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RESEARCH
In my Annual Report for 1961 I gave a brief summary of the contents of a joint
report published in the "Lancet" on the 17th February, 1962, on "Pet Foods and
Garden Fertilisers as Sources of Human Salmonellosis."
The survey was enlarged to include cloacal swabs of poultry, the object being to
determine the proportion of birds infected with salmonellae. The interim report shows
that from February, 1961, to June, 1962, 1,176 swabs were taken in Hendon and
Finchley and in 24 (2%) cases salmonellae were isolated. Of the total number of
swabs taken, 109 were of ducks from which salmonella typhi-murium was isolated in
21 (19%) cases.
The conclusions drawn were that the practice of eviscerating ducks in retail shops
may be an important source of human salmonellosis, and it was resolved to continue
the survey in order to demonstrate any human disease associated with poultry infection.
HEALTH EDUCATION
The Council is in a position of considerable responsibility in the field of health
education and the subject is of such importance as to warrant the appointment of a
specialist to the department. However, the Public Health Inspectors by virtue of
their close contact with many aspects of the life of the general public, arc able to
promote health education, including home safety. In addition to home visits, publicity
by pamphlet and poster, etc., a number of talks were given by myself and other members
of the staff to schools and other organisations.
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