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Diseases of Animals Act, 1950
The duties under this Act were the responsibility of the Essex
Constabulary, but have now been transferred to the department.
The object of the legislation is to prevent the spread of animal
diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, fowl pest, swine fever.
This is accomplished by preventing the movement of any animal
suspected to be suffering from any notifiable disease, except under
a licence issued by the local Authority or Ministry.
Before removing animals from Markets a movement licence
must be obtained by the purchaser and a copy sent to the Diseases
of Animals Inspector for the area to which the animals are being
sent. This enables a constant check to be carried out on all farms
and piggeries and assists in tracing the origin of any outbreak.
As these diseases are no respecters of routine, staff are on call
throughout the 24 hours to cope with any eventuality.
In the first year 598 movement licences have been received—
most of these have been in respect of animals moved into the
slaughterhouses within the Borough.
Eighty-two visits have been made to farms and piggeries and
53 movement licences issued.
One suspect case of Anthrax was reported, but not subsequently
confirmed.
In cases where Anthrax or certain other diseases are confirmed
it is the responsibility of the Local Authority to dispose of
the carcase and/or arrange disinfection precautions.
The absence of notifiable diseases in the area is an indication
of the success of the long-term policy adopted by the Ministry and
of the progress made in stamping out these diseases.
Diseases of Animals (Waste Food) Order, 1957
Twenty-two licences to operate plant and equipment for the
boiling of waste food for feeding to animals and poultry were in
force at the end of the year.
Court proceedings were taken against the owner of one piggery
under Section 93 of the Public Health Act, 1936. A nuisance order
was obtained and costs awarded to the Council.
Establishments for Massage or Special Treatment
At the end of the year 19 persons had been licensed by the
Council to carry on establishments for massage or special treatment
as required by Part IV of the Essex County Council Act, 1933.
This is one of the functions transferred from the Essex County
Council by the London Government Order.
Employment Agencies
In pursuance of the provisions of Part V of the Essex County
Council Act, 1933, nine licences to carry on employment agencies
within the Borough were issued during the year.
This is another function transferred to the new Borough and
previously administered by the County Council.
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