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62
" Cases of mussel-poisoning are common
during the mussel season, the symptoms of the
disease being disturbance of the gastro-intestinal
and peripheral nervous systems. There is also
very strong evidence that they may be an active
agent in the spread of Enteric Fever."
CONTAMINATED SHELL FISH.
In 1908 the attention of Dr. Collingridge was again
directed to the risk incurred by the eating of possibly
contaminated shell fish, especially oysters and mussels.
Upon enquiry it was ascertained that each of the firms
dealing with such mussels was able to produce a certificate
from the Netherlands Government that their
consignments came from unpolluted sources. Samples
were, however, taken and submitted to Dr. Klein for
analysis, who reported thereon that, although he was
unable to identify the actual bacillus of Enteric Fever,
the mussels were polluted with organisms of a fæcal
character. A further examination was subsequently
made of mussels from South Devonshire with a similar
result.
Extract from Dr. Collingridge's Report, 1908.
" As regards the general question of shell fish
pollution, it is greatly to be regretted that, in spite
of the opinion expressed by the Commissioners in
their Fourth Report on sewage treatment and disposal,
issued in December, 1903, that there is a
growing demand for legislation dealing with the
matter and that "the evil is sufficiently grave to