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Parasites.
Cysticercus Bovis produces measly ox. If the flesh of an ox which is affected
with Cysticercus Bovis is eaten by man in a raw or partly cooked state, the Cysticercus
reaches his intestines and may develop into the adult tapeworm. The head
of the tapeworm attaches itself to the intestinal wall of the host, here the body
grows in segments to some 20 feet long. The segments produce ova which are
voided with the excreta of the host. These ova becoming attached to grass are
swallowed by the ox in whose intestines the embryo is liberated. This embryo
makes its way to the muscular tissues of the animal where it becomes encysted.
It is to prevent carcases affected with Cysticercus Bovis reaching the public
that the Meat Inspector devotes a proportion of his time.
All ox carcases killed at the Abattoir are inspected for Cysticercus Bovis by
making incisions in the muscles of the cheek (both inside and outside) and in the
heart.
During 1954 62 carcases were found to be affected with these cysts, 54 being
found during the last six months. The majority were cattle imported from Ireland.
The offal of these carcases is destroyed and the meat placed in cold storage for three
weeks before being used for human consumption. After such treament all the
cysts are destroyed, and the meat becomes edible.
Distoma Hepaticum (liver Huke).
There has been a tremendous increase in the number of ox carcases affected
with liver fluke. Although the carcase itself is usually lit for human consumption
the liver has to be destroyed. In 1954 some 27,570 lbs. of liver was condemned
because of liver fluke, and this represented a loss of approximately £5,000. Again
Irish cattle has been responsible for the increase of fluky liver. It seems a great
pity that some treatment of pastures affected cannot be carried out to prevent such
a valuable food as liver being destroyed.
Licensing of Slaughtermen.
Slaughterhouses are licensed annually by the Borough Council. There are only
two licensed slaughterhouses in the Borough, one of which is not being used at the
present time.
During the year the Council approved the renewal of 16 slaughtermen's
licences ; all the applications related to persons employed at the Plumstead Abattoir.
Legislation which came into force during the year, namely the Slaughter of
Animals (Amendment) Act, 1954, provided that in future licences issued to slaughtermen
must specify the kinds of animals which may be slaughtered by the holders
of the licences and the types of instruments which may be used in slaughtering.
Regulations may be made requiring the holder of a licence to slaughter only
under the supervision of a fully qualified slaughterman, and prescribing the qualifications
for the holding of licences. Provision is made for the refusal, suspension or
revocation of the licence if the holder fails to observe the conditions attached to it,
or is convicted of an offence under an enactment relating to the prevention of cruelty
to animals. The Act extends to all animals the previous requirement that certain
animals only should be instantaneously slaughtered or should be instantaneously
rendered insensible to pain by stunning. There are increased penalties for certain
offences.
Catering Establishments.
The improvement of conditions in restaurants, cafes and canteens in the
Borough was continued, and more work was done under the supervision of the
Sanitary Inspectors to improve standards prevailing, particularly the kitchen
accommodation.
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