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Rh *4. Soiled linen, personal effects in use, the belongings of crew and passengers which, in the opinion of the sanitary authorities are considered as infected should be disinfected. For ships in ballast, this operation should be performed immediately before taking on cargo.
 * 5. The parts of the ship which have been inhabited by those stricken with plague, and such others as, in the opinion of the sanitary authorities are considered as infected, should be disinfected.
 * 6. The destruction of rats on shipboard should be effected before or after the discharge of cargo, as rapidly as possible, and in all cases with a maximum delay of forty-eight hours, care being taken to avoid damage of merchandise, the vessel and its machinery.

XXII. Ships suspected of plague, are to be subjected to the measures which are indicated in Nos. 1, 4 and 5 of Article XXI.

Further, the crew and passengers may be subjected to observation, which should not exceed five days, dating from the arrival of the ship. During the same time, the disembarkment of the crew may be forbidden, except for reasons of duty.

The destruction of rats on shipboard is recommended. This destruction is to be effected before or after the discharge of cargo, as quickly as possible, and in all cases with a maximum delay of forty-eight hours, taking care to avoid damage to merchandise, ships, and their machinery.

For ships in ballast, this operation should be done, if done at all, as early as possible, and in all cases before taking on cargo.

XXIII. Ships indemne from plague are to be admitted to free pratique immediately, whatever may be the nature of their bill of health.

The only regulation which the sanitary authorities at a port of arrival may prescribe for them consists of the following measures:


 * 1. Medical visit (inspection).

2. Disinfection of soiled linen, articles of wearing apparel, and the other personal effects of the crew and passengers, but only in exceptional cases when the sanitary authorities have special reason to believe them infected.

3. Without demanding it as a general rule, the sanitary authorities may subject ships coming from an infected port to a process for the destruction of the rats on board before or after the discharge of cargo. This operation should be done as soon as possible, and in all cases should not last more than twenty-four hours, care being taken to avoid damaging merchandise, ships, and their machinery, and without interfering with the passing of passengers and crew between the ship and the shore. For ships in ballast, this procedure, if practiced, should be put in operation as soon as possible, and in all cases before taking on cargo.