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46
The Public Health Committee made the annual inspection of the
cow houses on the 1st October, which they found, on the whole, in a
very satisfactory condition. The only defects found were:—
1 dirty water tank and gulley.
1 stable for horse communicating with cow shed.
1 defective paving.
During the inspection of the cows houses and dairies, the Committee
were impressed with the view, that in the present mode of keeping
and milking cows, and in the storage of milk, great opportunities
were offered for the pollution of the milk. After careful consideration,
the Public Health Committee had the following circular letter
drafted, a copy of which was afterward sent to each cow-keeper and
milk-vendor in the district.
" Sir (or Madam),
During a recent inspection by the Public Health Committee
of the Cowhouses and Dairies in this Borough, it was ascertained that
in some cowsheds the cows were groomed and their udders cleaned
before milkiDg, but in the majority of cases this was not done. It
was also observed, that in some instances, the cleanliness of the
milker left much to be desired.
In certain dairies and milkshops the milk was exposed on counters,
etc., quite uncovered, and consequently exposed to pollution from
falling particles and from air-borne matters and germs.
The Committee, having fully considered these fact3, are of opinion
that:—
1.—Every milch cow should be groomed at least once a day, and
the udder cleaned before each milking.
2.—That no one should milk unless scrupulously clean in person
and clothes (preferably a clean overall or blouse, and
suitable head covering should be worn).