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In all these it was found that wherever generalised tuberculosis is produced
by feeding, the lungs are generally affected often to a greater extent than any
other organ in the body.
These experiments show that tuberculosis is readily set up in pigs, and
that in young ones it is usually of a progressive type. The adult pig, although
readily affected, is much more resistant than the young one. The young pig
was found to be undoubtedly the most susceptible to tuberculosis of all the
animal species used in this series of experiments.
In this connection I may mention that the leaflet No. 100, published by the
Board of Agriculture and Fisheries for the guidance of pig breeders in
Januar}r, 1904, was revised in May of this year, and it is pointed out in the
later edition that tuberculosis in pigs is probably caused chiefly by feeding
them on refuse milk from dairies in which cows with tubercular udders exist,
and on the offal of diseased cattle.
Inoculation experiments were also carried out on a large scale, and it is
interesting to note that they showed that the chimpanzee and the various
species of monkeys used are highly susceptible to the bovine tubercular
bacillus, this high susceptibility being so clearly established that it seemed
to be unnecessary to perform any more experiments on the same lines.
As these animals are the most nearly related to the human race, it is not
unlikely that tuberculosis can be conveyed to man in the same manner.
Butchers, slaughtermen and others engaged in the meat trade should exercise
the greatest care in the pursuit of their calling, and when slaughtering or
cutting up any animal that shows the slightest suspicion of disease, they
should thoroughly cleanse the implements used before they are again employed.
The appearance of these volumes are very welcome, as they indicate clearly
that the Local Government Board had the strongest warrant for the recommendation
they issued in their circular letter dated 11th March, 1899, for the
guidance of sanitary authorities and their officers in any action they may have
to take with regard to tuberculous meat. Further, they emphasise the pressing
necessity for immediate legislation with regard to the control of both meat and
milk supplies throughout the country, there being almost daily evidence of the
present unsatisfactory state of affairs.
SPITTING IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES.
The exhibition of cautionary notices against the evil practice of expectoration
in railway carriages has not been without some good effect, but at the same
time there is much room for improvement in manners of a certain section
of the public who disregard them.