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7
this disease compulsorily notifiable has been generally discussed,
and many are in favour of adding this disease to the list of
dangerous infectious diseases set out in the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891. This would render it imperative on the
part of each medical attendant to notify each case and further
to extend the provisions of the Act contained in Sections 60 to
65 (inclusive) to this disease. I am of opinion that compulsory
notification is the only satisfactory form that will be efficient in
assisting us in our attempts to adopt combative measures, but
this disease differs so considerably from those already made
notifiable, that a special enactment would be required for its
compulsory notification and other preventive measures, in order
to prevent difficulties and hardships which would accrue if the
sections of the Public Health (London) Act were extended to
this disease without any consideration of its special character.
Apart from notification of the cases, the inspection and disinfection
of the houses, and the education of the sufferers, there is
the important question of the protection of our food supplies.
The recent issue of the Second Interim Report of the Royal
Commission on Tuberculosis contains evidence of paramount importance
proving conclusively that human tuberculosis is, in a
certain number of cases, caused by the introduction into the
system of bovine tuberculosis. In the majority of these cases
the bacillus is introduced through cow's milk. It is clearly
out duty, while adopting all preventive measures against the
spread of infection from human sources, to press home at every
opportunity the urgent need which exists for securing the better
control of our milk supply at its source.
Staff.—During the year there has been a change in the
staff. Miss Irene Whitworth, B.Sc., one of our women inspectors,
obtained an appointment in the Home Office. Her
services in this district were much appreciated, and while
regretting her removal one is glad she has obtained the