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51
dealers who derived part of their milk supply from one common
source. On examining the common source of supply it was
found that the farmer and family had had sore throats for some
two weeks before the outbreak, and that four cows were
delivering thick and curdy milk, in some cases of a pinkish tint.
Dr. Pierce points out that it was only by the actual milking of
the cows that the inflammatory condition of the udder was
revealed. Directly the infected supply was stopped, the outbreak,
which had lasted six weeks, ceased.
The disease from which the four cows were suffering was
pronounced by the Veterinary Surgeon to be Mammitis. This
is a very common complaint of milch cows, and it seems highly
improbable, having regard to its general prevalence, that
that condition alone is really responsible for the rare outbursts
of epidemic sore throat to which milk undoubtedly may give
rise. The fact, moreover, remains that, as Dr. Brind, the
Medical Officer of Health of the District in which the farm was
situated, ascertained, that three out of the four cows affected
had been in the same condition for many months prior to
the epidemic.
It will be seen that the farmer's illness preceded the commencement
of the outbreak of sore throat, and the question
may naturally arise with reference to this epidemic as to
whether the farmer's illness may not have been the actual
starting point. He certainly at times helped with the milking
of the cows, but the occasions were rare.
This outbreak continued over six weeks. Both the outbreaks
in Finchley were stopped in a fortnight.