London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of London 1927

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]

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49
Disease.
Quarters of Beef. Carcases of Mutton. Quarters of Mutton. Pig Carcases.
1926 1927 1926 1927 1926 1927 1926 1927
Abscesses 1 — — 1 — — — 2
Caseous Lymphadenitis — — 143 71 — 10 — —
Tuberculosis 2 — — — — — — —
Totals 3 — 143 72 — 10 — 2

There has been an increase in the number of carcases found affected with Caseous Lymphadenitis,but considering the quantity of carcases received, the inspection in the Abattoirs has been very good.

Disease.Quarters of Beef.Carcases of Mutton.Quarters of Mutton.Pig Carcases.
1926.1927.1926.1927.1926.1927.1926.1927.
Abscesses1220
Caseous Lymphadenitis309427
Pseudo-leukaemia1
Sarcoma1
Tuberculosis1
Totals230982720

Uruguay.—This country exported to Britain during the year 29,417 tons of beef and
15,863 tons of mutton ; of those quantities 6,997 tons of beef and 4,696 tons of mutton passed
through Smithfield Market. The improvement in the breed of cattle and the finish of the
animals have not been so marked as in the Argentine products; this is the reason for Uruguayan
beef being sold at a lower figure on the market. The mutton sent was generally of
a type too heavy, and therefore not so great in demand as even light third-grade quality
carcases from other countries. Heavy fat mutton is not wanted on the market from any
country, and the sooner breeders and feeders recognise that small joints, e.g., legs and
shoulders, are what is desired, the better it will be for all concerned. Though there was
a slight increase in the number of carcases found to contain lesions of disease, the inspection
at the Frigorificos reflected credit on those responsible.
Disease. Carcases of Mutton. Quarters of Mutton.
1926. 1927. 1926. 1927.
Caseous Lymphadenitis 91 110 — 2
Chili.—Towards the end of the year considerable numbers of carcases and sides of mutton
were found to contain lesions of Caseous Lymphadenitis. As a result, it was necessary to
detain in City Cold Stores several consignments and make a thorough examination of them.
As diseased carcases were still being observed on the market, it was ascertained that they
were being sent from a Cold Store in a neighbouring Borough, and an intimation to that
effect was communicated to the Health Officers; this resulted in an embargo being placed
on all carcases from the country in question and a careful examination made of them. The
Agents in this country promptly convened a meeting with the Chilean Consul at which it
was suggested that the Chilean Government establish a Veterinary Meat Inspection Service
and stamp or label all carcases passed as having been inspected. This suggestion was at
once accepted and would be communicated to the Government. The Agents, in order to
render every assistance to the Health Authorities and protect the public health, offered to
appoint and pay a number of selected British Veterinary Officers to act as meat inspectors
at the Frigorificos in Chili for the next season and until the Chilean Officers were appointed.
Four highly qualified Veterinary Officers were selected, and are now in Chili making a careful
examination of all carcases prior to their export to Britain.
Disease. Carcases of Mutton. Sides of Mutton.
1926. 1927. 1926. 1927.
Caseous Lymphadenitis 93 1,535 — 402