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36
In nearly all cases such dairy companies have in their contracts with the
farmers clauses rendering obligatory the notification (to the company) of
any disease among either the family or the cows, but it is clear that this is in
itself not sufficient for the public protection.
in each case when the fact of the sample being infected with the tubercle
bacillus was pointed out, the supply of milk was at once stopped, and a
detailed examination made by the Medical Officer of Health and a Veterinary
Surgeon.
In Somerset (19) two cows were removed from the herd, one for "old age
"and a slight disease of the lungs," in the other the "udder was slightly
"diseased."
Suffolk (23).—The Veterinary Surgeon reported that of 53 cows in the
herd three were found to have "defective quarters, and the glands chronically
"thickened. These three cows were sent absolutely away, and the other 50
"are in good health."
Derby (33).—Defective ventilation and lighting in cowsheds were found
and remedied. One cow was separated from the herd in consequence of
"suspected tuberculosis." This animal was slaughtered, and the postmortem
revealed " tuberculosis in one quarter of the udder."
In each case, after removal of the diseased animals the supply was resumed,
a sample of the milk being subsequently taken on arrival and submitted to
Dr. Klein. These samples were found to be free from tubercle (19bis, 23bis,
and 33bis).
From one point of view, it is satisfactory to know that diseased cows were
found on each herd, but the fact unfortunately shows how little care is taken
to preserve the purity of our milk supply.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS PYOGENES AUREUS.
In seven samples, equal to 17"9 per cent, (see Table A), the staphylococcus
pyogenes aureus was found. This probably has no serious significance in
the majority of cases, but its presence must be taken to mean that the milk is
not to be described as pure.
It has been found, however, present in milks which have caused disease,
and is generally associated with cases of mastitis.
As a matter of fact, investigation into the sanitary condition of the farms,
as reported by the Medical Officers of Health, showed that in one case only
Derbyshire (32) were the cows healthy and properly kept.
Wiltshire (14).—(i.) " Some of the cows are not as clean as they should
u be, the quarters, and in some cases the teats, being dirty, and in such