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In view of the inability of the Council to control the disposal of animals thus certified, t h
Council in 1904 obtained power to remove and slaughter any cows suspected to be suffering from
tubercular disease of the udder.
The cows in the London cowsheds have since the date of the Dairies Order of 1899 been periodically
inspected by the County Council's veterinary inspector, with a view to the detection of cows
suffering from tubercular disease of the udder. During the year 1907 there were five inspections of
all the cows in the London cowsheds, and the results of the veterinary inspector's examination are
shown in the following table:—

The reports of the Council's veterinary inspector also show the action taken for the elimination
of tuberculous cows from the London cowsheds, thus:—
First period.—One cow exhibited marked clinical symptoms of tubercular disease of the udder,
and was seized and slaughtered. In three other cases in which tubercular disease of the udder was
suspected, an examination of the milk from each cow was made. One of the cows died while the
milk was in course of examination, and was removed to the knacker's yard by order of the owner.
As regards the other two, tubercle bacilli were found in the milk and the cows were seized and
slaughtered under the Act.
Second period.—Three cows suspected to be affected with tubercular disease of the udder were
seized and slaughtered under the Act, without bacteriological examination of the milk. On postmortem
examination, two of them were found to be affected with tubercular disease of the udder.
The third animal, although free from tubercular disease of the udder, was in a dropsical condition, and
the carcase was condemned by the meat inspector as unfit for human food.
Third period.—Two cows suspected to be affected with tubercular disease of the udder were
seized and slaughtered under the Act, without bacteriological examination of the milk. On postmortem
examination, both were found to be affected with tubercular disease of the udder.
A sample of milk was taken from one cow and submitted for examination. At the time the
sample was taken this animal showed symptoms of general tuberculosis, but no direct evidence
of disease of the udder. The microscopic examination gave a negative result, but the inoculation test
proved that the milk was tuberculous. Prior to the result of the examination of the milk being known,
the animal in question was, by direction of the owner, sent to the Metropolitan Cattle Market for
slaughter.
Fourth period.—Of two cows presenting clinical evidence of tuberculosis of the udder, one
was seized under the Act and slaughtered. The other animal was destroyed by order of its owner.
Samples of milk from two other cows presenting symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis were taken.
On examination, a negative result was obtained from one sample and a positive result from the other.
In the latter case, before the result [of the examination had been obtained, the cow from which the
sample was taken was sold and removed to the country, where, it is stated, she was killed.
Fifth period.—One cow which presented clinical evidence of tuberculosis of the udder was
seized and slaughtered under the Act. Samples of milk were taken from five cows presenting
symptoms of tuberculosis, and, on examination, a negative result was obtained from two samples and a
positive result from three. The animals found to be affected with tubercular disease of the udder
were seized and slaughtered under the Act.
Milkshop premises.
The following table shows the number of milkshop premises at the end of 1906 and 1907 in the
several sanitary districts of London, the number of inspections and the proceedings taken. The table