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19
occurs in the udder. The best known means at the present
time for the detection of tuberculosis in cattle is the use of
the Tuberculin test.
It has been realised for some years that tuberculosis in
cattle in this country is by no means uncommon. There can
be no doubt in the mind of any physician who has studied
the question, or indeed in that of any layman who seriously
considers the matter, that cows suffering from tubercle should
not be pressed into the service of man as milk producers. If
the flesh of sucn animals is not fit for human food, it is
obvious to all that the milk, which is formed by the blood
which nourishes the flesh, is equally unfit. It follows of
course that if a cow responds to the Tuberculin Test it must
be destroyed, and the serious side of this unfortunate but
necessary deduction is, on whom in that event will fall the
damage. It is obvious that a cowkeeper might be seriously
crippled in his business and indeed ruined if he had to bear
the expenses of such a rigorous though very necessary enquiry.
On the other hand the ratepayer is not perhaps prepared
to compensate cowkeepers for their losses should the
verdict be against their cattle. These are questions, however,
for the Council to study and do not come within the province
of the Medical Adviser of the Sanitary Authority. But from
the Public Health point of view some vigorous action should
be taken by the Council. Perhaps the best way out of the
difficulty would be to consider my suggestion of branding and
licensing the beasts, all fresh cattle being pressed into the
service being required to undergo the Tuberculin test before
being approved by the Council. Veterinary Inspections could
then be periodically made from that date, and the registered
milch cows undergo a periodical Tuberculin test every three
months. At the same time the present unsatisfactory housing
and tending of the animals, and the no less unsatisfactory
habits of the men engaged in the milk trade are subjects
which will well repay attention.
For some years past in my Annual Reports on the health
of Beckenham and in my communications to Medical Science
I have preached against dirty milk, pathogenic germ infected
milk, and milk that has been commercially sterilized and