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39
Tubercle Bacilli in Milk.
Although only one of the 24 samples gave evidence of tubercle infection considerable
benefit resulted from an examination of milk for tubercle bacilli; the
sample of milk in question was purchased from the occupier of a small general shop.
A guinea pig killed three weeks after injection showed a somewhat enlarged spleen
and a second guinea pig killed at six weeks showed tubercles in large numbers in
an enlarged spleen and enlarged inguinal, mesenteric and mediastinal glands. The
milk had been supplied to the Holborn retailer by large wholesale dealers. The
wholesalers in reply to enquiry stated that the milk in question would no doubt
have been lightly treated by heat and refrigeration, but it was impossible to
ascertain its source as they drew their milk from numerous producers in various
districts. The milk was not sold either to or by the retailer as "pasteurised"
and there was no definite evidence that the sample was in fact obtained from a
source where the milk was pasteurised as a routine. After some correspondence
the wholesalers supplied a list of farms from which their milk was obtained, this
covered seven counties; communications were accordingly addressed to the various
County Medical Officers of Health concerned, and subsequently information was
received that in one county a herd concerned with the supply had been investigated
and one cow isolated suffering with tuberculosis (not advanced) and slaughtered.
The Medical Officer of Health of another county intimated that as the result of
an inspection of one of the farms concerned a cow was slaughtered under the
Tuberculosis Order, 1925. From a third county information was received that
a cow at one of the farms concerned was also slaughtered under this Order.
We have been adversely criticised by an eminent colleague on the procedure of taking
"random" samples. Such criticism does not take sufficiently into account the need of
bringing home to the public the existence of a grave problem. This critic, however, supports
the position taken up in Holborn that pasteurisation is a half-way measure at best useful
for the conservation of milk, but radically useless for the eradication of tuberculosis among
bovines and consequently human tuberculosis of bovine origin. It stops the way to radical
reform bringing in its train the prevention of the large losses to the British meat industry
from the enforced destruction of tuberculous meat. Conscientious tackling of the problem
of tuberculosis in bovines would reinstate British agriculture in its original position.
Consumption of Milk.
An opinion has been expressed that the development of milk production for
sale as liquid milk has almost reached saturation point, but the consumption of
liquid milk in this country is very little more than a quarter-pint per head per day.
In far too many households milk is used not as a food but as a colouring agent for
tea. To reach saturation point the daily consumption should be in the neighbourhood
of one pint per head per day. We preach this doctrine day in and day out
whenever a suitable opportunity arises.
Milk and Dairies Order, 1926.
Some difficulty is experienced in securing strict compliance with the provisions
of the above Order, so far as the cleansing of vessels and appliances is concerned.
The Order provides for every vessel, lid and appliance to be thoroughly washed
as soon as may be after use and to be cleansed and scalded with boiling water or
steam before its use again. The cost of providing proper steam chests is such that