Part 25
4. Where the proprietor or occupier of a messuage has participated in the grant to be made by the State (sec. 1), he shall not deliver up, or cause to be delivered up, for the purpose of obtaining a premium or premiums, rats killed within the said messuage, until the expiration of one month from the employment of such preparation for which such grant has been made. Any person acting in contravention of this section shall be liable to a penalty of 100 to 500 kroner.
5. Any person who preserves or breeds rats or imports rats from abroad, in order to obtain premiums or enable another person to obtain them, shall be liable to a penalty of 100 to 500 kroner, unless he is liable to a higher penalty under the common law. A person who shall deliver up rats knowing them to have been preserved, bred, or imported for the purpose of obtaining a premium shall be liable to the same penalties.
All proceedings under this act shall be taken in a public police court, the fines to go to the special funds provided by this act, or where such fund does not exist, to the public funds of such local authority.
Any person delivering up rats to any other local authority than to that within the district of which they have been caught shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding 100 kroner.
This act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed hereafter by the minister of the interior and remain in operation for three years.
In the session of the Riksdag immediately preceding the expiration of this law a vote shall be taken for the renewal or revision of this law.
The Government is authorized by royal rescript to make such alterations in the operations of this law within the Faroe Islands as may be considered most suitable, having regard to the special conditions obtaining within those islands.
Following the enactment of this law, there was issued by the ministry of the interior May 1, 1907, a circular to the local authorities on the subject.
CIRCULAR TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
Whereas the Association for the Authorized Extermination of Rats has proved to the satisfaction of the ministry of the interior that it is in a position to expend on the furtherance of its objects not less than 10,000 kroner within a period of three years, it is hereby requested, in pursuance of act No. 59, of the 22d March, 1907 (see public notice dated this day), and commencing with the 1st day of July of this year each local authority shall at its own expense take all such measures as may be necessary for the reception and destruction of all rats killed within the district of such authority and delivered up to it. For the purpose of paying a premium for each rat delivered up each local authority shall out of the common funds make an annual grant which shall be not less than 3 kroner for each hundred inhabitants, according to the then last general census, should the amount required for the payment of premiums make such grant necessary. It shall be left to each local authority to decide whether further grants shall be made toward this purpose. The premium to be paid for each rat delivered up shall not be more than 10 oere or less than 5 oere, and shall be fixed by each local authority which shall give due and sufficient notice both of the date fixed for the commencement of the operations of the law and the premium to be paid. As far as possible, a uniform rate of payment by premium shall be fixed by local authorities within the same county. Rats may not be delivered up to any local authority but to that within the district of which they have been caught; any person acting in contravention (par. 5 of the aforementioned law) shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding 100 kroner.
The chairman of the councils of the various local authorities are hereby requested to take steps for the discussion and carrying out of the provisions of this law.
If the grant made by any local authority for the purposes of this law should prove insufficient for the payment of premiums on all rats delivered up, such authority may apply to the Association for the Authorized Extermination of Rats, Colbjornsengade 14, Copenhagen B, for a subsidy, this association having undertaken to organize the obtaining of voluntary subscriptions for the carrying out of the purposes of this act.
The said association is further prepared, at the request of local authorities, to render expert assistance in commencing and carrying through operations under this act.
For the collection and destruction of rats killed the ministry of the interior issues the following instructions:
A.—THE LARGER TOWNS.
_Collecting depots._—The local authorities shall provide a sufficient number of places suitable for collecting depots. Such depots must not be within any place where food or clothing is made or offered for sale. Fire brigade stations are considered most suitable for collecting depots.
The collecting may suitably be done in the manner that for each depot a number of receptacles are provided, made of galvanized iron and furnished with a tight-fitting lid. Into these receptacles the rats are to be thrown after their tails have been cut off. The tails are to be kept in a separate tin box. All receptacles and boxes are to be collected daily and to be replaced by empty receptacles. The full receptacles are to be taken to the place where the destruction of the rats is effected.
Further advice on the purchase of such receptacles and the apparatus for cutting off their tails will be given by the Association for the Authorized Extermination of Rats at the request of a local authority.
The destruction may be effected either by cremating the dead rats—for instance, at the municipal gas works—or by burying the carcasses in the open, at a sufficient distance from the town, unless this course is prohibited by local sanitary considerations. It is recommended that the local authority act in this manner always with the local health committee.
B.—THE SMALLER TOWNS.
