THE RAT MENAGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1919, Page 1

THE RAT MENAGE.

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S • PRECAUTIONS.

WELLINGTON, May 2(5

From some parts of New Zealand reports have come to tile Public Health Department regarding the existence of the rat pest. Instruction's were given to tlie Department by the Minister to prepare a report regarding the measures that ought to be taken to destroy rats. The Minister niade a statement on the subject to-day.

“The position is,” said Mr Russell, “that as far back as 1911 regulations were gazetted to prevent or check the spread of plague bv rats. These regulations have not at any time hitherto been brought into operation, but they ore to he brought into force now. Amongst the recommendations for dealing with the rate plague iire the following:—Steps will he taken continuously to secure rats for examination as to the presence or absence of the plague bacillus. More particularly will attention be paid to rats found in and around the wharves of the principal ports of Few Zealand, and at all times in any places where an unexplained mortality among rats is reported, ■the District Health Officer will get into touch with Harbour Boards in their districts, advising them of the need for taking steps to destroy rats in sheds and buildings on the wharves, advising also the rat proofing of all buildings on their wliarves, if possible, aiid tlio pulling down of old or rat-infected buildings, and the erection of rat proof foundation. This has been most effective at New Orleans, in America-, iii eradicating the rat plague. Another requirement is that masters of ships, both coastal and oversea, shall he required to produce a certificate that their ships have been subjected to anti-rat fumigation when the holds were empty within the past six months, and that in cases where no such certificate can he produced, steps he taken forthwith to destroy rats on board the ship. Harbour Boards will be required to acquaint the District Health Officers at the earliest possible moment of the existence or suspicion, of sickness or unexplained mortality among rats on the wharves. In the case of ships found to have plague rats on board the District Health Officers will exercise their full powers under tlio quarantine regulations. “This action is being taken,” said the Minister, “in consequence of attention being drawn to reports that have come from Auckland and Wellington as to the existence oi something iu the nature of a rat menace, it is hoped that with tlie. assistance of the local authorities, active steps will bo taken to deal with this pressing danger.”