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50
the udder, and from each a sample was taken for biological
examination, the cows being isolated. In accordance with
the Willesden Urban District Council Act, 1903, the farmer
was requested to cease supplying milk from the six cows
under suspicion of tuberculosis. A report was received
giving the results of the examination, stating that the samples
were free from tubercle bacilli. The farmer was compensated
for loss of milk during a period of 31 days.
In September a second sample of milk was taken from
the same shop, which, on examination, was found to contain
tubercle bacilli. As there was a doubt as to whether
this might have come from a mixed sample, a third was
taken in October, direct from the churn upon its arrival at
the shop. The examination of this third sample shewed
tubercle bacilli. Upon receipt of this information samples
of milk were taken from all the cows in the suspected herd
and examined with negative results.
The explanation of the failure to trace the infected
animal probably lies in the fact that tubercle bacilli are in
some cases only given off at irregular intervals by an animal
suffering from the disease.
Nineteen samples of milk were taken from milk shops
in the district supplied by distributing agents. Two of these
samples proved on examination to contain tubercle bacilli.
In one case the milk came from a farm in Wiltshire, and
in the other from a farm in Somerset. In both instances
the County Medical Officer was notified and acknowledgements
were received stating that the matter was receiving
attention. The distributing agents concerned were also
notified, and ceased sending milk from the infected source
into Willesden until the suspected herd had been examined
and declared free from tuberculosis by a Veterinary Surgeon.