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75
Not only is there evidence of this indifferent butchering, but further, whatever
inspection was made before shipment could only have been of a most perfunctory
character.
On the 24th of June last a consignment of these pigs was placed on the Central
Markets, and examination by your Officers showed that some attempt had been made to
examine the lymph glands of the heads before exportation by gouging out a portion of
the neck of the posterior edge of the inferior maxilla on one side only, but the results
arrived at by examination in their frozen condition were so unsatisfactory that the
consignment was detained until sufficiently thawed out to allow of the submaxillary
lymphatic glands being incised and examined.
It was then found that these glands had not been previously cut into, in fact, the
intermaxillary space had not been incised, and in seven cases the cervical region had
not been opened up, the trachea and oesophagus being left in situ.
In a number of cases the rectum, with its contents, was left in situ.
The result of the examination was that four cases, or nine per cent., were
condemned on account of Tuberculosis, and four on account of Hæmorrhagic Adenitis,
and the unwholesome condition of the carcases, due to dirt, ingesta, &c.
The Tuberculosis diagnosis was confirmed by a microscopical examination conducted
by Mr. Dunlop Young, and all the facts reported to the Local Government Board.
All the carcases were stamped "Killed, Municipal Slaughterhouses, Shanghai,
February, 1912."
It was explained to the Agent for the Consignors that proper examination could
not have been made, inasmuch as the cervical region and intermaxillary space had not
been opened up, and that without this being done, the carcases should not have been
certified as "Free from disease."
It was further pointed out to the Agent, that in future this should be done, and
also a transverse incision made from the wing of the atlas on the one side, to the wing
on the other side posterior to the edge of the inferior maxillæ, and skewers put in so as
to keep the incisions open.
If this be done it will be possible to examiné the carcases without the preliminary
thawing out. Under the present conditions this procedure, which is undoubtedly
prejudicial to the conditions of the meat, is absolutely necessary.
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.
In view of the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease during the first half of the
year, the Local Government Board, after communication with the Board of Agriculture
and Fisheries, issued a circular letter (dated 10th July, 1912), to Local Authorities,
suggesting that Medical Officers of Health, Inspectors of Nuisances, and Assistant
Officers under the Food Regulations, should exercise the strictest vigilance in the
supervision of abattoirs and slaughterhouses and places where meat is deposited and
exposed for sale.
Foot and Mouth Disease has, in some cases, been discovered among cattle
slaughtered at abattoirs, and also in certain parts of carcases when exposed for sale.