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34
According to the recommendations of the Royal Commission,
instructions are given to seize the whole of the carcase of
pigs affected in any degree with tubercle, owing to the greater
tendency to generalisation of the disease in pigs. I do not
believe outside London this recommendation is strictly carried
out, and unless evidence of the disease is found in other glands
it is the practice to seize only the heads. This procedure I have
adopted, and have not recommended any proceedings where the
butcher has surrendered the part, and if satisfied that the butcher
was unaware of the disease and that none of the glands had
been cut into. Unfortunately, some butchers and slaughterers
make it a practice to cut out the pharyngeal glands whether
diseased or otherwise, thereby removing any trace of disease, so
that it is preferable that the glands should not be touched by the
butchers, but left for the Inspector to examine.
Dr. Buchanan, one of the Medical Inspectors of the Local
Government Board, is at present obtaining particulars with
regard to this matter, and his report is anxiously awaited.
I understand that a large percentage of pigs are affected
with tubercle. This would mean a tremendous seizure of
carcasses, without any compensation, and butchers would seek
to remove the slightest evidences of the disease to avoid seizure,
and the public would not be so well protected as under the
present arrangement of seizing the affected part or parts.
During the year, the following were seized or surrendered
and taken before a Justice —
6 stone cod fish.
4 boxes tomatoes.
2 barrels apples.
1 trunk plaice.
1 trunk mixed fish.
1 trunk cat fish.
3 pigs' plucks.
1 case skate.
2 cases bananas.
6 pigs' heads.
1 carcase and offal of cow.