Instead of opening a fixed depot, it would appear more suitable in the smaller towns to provide a collecting cart. Any horse-drawn vehicle would serve the purpose as long at it is furnished with a fixed apparatus for cutting off the tails and a receptacle of galvanized iron for receiving the carcasses of the rats. The vehicle should also be fitted with a bell, to announce the arrival and presence of the collecting cart.
The destruction of the carcasses is to be effected in the manner described under A.
C.—THE VILLAGES.
The authorities in the villages shall appoint a suitable person to receive the rats delivered up, for which work he shall be paid an adequate remuneration. Such persons must be supplied with an apparatus for cutting off the tails of rats handed in. After the tails have been cut off, the rats may be buried in a suitable place without delay. It is most undesirable that any person engaged in the carrying of milk or other foodstuffs be asked to convey rats to the persons appointed to receive them. Villages in close proximity to towns are advised to make arrangements for the cremation of the rats at the municipal gas works.
In the case of villages whose buildings approximate those of a town it is recommended that the regulations given for towns are adopted.
Respecting the payment of the premiums it is recommended that the person in charge of a collecting depot or otherwise appointed to receive rats is supplied with a fixed amount of petty cash, out of which he pays the premium for each rat delivered up. The tails cut from the rats serve as a receipt for the payment made, so that the total amount of tails will be a discharge for the total amount of petty cash received and paid out in premiums.
In order to prevent abuse it is particularly requested that the local authorities take care that the rat tails are destroyed in an efficient manner as soon as they have served the purpose of control and checking.
For the purpose of keeping satisfactory accounts the Association for the Authorized Extermination of Rats has on sale specially arranged account books which are recommended by the ministry of the interior.
As in accordance with paragraph 3 of the law of 22d March, 1907, it is the duty of the Association for the Authorized Extermination of Rats to submit to the ministry of the interior a report on the money expended in the whole of the kingdom on such premiums, the local authorities are hereby desired to make a quarterly return to the aforementioned association on the number of rats killed within the district of each authority in each month of the quarter covered by such return and on the money paid out for premiums. Forms for such returns will be supplied by the association.
Any associations which in accordance with terms of paragraph 1 of the law of 22d March, 1907, desire to participate in the grant made by the State for the purpose of purchasing preparations for the extermination of rats (ratin, etc.) must send a request to that effect to the minister of the interior, together with a statement showing the approximate cost of the proposed campaign and the amount at the disposal of the association for that purpose. As this law is essentially of an experimental character, the requests of all such associations will be treated as preferential, which show that the proposed extermination may be easily and successfully effected (as, for instance, on small islands).
A number of copies of this circular will be forwarded to each local authority.
DESTRUCTION OF RATS IN SWEDISH PORTS.
Consul W. H. Robertson at Gothenburg, Sweden, quoted the city physician to the effect that “upon the appearance of plague in Great Britain the city council decided in April and November, 1901, to make an appropriation of $2,680 for an attempt to reduce the number of rats within the community.” These attempts were continued during the period May, 1901, to September, 1902, 2.68 cents being paid for each rat caught. Any unusual mortality among rats on board a vessel coming from a plague-infected port was being dealt with in accordance with a royal proclamation of June 16, 1905.
In Malmo, according to the consular agent, the authorities during the past seven years had given a premium for every rat killed during the first five years, 2.68 cents for each rat, but during the past two years only half of that amount.
DESTRUCTION OF RATS IN ENGLISH PORTS.
The Local Government Board has issued regulations for the prevention of plague and certain other diseases. One of these regulations is as follows:
The master of a ship which by reason of plague is an infected ship, or a suspected ship, or which has come from, or has during the voyage called at, a port infected with plague, or in which there are rats infected with plague, or in which there is or has been during the voyage an unusual mortality among rats, shall, under the direction and to the satisfaction of the medical officer of health, take all such precautions or employ all such means for effectually stopping the access of rats from the ship to the shore as in the opinion of the medical officer of health are measures reasonably necessary for the prevention of danger arising to public health from the ship.
In accordance with this regulation, notice was given in a circular issued by the medical officer of health of the port of London of the precautions necessary for stopping the access of rats from ship to shore in that port. These precautions were outlined as follows:
1. All ropes and mooring tackle for securing the vessel either to the shore or mooring buoys shall be fitted with metal brushes, funnels, or other effective guards, the portions of such ropes and mooring tackle leading from the vessel to a distance from the vessel’s side of at least 4 feet shall be coated each night with fresh tar. Ropes may, if desired, be protected by a covering of canvas or yarns before tarring.
2. When not engaged in discharging cargo, one gangway only shall be permitted to afford means of communication between the ship and the shore.
3. The end of the gangway near the ship shall be whitened for a length of 10 feet, and the watchman shall keep the gangway pulled inboard after sunset, or it shall be guarded in some approved manner.
