View report page

In previous Annual Reports details given of the Port of London Rodent Control Scheme have
referred to operational techniques, rodenticides, selection and examination of specimen rats and
rodent-proofing ashore and afloat. The methods adopted have proved satisfactory and, apart from
minor improvements, will be generally continued until circumstances necessitate a change.
No particular incident has arisen during the year requiring other than the normal vigilance
and activity necessary to obviate any threat of rodent-borne communicable diseases entering or
leaving the Port or any undisturbed centre of infestation on harbour craft and shore premises. Of
course, the control of rodents aboard sea-going ships is intimately linked with these safeguards
too.
It was observed, however, that during the unusually mild weather of the winter months the
rate of breeding and activity amongst both rats and mice was abnormal. This was particularly
shewn on lighters by the increase of rats destroyed in that period.
In spite of satisfactory control throughout the Port, investigation continues with a view to
the introduction of better methods and organisation. Much is written and spoken about the most
suitable poisons but not so much emphasis is laid on the bait base which is very important, for
it is, surely, the bait base which must attract the rodents quite regardless of the poison used. It
is at this point that practice in a busy seaport and that of hinterland organisations differ. In a
seaport such as London there is inevitably a wide variety of rodent-attractive food in and around
the warehouses, some of which is stored for considerable periods of time and some transported at
relatively very short notice from one place in the Port to another equally vulnerable site. The
most effective control, therefore, demands a baitbase which is almost irresistible to rodents, e.g.
drinking water for rats, alone or absorbed in a cereal, while mice, which need less water and are
much less predictable in appetite and behaviour, must be lured by a baitbase which is more
attractive than other foods which may be available to them.
Of poisons there is a range of choice to meet particular circumstances. In this Port the
choice is made with the object of rapid extermination in the joint interests of public health and
trade without however disregarding the humane aspect of these vital operations.
Mice infestations can be very difficult to eradicate, particularly when transported as passengers
with imported agricultural cargo. Some cargoes from the Continent are particularly
vulnerable and must be constantly viewed with suspicion. Increased agricultural imports resultresulting
from possible entry into the Common Market will accordingly require added vigilance.
Rodent proofing has been adopted on dock premises and vessels whenever possible, and
Senior Rodent Inspector Stimson reports considerable modifications on lighters during the year.
Precautions against the establishment and spread of rodent-borne diseases have continued
by submission of dead rats for clinical and bacteriological examination, the specimens representing
a complete cross section of association with Port and commercial activities.
Correspondence between this and other large seaports has been maintained to co-ordinate
efforts of rodent control aboard ships. This practice is now spreading and finding favour with
some continental ports to mutual advantage.
It is encouraging to learn that the numerous visitors to the Port whose particular interest is
in rodent control pay tribute to the standard of efficiency of the staff and of the measures in
operation.

PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS (APPLICATION TO SHIPPING) ORDERS 1951-56
Since 1951 the Port Health Authority has been issuing Rodent Control Certificates to coastwise
shipping as provided for by the terms of the Prevention of Damage by Pests (Application to
Shipping) Order, 1951.
During the year 1961 the Port Health Authority issued 32 such Certificates.
19