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The sedimented portions of the milk were used for examination. A series of
microscopical specimens were made from each sample, but such a direct
examination does not yield satisfactory results. The only reliable test is by
means of inoculation experiments, and these were carried out with each
sample of the milk. The accompanying table gives the results obtained, both
positive and negative.
A period of four to six weeks must elapse before the diagnosis can
experimentally be established and the investigation has consequently extended
over some months.
The results may be briefly summarised:-
1 Seventeen samples of milk were found to contain tubercle bacilli of
virulent character.
2 Twenty-three animals succumbed prematurely. It was consequently
impossible to establish a diagnosis in three instances.
3 Seventy-seven samples were therefore fully and fairly tested.
Taking the 77 absolute tests that were carried out, and the 17 positive
results that wore obtained, the proportion of milks from the Ifackney District
containing tuborcle bacilli was found to be 22 per cent.
I am, yours faithfully,
ALLAN MACFADYEN, M.D.,
Director.
On consideration of this report the Public Health Committee, in
view of the serious consequences which are likely to follow the use of
milk so affected, resolved to present the report of Dr. Macfadyen to
the Vestry and make the following recommendations:
(a) That the President of the Board of Agriculture be memoralized
to introduce a Bill into Parliament to give effect to the
recommendations of the Boyal Commission on Tuberculosis.
(b) That a copy of the report be sent to the London County
Council and the local authorities of the metropolis, and that
these bodies be asked to support the action of this Vestry
by making similar representations.
(c) That copies of the report be sent to the Prime Minister, the
Leader of the House of Commons, the President of the
Local Government Board, and to the Members of Parliament
and London County Council for the district.
(d) That a circular be prepared and circulated throughout the
district advising the inhabitants to boil all milk before use