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80
"chilled udders in one quarter," and milk from them was
ordered not to be used for human food. On first becoming
aware of the occurrence, I found that the dairyman had some
of the milk in his possession, which had been despatched from
the farmer before his message had been received, and took
samples of it. These were submitted to microscopical and
bacteriological examination, and pus with streptococci,
staphylococci, and diplococci were found present in small
quantity, but no blood; b. enteritidis sporogenes were absent.
After exclusion of the affected cows, another sample of milk
was taken and similarly examined, and found satisfactory. It
is not clear from the conditions found that the milk from
these two cows had caused the illness, and it appears further
that the herd had been examined by the Veterinary Surgeon
a few weeks previously, and he states nothing was wrong
then.
(b) The second enquiry resulted from a communication from the
Medical Officer for the County of Middlesex, that a case of
scarlet fever was being treated at a farm from which milk was
said to be sent to Westminster. The farmer had undertaken
to stop the supply until the patient was well. It was found
eventually that one firm had at one time received milk from
this farm, but had given up the supply some years ago, and
that none of the milk was being sent to Westminster.