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Report of the Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector,
E.R.H.Hodge, M.R.S.H., M.P.H.I.A.
Rodent Control, Disinfection & Disinfestation Section
The work of the Section has shown the same pattern as formerly. The treatment
of the sewers by the Borough Engineer's Department helps substantially in keeping the
rodent population to a controllable level, thus easing the work of the Section in dealing
with surface infestation: and the policy of repairing sewers and drains effectively is
paying dividends and is in itself an answer to any criticism of the amount of time spent
in testing, searching for and relaying drainage systems.
The main poison used has again been Warfarin, and again it ensured a complete kill
in most cases. Recent experiments have shown that its toxicity in respect of domestic
animals is not as great as had at first been feared, and therefore its use can be extended,
if necessary, in cases where poultry are running loose.
The numbers of drain tests, notices and complaints are all less than for 1956, due
to a reduction in infestation during the year, but it is not yet possible to ascertain
whether or not this is likely to develop Into a regular trend.

The only unusual thing about the Section 24 notices was the number of properties
served by some of the sewers, in one instance no less than 24 properties were concerned,
so although the number of drain tests and notices showed a decline, the number of
properties concerned was only slightly less than in 1956.
The ratio of infestation as to rats and mice is almost 50 - 50, mice proving to
be the more difficult to control.
The disinfestation of kitchens, etc., has been going on steadily, particularly
against cockroaches: check observations show that the infestations are steadily decreasing
in extent and intensity. Hospital kitchens in particular are difficult to deal with.
(a) because work can only be carried out in the evenings, and,
(b) because the number of duets, channels and the like, the extent, location and
direction of which are not always known, and which are only discovered after
much time spent in investigations and after many visits.
No cases of injury or dermatitis, etc., have occurred, and the use of protective
clothing is still insisted upon.
13 Intimation Notices were served under Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949.
A detailed statement of the year's working follows on the next page.
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