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46
The Corporation are much indebted to the Government of the Netherlands
for having given them the opportunity of inspecting so many concerns of mutual
interest and importance.
TUBERCULOUS LESIONS.—On page 53 will be found a summary of the
lesions discovered in tuberculous calves under the age of five months. This information,
it is believed, will be of considerable interest and of increasing value as
numbers accumulate. The chief object of the record is to show the frequency of
ante-natal infection of calves with tuberculosis. I have previously drawn attention
to this matter* and the basis of the opinion as to whether the infection of calves
was derived before or after birth is somewhat as follows:—
In the foetal circulation the arterial blood passes mainly through
the abdominal organs; such as reaches the lungs, does so at a later stage in the
circulation. The deduction one makes is that if the blood is charged with infection
in such circumstances the liver, spleen and kidneys are likely to show infection
before the lungs. No primary lesions will be observed in congenital tuberculosis
and all the lesions will be of the miliary type. It often happens also that the size
of the deposits will vary in groups, indicating different stages of growth from the
release of infection at different times. Such undoubted cases as have come under
observation may show the mesenteric glands free from deposits, and the number of
centres in the three organs mentioned are greatest in the liver, the kidneys show the
fewest and the spleen a number intermediate between the two.
There are also other histological and pathological features which cannot here
be described, but an attempt will be made in future to divide into sections the three
groups of organs, viz.: (a) those obviously post-natal in origin; (b) those probably
ante-natal in origin; and (c) all others in respect of which a definite decision cannot
be arrived at.
In another table on page 54 will be found the frequency of infection of the
different glands and organs, both in actual numbers and percentages. The only
observation it is desirable to make is to point out that in cows 29.1 per cent. of
tuberculous animals showed infection of the mammary glands. This observation
is of importance, not only in respect of meat inspection, but in respect of the
question of the supervision of the milk supply.
INSTRUCTION IN MEAT INSPECTION.
"It would be of considerable advantage to the community, and to
lay inspectors of meat in particular, if local authorities having charge of
local markets or public abattoirs could arrange for definite demonstrations
to be given at intervals, at which not only inspectors in their employment,
but also inspectors from a considerable surrounding area might
attend."
In the above words the report of the Departmental Committee on Meat
Inspection emphasizes the desirability of local authorities, in whose districts the
necessary facilities exist, using such facilities for educational purposes.
The opportunities which Smithfield Market offers for educational work of this
nature are unequalled, and accordingly, at the end of 1922,a course of what might
be termed trial lectures, having in view the object suggested above, was arranged.
These lectures were so well attended that the Corporation have determined that
the opportunities available should be utilised as much as possible and the educational
work placed on a systematic basis. A course of lectures dealing with meat
inspection problems which are encountered in the wholesale and retail markets
and in shops has been arranged. The lectures, which will be essentially of a practical
nature, will be somewhat out of the ordinary groove of instruction which is
given for purely examination purposes. No charge is to be made for attendance.
* Meat Inspection Problems.