View report page

62
[Appendix IY.
In 1899 the Vestry of Hackney caused 100 samples of milk to be examined bacteriologically for
tuberculosis, and 22 per cent, were found to be infected. The sources of the milk have not been stated,
but it is said that "a large proportion of the samples examined were taken from milk imported into
the district." At the close of 1899 the Vestry directed samples to be taken in the Parish for a
like purpose. As it was essential to know definitely the origin of each milk, the samples were taken
on the milk platform at Paddington Station, the name and address of the consignor being recorded
in each instance. There is no legal power to take samples for this purpose, and the work had to be
done with discretion. In all 39 samples were examined, of which 2 only were found to be
infected—or "just over 5 per cent." Pus cells were, however, found in varying numbers in nearly
all the samples. The bacteriologist (Dr. Hewlett) was able to describe only 8 samples as " of
good quality "; he, however, reported that all the samples were " clean " and " free from extraneous
matters, such as sand, dirt, straw," &c.
It is somewhat difficult to reconcile the very divergent results obtained by the different observers,
and without desiring to minimize the importance of the results recorded, it is impossible to help
doubting whether the bacillus tuberculosis has been identified in every case. It is well known that
there are many organisms so closely resembling that of tuberculosis as to render their differentiation
very difficult. It is almost impossible to do so without direct inocidation of animals.
Whatever the explanation of the differences may be, the results obtained clearly indicate that
steps should be taken to systematically verify the presence of the organism in milk, and that legal
powers should be obtained for this work. Rural authorities are not likely to undertake the duty,
and it can therefore only be done at the points of entry into the urban districts. There ought to be
a regular intercommunication of results between the authorities of the district in which the samples
are taken and of that whence the milk comes. By the Dairies, Cowsheds, and Milkshops
Order milk derived from cows affected with tuberculosis of the udder may not be used for the food
of man. Examination of the udder frequently fails to disclose the disease, and consequently it is
necessary to fall back on bacteriological tests.