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The Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924.
The Slaughter-House Bye-Laws and
The Knackers'-Yard Bye-Laws.
The Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933.
(This work is carried out by the Veterinary Officer, Mr. H.
E. Bywater, M.R.C.V.S., and the Meat Inspector, Mr. T. R.
Harris) who report as follows:—
Ante-Mortem Examinations.
Ante-mortem examinations were made by the VeterinaryOfficer,
involving 6,054 animals.
Post-Mortem Examinations.
The number of animals inspected after slaughter was 19,582,
and of these 1,977 or 10.09 per cent. were found to be diseased.
Among the 1,632 bovines inspected, 631 or 38.66 per cent.
were affected with tuberculosis, while 185, or 11.33 per cent. were
otherwise diseased. Swine numbered 4,116 and 374 or 9.08 per
cent. were tubercular, and 285, or 6.92 per cent. were suffering
with other diseases. Of the 13,834 sheep examined 502 or 3.62
per cent. were diseased.
Detailed information is given in Table I. as to the numbers
and percentages of animals diseased, while in Table II. the total
quantity of meat found to be unfit for human food is enumerated.
Tuberculosis.
The incidence of tuberculosis observed among swine is higher
than that recorded in any previous year. In the case of bovines
the figure is lower than it has been since 1929.
The examination of carcases affected with tuberculosis occupied
a considerable amount of time, as the presence of any degree
of tuberculosis necessitates a special examination (vide Memo. 62
Foods) to determine the extent and character of the infection prior
to releasing any part of even a slightly affected carcase.
Detention of Carcases.
In order to prevent any misunderstanding arising as to the
particular carcases detained for further examinations, labels bearing
the words "Detained for further Examination" were usually
attached to them. In some cases "Condemned" label was used.
Disposal of Diseased Meat.
Diseased meat and offal were released, under supervision, for
industrial purposes. Prior to release a powerful dye or strong
disinfectant was usually sprinkled over it to render it useless for
the food of man. In other cases the placing of the diseased
material in a digester at the premises where it was being destroyed
was witnessed.
All meat and offal found to be diseased was voluntarily surrendered.
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