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123
No new industrial plant was installed in the borough during
the year.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
RODENT CONTROL
Because of the ever present danger of food contamination and
the possibility, but fortunately rare occurrence, of Weils disease
rodent destruction remains one of our important duties.
Although, judged by the number of notifications received,
infestation remains at approximately the same level, there would
undoubtedly be a sharp rise in the rat and mouse population if
we relaxed our efforts.
This year more routine visits have been made to farms and
other agricultural properties. Contrary to expectation, infestation
in varying degree, was found in only a small proportion of these.
The soil sewers were subjected to the usual six monthly
poison treatments and the second treatment revealed a marked
decline in the rat population. As with surface infestations, however,
and these are often linked with sewers via defective drainage,
it is necessary to give regular attention to prevent a "build-up" in
population.