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47
In the report for 1926, reference was made to the large numbers of pig carcases in which
lesions of tuberculosis were found, also the variation in the macroscopic appearances of the
lesions in the lymph glands. Enquiries had been made as to the feeding of many of the
diseased pigs, and it had been ascertained that they had never received as food any cows'
milk ; this led us to suggest fowls as the source of the disease. It was further stated that
an investigation as to the percentage of pigs found affected with Avian tuberculosis would
prove, not only of scientific interest, but of considerable value commercially to the breeders
and feeders of pigs, and lead to measures of prevention that should be taken as to infection
of pigs. During 1927 we were fortunate in co-operating with Dr. Stanley Griffith,
who very kindly undertook to type the bacilli found in the tubercular submaxillary glands
of pigs' heads ; fresh glands were cut out and sent to the Field Laboratories at Cambridge,
and Dr. Griffith, with Mr. Cornell, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., of the Comparative Pathology Department,
Cambridge, has for some time been carrying out the interesting investigation. The
results will, no doubt, form the subject of a special report by Dr. Griffith, but it is possible
to state here that 30.0 per cent. of the lesions sent contained tubercle bacilli of the Avian
type. This investigation should be a warning to pig feeders not to allow poultry and pigs
to run or be fed together, also that the danger of tubercular infection of pigs arises from at
least four sources—(1) feeding on cows' milk containing the bacilli, (2) suckling a sow with
diseased mamma, (3) feeding in pastures with cows which are infected, and (4) feeding
with fowls, many of which may be tubercular.
Judging from the amount of diseased meat which continues to be deposited in the
Central Markets, Smithfield, there appear to be many local authorities who do not enforce
the Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924. It is, doubtless, impossible for many Sanitary
Inspectors to carry out efficient meat inspection in their districts in addition to their other
duties. An Inspector who called at the markets some time ago, stated he had to supervise
twenty-nine private slaughterhouses in his district in addition to his other duties and no assistance
given. As long as this obtains, there will always be a risk of the public consuming some
diseased meat. The National Federation of Meat Traders recognise this and continue to
urge for a systematic form of inspection throughout the country, because at present very
strict inspection is in force in towns and some districts, while in others there is practically
no inspection, with the result that honourable traders are the losers by calling in Inspectors
to see carcases that are doubtful. All traders should be treated equally.
The following table shows that, compared with 1926, instead of there being a reduction
in the quantities of unsound food deposited on the markets, there is actually an increase,
especially in beef and pork

G 2