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22
Analysis of the samples taken during the year, of which examination was
completed, tabulated according to the grade of the milk shows:—

The figures in brackets are for the year 1937.
The policy of referring to the Milk Marketing Board particulars of infected milk
of any grade concerning which there is no evidence that it would be pasteurised
before consumption has been continued. Action was taken during the year in
respect of three such samples, and an assurance was given by the company concerned
that the milk from the infected sources would be pasteurised.
During the year milk from 26 counties was sampled, and when found to be
tuberculous the medical officers of health of the counties concerned were notified,
with the result that 91 cows were dealt with under the Tuberculosis Orders, 1925
and 1938, as against 90 in 1937. During 1938 there were 158 positive samples.
The source of infection of 99 was traced, and of 46 not traced. Of 18 positive
samples discovered in 1937, in respect of which examination was in progress at the
beginning of 1938, the source of infection of 9 was traced and of 9 not traced. Inquiry
in regard to the remaining 13 discovered in 1938 is still in progress.
Cows at
institutions
under the
control of the
Council
Samples of milk from cows kept at institutions under the control of the Council,
other than those in tuberculin-tested herds, have been taken at least twice during
the year. The results of such sampling showed that, of 212 samples, the examination
of which was completed, 7 (or 3.3 per cent.) were tuberculous, and 5 cows were
found to be suffering from tuberculosis.
Cows at these institutions are sampled in groups; the Minister of Agriculture
and Fisheries is informed of any sample proving to be tuberculous and arranges
for the necessary steps to be taken to discover individual cows affected.
Licensed
cowsheds
During the first three months of the year, before the Agriculture Act, 1937,
came into operation, the cows in the London licensed sheds were inspected under the
provisions of Part IV of the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926. The veterinary surgeons
inspected the cows in all such sheds, making 32 visits in all. During these inspections,
514 cows were examined, of which 32 were found to be unhealthy, 2 suffering from
tuberculosis, 22 from mastitis, 6 from induration of the udder and 2 from some other
defect.
In connection with these inspections, 6 samples of milk were taken for bacteriological
examination in suspected cases ; of these, 2 were tuberculous, 1 was incomplete
and the remainder negative. In addition to the special samples, 60
routine samples were taken, the examination of 3 of which was incomplete, while 4
were tuberculous and the remainder negative.
Venereal diseases
In the annual report for the year 1916 particulars were given of a scheme for
the provision of the necessary facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal
disease which had been formulated as a result of conferences between representatives
of the counties of London, Buckingham, Essex, Hertford, Kent, Middlesex and Surrey,
and of the county boroughs of Croydon, East Ham and West Ham.
The Local Government Board, in due course, signified its approval of the scheme,
which came into operation on 1st January, 1917, and is known as the London and
Home Counties Scheme.
Hospitals
Fifteen general and four special hospitals were undertaking in-patient or outpatient
treatment and other work under the scheme at the end of 1938.