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slaughterhouses. A number of regulations were formulated to supplement
the Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Regulations of 1954, and
to improve the arrangements for handling and inspecting animals and
meat in slaughterhouses. These were set out in the White Paper (Cmd.
243). The main provision in regard to securing humane slaughtering is
that relating to stunning pens which should reduce the handling of adult
animals. The second part of the White Paper deals with the conditions
which would be imposed under the new Slaughterhouses (Hygienic
Construction) Regulations which are to be introduced and which will be
enforceable by local authorities in England and Wales. Pending the
coming into force of the regulations, it is helpful to have these standards
which have been brought to the notice of the owners of local slaughterhouses.
Circular F.S.H. 6/57 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food pointed out the regulations prescribing and applying the
standards set out cannot be made until enabling legislation has been
passed.
Exchequer Grant towards the Cost of Meat Inspection: Not
all the meat inspected at the slaughterhouses in any area is for local
consumption. Where the bulk of it is not, the authority has an unduly
heavy burden imposed on it. Arrangements have now been made by
which there will be an exchequer grant towards the cost of the work
which it is estimated is carried out over and above that of inspecting
meat sufficient for the needs of its own population. The arrangement is
referred to in Circular F.S.H. 2/57 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food.
Although the volume of work done at the slaughterhouse at Waldron's
Yard has increased, this district does not qualify for any of the grant.
Meat Inspection: The total number of animals slaughtered last
year at the four slaughterhouses in the district was only 9,020. The fall
from the 11,963 in 1956 was due to a virtual cessation of pig killing at
the principal pig-killing centre which resulted in 3,900 fewer pigs being
killed. On the other hand, the number of cattle slaughtered increased
by nearly 400 more, and sheep nearly 600.
The incidence of tuberculosis (1956 figures in brackets) in cattle other
than cows, 5.85 per cent. (6.2 per cent.), was much the same as in the
previous year, as was also the case in cows at 15.25 per cent. (13.6 per
cent.); but the incidence in pigs fell to 1.4 per cent. (2 per cent.).
A growing problem is that of Cysticercus bovis in cattle, diagnosed
in 27. The consumption of infected meat causes tape worm in man. It
infection is not generalised, detection necessitates freezing the carcase ot
a suspected animal for 21 days; this results in spoilage of prime homekilled
beef, with considerable loss in value.
One case of swine fever was diagnosed.
The incidence of other diseases and conditions, in all some 27 categories,
ranging from parasites to "struck by lightning," remains almos
the same, being 24.7 per cent. (24.7) in beasts, 34.3 per cent. (33.5) in
cows, 17 per cent. (18.2) in pigs, 6 per cent. (6.8) in sheep, and 1.1 Per
cent. (0.5) in calves.