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12. To tar the wharf the whole of the length of the moorings to a width
from the edge of one foot, and also the face of the wharf along the upper
edge of each of the planks down to the water level.
13. To thoroughly disinfect the bilges to the satisfaction of the Health
Authority's inspecting officer.
N.B.—It will be of advantage to mix with the tar a little oil or tallow.
I also hereby certify that I have received a copy of the above.
(Signed) * * * * *
At the time of the issuing of the Order of the Local Government Board of
the 9th November, 1896, placing the responsibility of dealing with Plague,
Cholera, and Yellow Fever in the hands of Port Sanitary Authorities, the
possibility of infection by rats was not recognised, and is, therefore, not
mentioned.
This was, however, recognised by the issue in April, 1901, of a
Memorandum dealing with the question, which was published in the last
Half-yearly Report of your Medical Officer.
It is conspicuous that infection is readily conveyed by the mere handling of
the dead bodies of infected rats, and this has been attributed to the agency of
fleas and other vermin which would readily attach themselves to a fresh host.
The sputa and other excretions of infected persons are also highly
infectious, but especially from the pneumonic form of the disease.
In the Port of London the work of controlling the destruction of rats was
taken in hand by the Port Sanitary Authority in March, 1901, since which
date a total of 96,371 rats is known to have been destroyed. This result has
been attained principally by the systematic use of traps and poison.
Number destroyed on vessels:—56,621.
Number destroyed in warehouses:—39,750.
I would point out that the whole expense of rat-catching in the Docks is
paid by the Dock Companies and shipowners. The London and India Docks
Company pay 700l. annually for the destruction of rats, and I gratefully
acknowledge their co-operation in connection with this matter.
The experiments instituted by your late Medical Officer with the Danysz
rat bacillus have been continued by me. Professor Klein has cordially
co-operated.
The point to be determined was whether, as Danysz maintains, the culture
of this bacillus is capable of causing death in a large percentage of rats fed on