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are varieties of the same bacillus, and the lesions which they
produce in man or animal are manifestations of the same
disease. Further, that mammals and man can be reciprocally
infected with the disease, and that a considerable proportion
of Tuberculosis in children is of bovine origin, and is derived
from cow's milk.
These conclusions have been arrived at after the most
exact experiments conducted by highly skilled investigators,
and the Commission "urge action in order to avert
or minimise the present danger arising from the consumption
of infected milk." Considerable action has already been
taken by some of the large cities, but only the fringe of the
work has been touched. It is expected that the promised
Pure Milk Bill will contain provisions facilitating further
and united action. The Council of Finchley has already
done all that, up to the present, has been possible, and in
1908 obtained certain powers under the Milk Provisions of
the Finchley Urban District Council Act.
Under the provisions of this Act, the Medical Officer
of Health may take samples of milk for examination for
Tubercle Bacilli, and secondly, if accompanied by a Veterinary
Surgeon, may enter any dairy and inspect the cows therein,
and if he suspects that any cow is suffering from tuberculosis
of the udder, he may require the cow to be milked in his
presence and may take samples of milk from any particular
teat.
If the Medical Officer of Health has reason to believe
that milk from any dairy situated outside the district is likely
to cause tuberculosis in persons residing within the district,
the Medical Officer of Health, accompanied by a Veterinary
Surgeon, may enter such dairy and inspect the cows therein,
provided an Order from a Justice having jurisdiction where
the dairy is situated is first obtained.