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37
It will be seen from the above table that the sample purchased in July was a dirty milk,
the examination disclosing an unusually large number of organisms (1,440,000) per c.c. and
an exceptionally small minimal volume containing Bacillus coli. Information was obtained
as to the farm from which this milk was obtained, and a communication was addressed to the
County Medical Officer of Health concerned. A reply was received from him that as the result
of an inspection it was found that the farm was in good and clean condition, all the milking
done with all possible precautions. A mixed sample of milk from the farm taken by the
local Medical Officer of Health disclosed only 15,000 bacteria organisms per c.c. on agar
lifter 48 hours at 37°C., and there were no B. coli in 0.01 c.c. after three days' incubation.
This sample of mixed milk as taken locally would fall within the Grade A milk standard.
Some improvement occurred, however, as a further sample from the same retailer in the
Borough taken in August showed the presence of 389,000 organisms per c.c., and the
minimal volume containing B. coli was .0001 c.c.
Further information with regard to the samples of milk giving evidence of tuberculous
infection follows:—
Sample H.
This sample was purchased at the depot of a large dairy; two guinea pigs were inoculated.
One killed after three weeks showed evidence of tuberculous infection of spleen, lungs and
liver; the second pig died five weeks after inoculation, post mortem showing generalised
tuberculosis of a miliary type, affecting particularly lymphatic system, serus membranes,
liver and spleen. Information was obtained from the retail company that the milk was part
of consignments from various farms received at their bottling depot, where it was mixed,
pasteurised and cooled. Evidence was not obtainable therefore as to the particular farm
from which tile sample of milk came. Communications were, however, sent to the Medical
Officers of Health of the counties in which the farms were situated.
A communication was also sent to the Medical Officer of Health of the Metropolitan
district in which the mixing and pasteurising depot of the retail firm is situated. A reply
was received that on inspection the pasteurising plant was found to be satisfactory, up-todate
and well kept. A sample of milk taken at the mixing depot did not show any evidence
of tubercle.
Sample S.
This sample was purchased in the street from a roundsman employed by a dairyman in
the borough. A guinea-pig killed after a period of six weeks showed a caseating mass in an
enlarged spleen thus affording evidence of tuberculosis.
Sample T.
This sample was purchased at a small general shop. Two guinea-pigs were inoculated;
one killed after three weeks showed all organs to be healthy; the second killed after six
weeks showed tubercles on a slightly enlarged spleen and enlarged glands in the mesentery,
evidence of tuberculous infection being thus afforded.
Sample V.
This sample was purchased at a milk shop. Two guinea-pigs were inoculated; one killed
after three weeks showed enlargement of liver, but no definite signs of tuberculosis were
detected. The second pig killed after six weeks showed enlarged liver and spleen with well
marked tubercles. The animal was emaciated; evidence of tuberculosis infection was thus
afforded.
Sample Al.
This sample was purchased at a restaurant. Two guinea-pigs were inoculated, one killed
at three weeks showed slightly enlarged spleen with no direct evidence of tuberculous
infection. The second killed at six weeks showed enlarged spleen with tubercles and enlarged
mediastinal and mesentric glands, giving evidence of tuberculous infection.
Information given by the retailers showed that the four samples S. T. V. and A1 were
all obtained from one and the same firm of wholesale dealers. Communications were
addressed to the firm concerned with a view to ascertaining the names and addresses of the