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72
cow in milk while the other was a young animal not yet calved;
both were slaughtered also under the provisions of the Tuberculosis
Order.
In each case so dealt with a post-mortem examination was
held when the diagnosis was confirmed ; five of the animals having
tuberculosis in a non-advanced form and one in an advanced form
within the meaning of the Order. The great majority of cases
dealt with under this Order throughout the country are found on
post-mortem examination to be advanced cases. No doubt, here,
the frequency of inspections tends to the detection of cases in their
early stages. The need for frequent visits will be further realised
when it is remembered that very few cows are actually bred and
reared in this area; by far the great majority being bought while
in milk and retained for the period of lactation only.
The view is largely held that contamination of the milk supply
with the tubercule bacilli is directly due to milk which is contaminated
prior to leaving the animal body. It has been my experience
that by no means a negligible part of the infection is conveyed
to the milk during the process of milking and subsequent handling,
and in this repect lack of cleanliness in methods of milking
and germ laden atmosphere of the average cowshed are largely
responsible.
There would appear to be some doubt as to the admissibility
of certain cases of tuberculosis within the scope of the Tuberculosis
Order; here the view is held that any bovine which is excreting
tubercule bacilli should be taken under the Order and such has
been the practice in this area.
The Scottish branch of the National Veterinary Medical
Association have formulated a scheme for the gradual eradication
of tuberculosis from our herds, based on the American and
Canadian plans of eradication by areas. Having regard to the
intensive tvpe of agriculture practised in this small country. I am
of the opinion that any attempt at eradication is more likely to be
successful if made over the country as a whole.
I consider, however, that it is not at present practicable to
organise the wholesale slaughter of all cattle reacting to the tuberculin
test for the number must be so great as to jeopardize the
milk supply—besides which the economic aspect cannot be
neglected. I believe much could be done by the periodical inspection
of all dairy cattle throughout the country together with the
extension of the Tuberculosis Order, while later other measures
could be adopted such as the slaughter of all aged cows (save
those certified to be free of infection) since these animals are
largely responsible for the spread of disease.
Finally a scheme of total eradication based on the slaughter
of all cattle failing to pass the tuberlin test should become practicable.