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2. Measures taken to prevent the passage of rats between ship and shore.
3. Methods of Deratisation.
4. Measures taken for the detection of rat prevalence in ships and on shore.
5. Rat-proofing.
The action taken under the above headings was fully described in my Report
for 1947.
"1080"
Experimental work with "1080" - fluoro-acetate of sodium was continued
during the latter part of the year with highly satisfactory results.
"1080" has been used for some years past in the United States of America as
a rodenticide not only in ports and ships but in a variety of infestations on
land, with remarkable success.
"1080" is highly poisonous to all animals , the lethal dose for rodents being
about 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is a highly dangerous poison
for which there is no known antidote. It is a white odourless and colourless
crystalline substance, readily soluble in water.
On account of its poisonous properties it must be handled and used only by
trained personnel under closely supervised conditions.
Only small quantities have so far been obtainable - it is not manufactured
in this country. Results so far, at this early stage, have been remarkable.
Colonies of rats that have become trap and bait shy have been rapidly exterminated.
Further experimental work is being pursued. In the United States "1080" is
replacing 50% of ship fumigations resulting in a great saving of labour and
expense to Port Authorities and shipowners.
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