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27
GLANDERS.
In accordance with Article 3 (3) of the Glanders and Farcy Order, the Veterinary
Inspector under the Diseases of Animals Acts, notified during the year one case of
Glanders. The animal was slaughtered, and the carcase was disposed of in the usual
manner, every precaution being taken to prevent contagion.
HUMAN ANTHRAX.
In August the Medical Officer of Health of the London County Council brought
to my notice a case of human Anthrax, with regard to which enquirv elicited such
facts as justified the presumption that the vehicle of infection was a shaving brush
used by the patient. Pathological examination of this brush had revealed the presence
of Anthrax spores, and several other brushes purchased at the same shop were found to
be similarly infected. (This work was conducted by officers of the County Council.)
Two of the Firms who had been supplied with these brushes by the wholesale dealer
carried on business within the City boundaries, and, when approached, gladly afforded
every facility for tracing their ultimate destination.
Both Firms had shipped their entire consignments to New Zealand and Australia,
and having regard to the serious consequences that might arise should they be passed
into circulation, they cabled instructions for their destruction. All the available
information was brought to the notice of the High Commissioners for Australia and
New Zealand.
EXAMINATION OF MILK FOR TUBERCULOSIS AND
CONDITION AS TO CLEANLINESS.
The sampling of milk on arrival at the several railway termini in the City was
continued during the present year.
The objects were to ascertain:—
(i.) Whether the milk was clean.
(ii.) Whether it was free from Tubercle Bacillus or other pathogenic
bacteria; and
(iii.) Whether water had been added or fat abstracted.
Thirty.six samples in all were examined, and of these four were found to contain
marked traces of dirt. Three samples contained the Tubercle Bacillus.
The usual administrative action was taken with regard to these samples.
With regard to the chemical constitution of this milk it was found that with one
exception the samples complied with the official requirements. (Full particulars were
given in the Monthly Report of the Medical Officer of Health, No. 195.)
THE FLY NUISANCE.
A Report was presented in April with a view of bringing to the notice of the
Corporation the various precautionary measures which might be adopted to minimise
the nuisance from flies during the summer season.
Certain recommendations were made, and it was decided to distribute broadcast
circulars containing suggestions as to suitable methods which might be adopted tor
minimising the nuisance.