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intensive methods of rearing now in vogue. As a preventive
measure against this habit some producers have introduced
tail-docking with considerable success. A further six pigs were
condemned because of pathological emaciation, septicaemia and
swine erysipelas.
One cow was condemned because of pathological emaciation.
In all, nearly 41 tons of carcase meat and offal were condemned
during the year, of which the major portion was offal.
The country-wide epidemic of Foot and Mouth disease which
started in October, 1967, continued until 4th June, 1968, and
became the worst recorded epidemic in this century resulting
in the slaughter of more than 430,000 animals.
Apart from this setback, however, the general improvement
in animal health over the past 10 years appears to have been
satisfactorily maintained.
As from the 1st November, 1968, the use of wiping cloths in
the dressing of carcases is prohibited by the Slaughterhouse
(Hygiene) (Amendment) Regulations, 1966.
At the Garland Road Abattoir water sprays have been installed
for the washing of carcases and the use of wiping cloths discontinued.
This change has not been welcomed by the trade generally
but, no doubt, when more experience has been gained in
the use of the sprays the merit of this method in the final cleaning
of the carcases will be accepted.
Local authorities, who have a duty to provide a meat inspection
service, remain dissatisfied with the present inadequate
charges levied for these arrangements because, in most instances,
this service has to be subsidised from local rates. More aggravating
still is the fact that very often most of the meat inspected
is for consumption out of the local authority's district, as is the
case of meat distributed from the Garland Road Abattoir.
Licensing of Slaughterhouses and Slaughtermen—The licence
for the one slaughterhouse in the Borough was duly renewed
during the year. Nine licences to slaughtermen were also renewed.
Butchers' Shops—Frequent visits are made to these shops and
in addition to the 118 formal inspections carried out, insanitary
defects were remedied in 42 instances.
As with other premises, legal proceedings are instituted only
after disregard of the Officer's warning and in no instance was
this necessary.