In 1907 the losses occasioned by rats in Denmark were estimated at 
$3,000,000. In that year,.as a result of Mri Zuschlag's efforts, the 
first Danish law relating to rat control was passed. It provided a State 
grant of 30,000 kroner (about $8,000):.annually and stipulated that the 
fund was to be used (1) to pay a bounty, through local authorities, for 
rats killed; (2) to permit experiments by the Royal Veterinary and Agri- 
cultural College; and (3) to purchase supplies for the campaign of exter- 
mination. In three years 3,887,278 of the rodents were destroyed at a cost 
of half a million kroner (about $134,000), or 13 Bre (3.5 cents) for each 
animal killed. Amendments to the law were made from time to time until 1924, 
when new legislation was passed. 
The new law stipulated that municipalities should undertake rat-con- 
trol campaigns at least once a year. Local authorities either financed the 
campaigns with municipal taxes, supplemented by State funds, or compelled 
property owners to take the necessary action. Fines were imposed for non- 
compliance. Only rat poisons certified by the Royal Veterinary and Agricul- 
tural College could be used. On the approved list were 1 bacterial and 12 
squill preparations. Other poisons could be usec, but with certain restric- 
tions. The bounty system legalized in 1907 was made optional. 
Mr. Zuschlag believes that the 1924 legislation, which is still in 
force, is good, but not good enough, as rural families are not compelled to 
participate in the program. In his opinion the bounty system was good at 
the start but is no longer a satisfactory control measure. He feels that 
there is need for more publicity, and that regulations should be adopted 
making the ratproofing of buildings compulsory. The writings of David . 
Lantz, formerly of the Bureau of Biological Survey, have been an important 
influence in that direction in Denmark. 
The Danish health authorities do not underestimate the relation of 
rats to human health. <A dozen cases of infectious jaundice have been re- 
corded in the couhtry during the last 2 or 3 years, the first time this dis- 
.ease has appeared there. 
As a result of operations under the control legislation, it is claimed 
that there are now few rats in Denmark. Possibiy much of this condition may 
be attributed tc the nature of the people, who keep their premises in such 
@ sanitary condition that the animals cannot get a foothold. Denmark has been 
Very successiull in rat ‘control. 
England 
England, too, has contributed much toward the solution of the rat 
problem. The first control regulations were the Rat Orders of 1918 and 
1919, necessitated by war conditions, under which the local authorities paid 
bounties on rats. These orders were superseded by permanent legislation 
passed in December 1919, and effective January 1920. The new law was known 
as the Rat and. Mouse Gienee rom) Act. har 
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