London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chigwell 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chigwell]
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RODENT CONTROL
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949.
1,308 inspections and visits were made in 1954, as against 1388
in 1952. This shows that the improvement reported last year
is being maintained. Warfarin has been used with much success
in treatment of infestations of both rats and mice.
I think that the rat population is decreasing although we
still receive many complaints.
Warfarin is the main poison used in surface infestations. Zinc
Phosphide or Arsenic is used in sewer treatments.
The treatment of the Council's soil and surface water sewers was carried out twice during the year, the results are as follows:—
| March 1954 | October 1954 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manholes baited | 190 | 54 |
| Pre-bait complete takes | 8 | 11 |
| Pre-bait part takes | 5 | 27 |
| Poison complete takes | Nil | 2 |
| Poison part takes | 5 | 11 |
| Poison used | Arsenic | Zinc Phosphide |