4. When alongside the quay, the ports on the side of the vessel nearest the quay shall be kept closed after sunset.
5. All empty cases and barrels, especially those from the storerooms, shall be examined before being landed, to insure that no rats are contained therein.
6. It is recommended that all possible means be adopted for catching and destroying rats, both on the voyage and during the stay of the vessel in port. Any rats so caught shall be killed, then placed in a bucket of strong disinfecting solution, and afterwards burnt in the ship’s furnace.
7. No rats, alive or dead, are to be removed from the ship without my permission in writing.
In London, the practice of destroying rats on the docks had been systematically carried out by the dock companies at their own expense and under the supervision of the port sanitary authority. Vice-consul Richard Westacott reported that the destruction of rats on vessels was provided for by regulation whenever the medical officer of health was satisfied that such precaution against the introduction of the spread of plague was necessary.
In Liverpool, Consul J. L. Griffiths stated that earnest endeavors were made to capture rats by professional rat catchers. On infected or suspected ships, special precautions were taken to prevent the escape to the shore of rodents. On noninfected or nonsuspected ships the medical officer of health might also require the destruction of rats, and in this case the expense was borne by the sanitary authority. It is evident, therefore, that the precautions taken are in accordance with the provisions of the International Sanitary Convention of Paris.
It was the practice, at the time the consul sent his dispatch, to maintain strict surveillance over vessels likely to develop plague aboard until after the period of incubation had been passed.
In Southampton, according to Consul A. W. Swalm, a competent man was employed by the dock authorities whose sole duty was to wage war on rats. In addition, the night watchmen on all vessels were required to perform the additional duty of trapping rats. The usual precautions to prevent the passage of rats from ship to shore were also observed.
MEASURES AGAINST RATS AT AUSTRALIAN PORTS.
The following are the regulations issued under the quarantine act of 1908 by the commonwealth of Australia relating to the ingress to and egress from vessels of rats and mice; the destruction of rats, mice, and other vermin; and precautions against the introduction of vermin from plague-infested places.
136. (1) The master or owner of every vessel shall—
(_a_) Effectively obstruct—against the migration of rats—by means of stout wire netting, all pipes, ports, cabin scuttles, and other openings or holes in the side of the vessel next to the wharf, and also when cargo is being discharged into lighters, in the side next to the lighters, and keep them so obstructed while the vessel is alongside the wharf or lighters;
(_b_) Prevent any organic refuse, galley scraps and waste from being discharged into the waters or on the wharfs of any port.
(2) The master or owner of any vessel arriving in any port in Australia from any place proclaimed infected with plague, or as a place from or through which plague may be brought or carried, under section 12 of the quarantine act, 1908, shall—
(_a_) Produce to the quarantine officer a certificate showing that an efficient fumigation of such vessel while empty had been carried out prior to departure. Such certificate, in the case of an oversea vessel, must (if the port of departure be within the British dominions) be signed by the health officer of the port; or, when such port is a foreign port, by the British consul. In the case of an interstate vessel the certificate must be signed by a quarantine officer. In the absence of such certificate the quarantine officer may require the cargo to be discharged in the stream. Efficient fumigation in this regulation shall mean fumigation as specified in regulation 137 (2) _b_;
(_b_) Suspend or cause to be suspended over the side of the vessel against the wharf, or against any lighter alongside, electric or other effective lights, distributed so as to afford from sunset to sunrise thorough illumination fore and aft along the whole side of the vessel.
137. (1) The owner or master of any vessel shall—
(_a_) Keep all foodstuffs and food refuse in rat-proof and mouse-proof receptacles;
(_b_) Thoroughly flush out and afterwards empty the bilges before berthing at any port;
(_c_) Keep on board the vessel a dog or a cat—or both—efficient for rat and mouse killing, and give it or them constant access to those parts of the vessel where rats or mice may harbor;
(_d_) Set and keep set in sufficient numbers and in suitable places metal break-back traps or other effective traps for rats and mice; and
(2) When so ordered by a quarantine officer, shall—
(_a_) Lay on the vessel poison baits effective for rats and mice;
(_b_) Submit the holds and other such parts of the vessel as the quarantine officer directs to sulphur fumigation in accordance with this regulation, or to some other method of fumigation approved by the director of quarantine. Sulphur fumigation shall be effected by passing sulphur fumes into the vessel under pressure, and at the same time exhausting the air in the parts of the vessel under fumigation, and shall be continued until all parts of the vessel under fumigation are filled with a gaseous mixture of a strength of not less than 3 per cent of sulphur oxides, and are kept so filled for at least eight hours.
