View report page

With regard to the cow malady, the scabs and excoriations were in the main limited to the
teats ; in one or two instances they extended on to the udder. In no instance did we discover
evidence of loss of hair in patches. On June 21st when examination of the cows was made, there
were but few recent lesions (papules, vesicles), but numerous crusts and scars. The lesions on the
teats seem to have run their course in from a week to a fortnight. We had no opportunity of
learning whether visceral lesions were present in the affected animals. Only in one cow examined
were febrile symptoms (cough, a rapid pulse, staring coat) noted (see page 9, No. 2 in first shed).
It is possible there may have been slight constitutional disturbances among some of the other affected
animals prior to our visit. We were told that in no instance had sores developed on the hands of
milkers. The milkers, moreover, denied having at any time noticed that the milk was ''ropy."
We are greatly indebted to the medical officers of health of the various affected districts
already named in the course of this report for the full information which they kindly placed at our
disposal, without which a complete record of the outbreak as it affected the two counties would not
have been possible. We are further indebted to the medical officers of health of the county and of
the districts in which the depot and farms were situated for valuable help freely rendered at the
time of our visit of investigation. We were so fortunate as to obtain during our enquiry in the
district help from all those to whom we had occasion to apply. It is especially due to the manager
secretary, and medical adviser of the dairy company concerned, to state that they gave us every
assistance in their power and placed their books and records entirely at our disposal.
W. H. Hamer,
Medical Officer (General Purposes), County of London.
T. Henry Jones,
Acting County Medical Officer of Health of Surrey.