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Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915.
Milk and Dairies Order, 1926.
Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.
Diseases of Animals Acts—
Tuberculosis Order of 1925.
THE REPORT OF THE VETERINARY OFFICER.
Cowsheds and dairy cattle within the borough boundaries are
inspected monthly under the provisions of the Milk Acts and
Orders and as occasion demands under the Tuberculosis Order;
at the same time the general hygienic conditions governing the
production of milk are also supervised.
There were 1,730 inspections of cattle made during the year,
and where it appeared desirable, samples of milk, etc., were taken
for microscopical examination. Twenty-one samples of milk and
four of sputum were thus taken, and in addition the tuberculin
test was applied to two animals.
These measures resulted in the detection of five cows which
were subject to be dealt with under the Tuberculosis Order, and
in consequence these cattle were slaughtered. Three of these
were cases of tubercular infection of the udder, while two were
cases of lung infection, and were expelling tubercle bacilli.
Post mortem examinations were conducted, and the extent
of the infection certified as advanced or non-advanced within the
meaning of the order, and upon this was based the scale of compensation
paid to the owners of the slaughtered cattle, i.e., 75%
of the market value of the animal in non-advanced, and 25% of
the value, or a minimum of forty-five shillings, in advanced cases.
If the diagnosis is not confirmed by post-mortem examination
the full value of the animal, plus one pound, is payable.
Compensation amounting to £62 15s. was thus paid during
the year; in one case only was the disease so established that the
minimum amount allowable was awarded.
The carcases of these animals are used for the manufacture
of manures, etc., under supervision.
The Tuberculosis Order was introduced to permit of the destruction
of any bovine animal suffering with tuberculosis in such
a form as to contaminate the milk supply or to be a source of
danger to other animals. The majority of cattle affected with the
disease do not come within the scope of the Order, although they
must be regarded as a source of potential infection.
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