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126
A farmer had been feeding his pigs on separated milk with the following
result:—
No. of Pigs killed in 1907-8.
No. found tubercular.
Percentage.
(1) 63
39
61.90
(2) 110
65
59.09
(3) 50
50
100.00
During 1909 he pasteurised his separated milk before feeding it to his pigs
with the following result:—
1909.— No. of Pigs killed.
No. found tubercular.
Percentage.
(1) 28
3*
10.70
(2) 36
0
0.00
(3) 40
0
0.00
* Two very slightly affected.
As the Chief Veterinarian remarks, these figures speak eloquently for themselves,
as all these pigs were, as before, examined at the time of slaughter by
Government Inspectors, and previous to slaughter had been bred, housed and
kept under exactly the same conditions as in the previous year. There seems
little doubt that the same thing, viz., the feeding of pigs and also calves on
milk containing tubercle bacilli is being done every day in this country.
If hygienic measures were adopted in every cowshed, all clinically affected
cows sent to the slaughterhouses, there to be killed under supervision, and all
milk pasteurised before being fed to calves and pigs, the number of cases of
tuberculosis observed in slaughterhouses and markets would soon be considerably
reduced with benefit to the feeders of the animals and also to the general
public.
During the year the Army Officers attending the Royal Sanitary Institute
classes re Meat and Food Certificate have received some training at the
markets, and 22 Naval Officers have undergone a course of training in practical
meat inspection under the tuition of Mr. Sharp, the Senior Meat Inspector.
Before finishing this report, I beg to thank you for the kindness and advice
so willingly given during my first year of office, and I also desire to express
my appreciation of the loyal and enthusiastic manner in which each member
of the meat inspection staff has carried out his duties.
T DUNLOP YOUNG.