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Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915.
Milk and Dairies Order, 1926.
Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.
Tuberculosis Order of 1925.
THE REPORT OF THE VETERINARY OFFICER.
The cowsheds and dairy cattle within the borough boundaries
are inspected monthly under the provisions of the Acts and Orders
relating to the milk supply and also as occasion demands under
the Tuberculosis Order; at the same time the hygienic conditions
governing the production of milk are also supervised.
During the year eight hundred and forty-five (845) inspections
of cattle were made, and where it appeared desirable, samples of
milk or sputum were taken for microscopical examination
for the presence of tubercle bacilli. These measures resulted in
the detection of one bull and seven cows which came within the
scope of the Tuberculosis Order, and in consequence these animals
wre slaughtered. Three cases were tuberculosis of the udder,
two, although not so affected, were found to be giving tuberculosis
infected milk, while three were active cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Post-mortem examinations (at which the owner, accompanied
by his Veterinary Surgeon, is entitled to be present) were
conducted to ascertain the correctness of the diagnosis and also
to certify the extent of the infection. Should the animal not be
affected with tuberculosis the owner is entitled to the full value
of his animal plus one pound, but if affected the compensation is
assessed at 75% of the valuation in non-advanced cases, and 25%
in advanced cases as defined by the Order, with a minimum of
thirty (30) shillings.
Compensation amounting to £80 was thus paid during the
year, 75% of which was borne by the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries. The carcases of these animals were used, under supervision,
for the manufacture of manures, etc.
The Tuberculosis Order was introduced to permit the destruction
of any bovine animal suffering with tuberculosis in such a
degree as to be a danger to other animals or a source of contamination
to the milk supply. The percentage of milk cattle affected
with tuberculosis is very high, but the majority do not come within
the scope of the Order, although they must be regarded as potential
sources of infection.
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