The fumigation shall, if the quarantine officer so orders, be carried out in the stream or away from a wharf.
(_c_) Clean, wash, or spray all portions of the vessel likely to harbor or afford shelter to vermin, with an approved insecticidal solution effective for the killing of fleas, lice, bugs, and other vermin; and
(_d_) Flush, cleanse, disinfect, or empty all lavatories, water tanks, or any closed-in space on board the vessel, and cause to be produced for disinfection any articles desired by the quarantine officer.
In Sydney, it was stated by the president of the department of public health that steady, systematic poisoning and trapping of rats were done all the year round, and that this had been the case for the past eight years. The experience there had been that mineral poisons were found to answer best, and that organic viruses had been found to be not practically successful.
In Melbourne, rat destruction was carried on by the board of public health of Victoria and by the local health authorities under the Victorian health act of 1890. As stated in the report of Consul J. M. Jewell, the board of public health restricts its operations to shipping wharves, to shores, and banks of the River Yarra upon which Melbourne is situated. Since 1900, the board had had a staff of men continually engaged in distributing poison baits. In order to prevent the passage of rats to and from vessels, certain specific berthing restrictions were in force. In addition, fumigation of vessels was practiced under the supervision of the board’s officers. The board had continually urged the various municipal authorities to maintain the crusade against rats and render dwellings rat proof.
The consul also stated that the local municipal councils paid a bonus for every rat, and that the fee was then 4 cents.
In Adelaide, it was stated there were no compulsory regulations for the destruction of rats, but shipping companies had cooperated with the local sanitary authorities to keep down these rodents on the wharves by means of poison and traps, the poison being supplied gratis by the board of health.
In Fremantle, and other seaports of Western Australia, according to the consul-general, men were engaged in baiting and trapping rats, these precautions being maintained throughout the year.
MEASURES AGAINST RATS IN SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS.
In Buenos Aires it was stated by the chief of the asistencia publica that a regular staff of 150 men was employed in the destruction of rats and fumigation of houses. A map of the city showing houses that had been found to contain rats was marked. In addition, a pesthouse was maintained in which live rats were watched, and developments of pest noted.
In Montevideo Consul F. W. Goding stated that there were no organized efforts for the destruction of rats, but that vessels were fumigated at stated intervals under the direction of the sanitary authorities. He also stated that the Government had required portions of the sea wall to be covered with cement in order to prevent rats obtaining a lodging there.
In Callao, Peru, provision was made for the fumigation of vessels from infected ports, and it is stated by Consul-General S. M. Taylor that the Government had required steamship companies to install fumigating apparatus on board their passenger vessels.
It is stated by the consul that there was a new municipal law in Callao calling for stone or brick 2 feet below and 2 feet above ground on all walls and foundations for new buildings, and concrete floors in all establishments where provisions are sold.
In Iquique, Chile, it was reported by the consul that the director of the municipal laboratory disinfected houses infected with plague, and sent a corps of men to poison and trap rats which might be therein.
MEASURES AGAINST RATS IN WEST INDIAN PORTS.
From Habana it was reported that no action had been taken by the sanitary authorities toward exterminating vermin, except the promulgation of a circular letter calling attention to the presence of the plague in neighboring countries, and requesting citizens to free their premises of rats. The same statement was also said to apply to other Cuban seaports.
In Kingston, Jamaica, on account of the appearance of the plague in Venezuela, the government took precautionary measures with the view of exterminating rats. These steps, as reported by Vice-Consul W. H. Orritt, were as follows:
A. Lectures were delivered in various centers of the island showing how rats are the distributers of plague and the necessity of destroying them.
B. Virus was imported, and live rats were inoculated and set free in every seaport in the island.
C. Bamboo pots with poison glued to their bottoms were distributed to householders and placed in the haunts of rodents.
In Santo Domingo bounties for rats were authorized May 19, 1908, by the city council. In addition, rat virus had been used in considerable quantity.
DESTRUCTION OF RATS IN PANAMA.
In Cristobal, Canal Zone, Colon, and Bocas del Toro, it was stated by Consul J. A. Kellogg that the sanitary department of the Isthmian Canal Commission had for some time been exterminating rats by traps and poisons.
In La Boca, Canal Zone, Consul-General Arnold Shanklin stated that the sanitary department of the Isthmian Canal Commission and the Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service had in charge and had most effectually carried on the extermination of rats, and that this crusade had also been extended to the old docks and wharves in the city of Panama.
MEASURES AGAINST RATS IN VANCOUVER.