigeons
Section 74
Public Health Act 1961
The pigeon continued to be a serious nuisance, causing damage to buildings
and crops. Ferral and wood pigeons, which have adapted themselves to
urban life, have apparently continued to increase in numbers. Section 74 of
the Public Health Act 1961 enables a local authority to abate the nuisance
caused by pigeons and other birds. Thirty-eight treatments were carried out.
Wasps and Bees
Many householders complain to the Health Department of garden pests,
particularly wasps. Six hundred and nine wasps' nests and 49 bees' nests
were destroyed, and 231 other insect infestations were treated. Although
control of such pests is the responsibility of the householder the Department
provides a free service for people who are unable to help themselves, e.g.
those handicapped by age or infirmity.
When complaints are received 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.
Diseases of Animals
Act 1950
Animal Care
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.
Fowl Pest
At the beginning of the year the outbreak of fowl pest throughout the
country continued. Further orders were made by the Minister restricting
movements of poultry and registration of shows and exhibitions. Although
one infected case which occurred in Enfield during April resulted in the issue
of a certificate of an infected area by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food, it was withdrawn two months later.
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