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On the 28th, a third consignment of eight cows and two bulls arrived. One
of the cows was dead or dying at the time of inspection, and the carcass and
offal were seized. Of the others, one cow had a large swelling on the right
jaw. Having examined this with your Senior Inspector, I thought it would
be wise to have it specially reported upon by a veterinary surgeon, and
arranged for Professor Pemberthy to see the animal while alive. His report
was as follows:—
'' November 30th, 1901.
"In compliance with your request, I have to-day examined, at a slaughter"house
in Aldgate, a red cow with an extensive swelling at the lower jaw.
"As, under the condition obtaining, it was not possible to say during life
"whether this swelling be due to tuberculosis", actinomycosis, suppuration
"following a mechanical injury, or whether any other parts of the animal's
"body are similarly affected, I think it will be advisable to allow the animal to
"be slaughtered, and the carcass and viscera subjected to post-mortem inspection.
"Though this cow is not in prime condition, there is probably a consider"able
amount of nutritious flesh which you may deem fit for consumption, but
"under any circumstances, it is my opinion that the head should be regarded
"as unfit for human food.
(Signed) "JOHN PEMBERTHY, F.R.C.V.S.,
"Professor of Medicine
The animal was slaughtered on the Sunday (December 1st, 1901), when it
was evident upon inspection that the lesion was one of simple character, and
the carcass was passed as fit for human food, the head only being destroyed.
Especial care has been taken in dealing with this case on account of the
difficulty that will always arise with regard to these slaughterhouses from the
want of special veterinary inspection of animals during life. While your
food inspectors are charged with the inspection and control of dead meat, a
veterinary inspector should certainly be consulted in the case of living animals.
MEAT SUPPLIES.
The total quantity of meat delivered at the Corporation Markets, Smithfield,
during 1901 amounted to 415,510 tons 15 cwts. 2 qrs., against 410,380 tons
1 cwt. in the previous year, being an increase of 1.25 per cent. The corresponding
percentages for 1899 and 1900 were 1.33 and 1.20 respectively. *
*The figures relating to the Central Market supplies are compiled from the Annual Report of the
Superintendent of the Market.
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