Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Harrow]
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There has been a corresponding decline in the incidence of Tuberculosis
in the pigs that have been slaughtered, many of whom at one time
had their diet supplemented by the strippings of milk from cows, which
may have been tubercular. The sterilisation of swill for feeding has also
played a part.
The following table illustrates the decline of Tuberculosis in animals killed in Harrow in the comparatively short space of 30 years.
1937 | 1957 | 1967 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cases | Percentage | Cases | Percentage | Cases | Percentage | |
Cattle (excluding Cows) | 27 | 161% | 113 | 5.85% | Nil | Nil |
Cows | 11 | 23.4% | 36 | 15.25% | Nil | Nil |
Calves | 2 | .8% | 1 | 0.13% | Nil | Nil |
Pigs | 271 | 10.9% | 31 | 1.42% | 17 | 0.8% |
Infestation by Cysticercus Bovis, the cystic stage of a tapeworm
common to man, was diagnosed (1966 percentage in brackets) in 1.48%
(10 9%) of cattle. In four cases where the lesion was considered viable, the
carcases were submitted to freezing, as recommended by the recently
amended Meat Inspection Regulations, and in the other cases. consisting
of a single degenerate cyst, the carcases was released after condemnation
of the affected part.
The carcases of three pigs were totally condemned due to pyaemia
or peritonitis. Other diseases necessitating the condemnation of some part
or organ included; pneumonia, pleurisy or congestion of the lungs.
One ewe's carcase was condemned due to oedema, whilst infestation
of the liver by fluke or other parasites accounted for the majority of the
6.7% (5.1 %) of cases where some part or organ of sheep was condemned.
Two calves' carcases were condemned due to immaturity and
septicaemia.
As in past years, all the meat condemned was voluntarily surrendered
and was taken for disposal to the Brent Destructor, where it was destroyed
under supervision by incineration.
All animals killed in the district were handled by slaughtermen who
are licensed under the Slaughter of Animals Act 1958. There are nine such
persons operating within the Borough.