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Attention is also called to the following Extract from Leaflet No. 100,
issued by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, revised May, 1907:—
"Tuberculosis in Pigs.
"Too much stress cannot be laid on the fact that a very considerable number
"of carcasses of tuberculous pigs have of late been sent to the London markets for
"sale as human food, and many persons have been prosecuted on this charge, and
"in some cases heavily fined. Pig breeders and feeders are cautioned therefore
"against the risk of prosecution which they incur by disposing of such tuberculous
"carcasses. Tuberculosis is by no means uncommon in pigs, and is probably
"caused chiefly by feeding them on refuse milk from dairies in which cows with
"tuberculous udders exist, and on diseased offal from cattle. Especial care should
"therefore be taken to prevent swine from coming into contact with any part of
"the internal organs of diseased cattle, and refuse milk, if given at all, should be
"previously raised to boiling point. When a cow has one or more hard quarters,
"her milk should not be fed to the pigs unless it be first boiled.
"The indications of tuberculosis in the pig's carcass consist mainly of hard swellings
"in the glands around the throat, and the presence of white cheesy-looking deposits
"of tubercular material in the mucous membrane of the intestines, and in the
"mesenteric glands or in the lungs. In the event of any of these conditions being
"found after death, the owner should not send the carcass to market without
"ascertaining from the Sanitary Inspector of his district or from his Veterinary
"Surgeon that the carcass is free from tubercular disease.
"Improved sanitation and periodic disinfection of premises should be the order
"of the day wherever pigs are kept, and all empty pens should be carefully
"disinfected before the introduction of fresh stock."
All communications relating to consignments of Meat should be addressed—
"Medical Officer of Health,
"Meat Inspectors' Office,
"Central Markets,
"Smithfield, London, E.C."