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31.
No charge is made for work done in occupied dwelling houses
but a charge, based on the degree of infestation, is made at
premises other than dwelling houses.
During the year the Rodent Infestation Department of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries allowed a new rodenticido
named Warfarin to be used. Warfarin is not an immediate killer
and must be eaten by rodents for a few days before its slow but
inevitable reaction causes death. Though fatal to rodents, it is
reasonably safe in respect of humans and domestic animals as it is
only laid in very low concentrations,, The siow action of Warfarin
arouses neither suspicion nor prejudice and rats do not appear to
have bait shyness which is often evident in other methods of
poisoning. Warfarin is an anti-coagulent and gradually induces
haemorrhage.
The Divisional Rodent Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries has been most helpful to the officers of the Public
Health Department and when required has always arranged for the
necessary technical experts to co-operate in difficult cases.
It is pleasing to record that when joint action has been
required where rodent treatment has had to be carried out on
properties adjoining the railroads in the Hprough, the Railway
Executive officials have always given simultaneous treatment on
their properties when required.
FOCD HYGIENE,
The work in connection with food hygiene was continued throughout
the year, and regular inspections of all premises in the Borough
where food is handled were carried out. These special duties were
taken over by Mr. R. Banks, Sanitary Inspector, upon the retirement
of Mr. R. A. Bishop on the 31st May, 1952.