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The Veterinary Department, which is responsible for meat inspection in the slaughtering
establishments, examined 14,561 horses and 650 goats during the year under review as
compared with 17,013 and 4,094 animals respectively for 1951. Great importance is attached
to ante-mortem examination of all animals and the conditions under which they are kept whilst
awaiting slaughter. Pre-slaughter examination probably accounts for the fact that it was
only necessary totally to reject six horse carcases. Horses are, in general, found to be
healthy and free from disease when killed, provided a rigid ante-mortem supervision is
exercised. Local conditions, such as -edema, slight bruises and tumours are met with whilst
parasitic conditions - particularly associated with the liver - remains at a high level.
Oedema and bad setting was responsible for the total rejection of six goat carcases.
Parasitic conditions of the liver in the goat, as in the horse, are not infrequently met with.
The freedom of the horse and goat from tuberculosis infection is well known and in no
instance was this disease encountered in any of the animals slaughtered during the year under
review.
The administration of the Diseases of Animal Act, and the numerous Orders made thereunder,
is also a responsibility of the Veterinary Department and covers, amongst other duties,
the transit of animals to the slaughterhouses.