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It is again necessary to emphasize the conditions which
generally bring about infestation, namely the badly constructed
poultry houses which are not rat proof, and the indiscriminate
feeding of wild birds, particularly when more food is put out
than the birds can possibly consume. Shelter is also afforded
to rodents and other pests by accumulations of junk and rubbish,
mush of which is not disposed of by normal refuse collecting and
remains a constant potential harbourage. This is a problem that
calls for much thought and action, if only on grounds of hygiene.,
Leptospirosis (Well's Disease): This disease affects man
and is usually associated with rodent infestation as rats are
known to infect streams and sewers. This organism enters the
body usually through cuts and abrasions during immersion in the
water. For this reason, upon receipt of notification that a
Surrey County Council workman employed in the Hogsmill River
was suffering from Weil's disease a thorough investigation was
made of the banks of the stream in its course through the Borough.
In the upper reaches a heavy infestation of river vole was found,
but no evidence of rats. In the lower reaches, however, a fairly
heavy infestation of rats was found and effectively dealt with.
The body of one rat was submitted for pathological
examination, but no evidence of the disease producing organism
was found.
Insect Pest Control.
Insect peat control and maintenance treatments with
regard to cockroaches, flies, etc. are carried out by the
Department in all types of premises. It should be remembered
that practically every foodstuff or material has its own
particular pest, e.g., the bacon beetle, flour moth, cocoa
moth and carpet beetle, to name only a few.