BUBONIC PLAGUE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16542, 28 September 1921, Page 10

BUBONIC PLAGUE.

CONFERENCE DISCUSSES PRECAUTIONS.

(Per Pribss Association.) WELLINGTON, September 27.

An important conference was held to-day between representatives of the Health Depart moot, shipping companies, harbour boards, local bodies and Waterside Federation, with the objoct of preventing tho introduction of bubonic plague in New Zealand. The meeting was called at the suggestion of the waterside workers’ organisation.

Dr Valintine, Chief Health Officer, presided. He explained that the Minister had received a communication from the Waterside Workers’ Union. So far as waa known no plague rats were in tho Dominion at the present time. The Department proposed to adopt the same precaut ons a 3 had been taken with regard to the Ulimaroa. It would have ships removed from the wharves at sundown each day, returnng again at daybreak. It was pointed out that considerable inconvenience, delay and expense would be caused to the shipping companies. During the meeting the chair tv an said that five rats caught on the Ulimaroa had been examined and found free from infection. Representatives, of the shipping compan : es said they were taking all th'-' precautions suggested by the Health Department.

After considerable discussion it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Kennedy, manager of the Wellington branch of the Union Steam Ship Company, ii That, subject to draft regulations being prepared by the Health Department and approved by a later meeting of those concerned, harbour boards at all ports be constituted authorities for the administration of such regulations, and that ail expenditure incurred under such regulations shall be a national charge.” PRECAUTIONS AT LYTTELTON. As a precautionary measure against bubonic plague, several rats which have been caught on tho s.s. Kauri, at Lyttelton, have been sent to tho Public Health Department for examination. The Kauri arrived from Newcastle direct last Thursday, with coal. It is understood that the vessel is to bo fumigated before leaving Lyttelton.

“A MUNICIPAL CLEAN-UP.” [From Ottr Correspondent.} WELLINGTON, September 27- “ There should be a municipal cleanup throughout New Zealand,” declared the Hon C. J. Parr, Minister of Health in dealing with the plague outbreak in Australia and the precautions Uhich ought to be taken against its introduction into the Dominion. It had come to the knowledge of the Health Department that the cities are infested with rats. The Minister, when replying to Mr W. H. Field, Baid there were two aspects of the dreaded bubonic plague to be considered. It was absolutely necessary for the cities to be cleaned up similarly ns was done in 1911 and 1912, particularly at hotels and restaurants. The other waa at the ship’s side. The Department was quite alive to the risk of plague coming from Australia, and he referred to the almost criminal neglect on the part of the health authorities in Brisbane in keeping back information when the first outbreak occurred. It was a difficult matter to keep it from coming to their shores, and the Denartn»ent had not yet considered the advisability of preventing any .Vhips coming from Australia to these shores, as the Questioner suggested. That was drastic action at the ©resent time. The Dennrtment- had insisted upon ships remaining out in the stream overnight (when there was a greater likelihood of rodents trying to get ashore), and working cargo during th© day. Special precautions were being tnken at tbe wharves, and a very careful examination of vessels was made on arrival. To-dav a conference had been held between the Health Department. Harbour Board. Wateraide Union and civil authorities to discuss the situation. HOW TO KEEP IT OUT. • / Precautions against the introduction of the bubonic plague, which has been detected in Queensland, are being taken by health and harbour authorities. Three sheets of regulations, typewritten on foolscap, were shown to a reporter yesterday by Dr Telford, district health officer, to indicate one aspect of the precautions which are being taken. They relate to ships in port, and prescribe measures to jjrevents rats and mice migrating to and from the vessels ; also fumigation where it is found necessary. It is further provided that any person found to be verminous, and the clothing and other articles belonging to the person, shall be cleansed and disinfected, and such person may be tempeorurily prohibited from leaving the ship, except under such conditions as may be specified. Extermination of rats has been going on for some time at Lyttelton, stated Dr Telford. Arrangements have been made to have rats bacteriologically examined in order to detect any infection. Bubonic plague is not go easily spread as pneumonic plague. Dr Telford said- The pneumonic typo can be passed from person to person, bun bubonic plague is carried solely by fleas from rats. Effort is being made to have a complete ‘‘ de-ratting ” on ships every fi\e months. Speaking of Dr Thacker’s Buercrestion that tar should be placed around rat-holes to deal with rata. Dr Telford said that little good would result from such a measure, as it would merely spread the rats furthvr abroad. They would not come back to their original holes, but tho tar would not kill them, and they would find new lodgings. CAMPAIGN ORDERED. Notification that the Health Department has ordered that an immediate campaign be made against rats is advertised by the City Council. Occupiers of premises infested with rats are required to take immediate steps to exterminate them by means of trapping and laying of poison. Tho dead animals, when found, should be immersed in a solution of Joye’s Fluid (one tablespoonful to two quarts of water) in order to kill th© fleas. The carcases should then be sent to the city destructor. Tins of rat poison may be obtained at the City Inspectors'' office, City Council Chambers, at 2a 6d per tin.