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The expression "mechanically operated instrument" includes
an instrument for stunning by means of electricity.
The Council, on the 19th December, 1933, granted slaughtermen's
licences, to be in force for a period of one year from the
1st January, 1934, to fifty-nine persons. A fee of two shillings
was charged for each licence.
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 nine hundred and forty-eight (948) 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 three cows which came within the scope of the
Tuberculosis Order, and in consequence these animals were
slaughtered. One case was tuberculosis of the udder, one,
although not so affected, was found to be giving tubercular
infected milk, while one was an active case 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 bv the Order, with a minimum of
thirty (30) shilli
Compensation amounting to £42 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.
I he Tuherculosis Order was introduced to permit the destruction
of any bovine animal suffering from 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 thev must be regarded as potential
sources of infection.
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