View report page

47
In addition to the pig carcasses, there were 65 cases described as "pig's
bungs." These proved to be portions of the intestines of pigs, and it was
stated that they were imported solely for the purpose of being used as sausage
skins.
On examination, many of them, although they had been turned inside out
and scraped, were found to be studded with numerous small ulcers. These
ulcers were the usual signs found in the intestines of pigs suffering from
Swine Fever:—
Some of these "bungs" were sent to Sir J. Macfadyean, M.R.C.V.S., for
examination, and he reported thereon as follows:—
"The parts sent are apparently the rectum and part of the colon which
"have been turned inside out. It is, as you will understand, difficult to
"give a perfectly certain opinion as to the nature of the lesions owing
"to the fact that the mucous membrane has apparently been not only
"washed but also scraped. I can only say that the lesions have exactly
"the appearance that I should expect Swine Fever ulcers to show in a
"piece of intestine that has been so treated. I have no doubt that the
"lesions are Swine Fever ulcers."
A Notice, forbidding the removal of these goods for any purpose other than
exportation, was also served upon the importers under Article V of the
Foreign Meat Regulations.
Your Medical Officer also wrote to the importers as follows:—
"January 20th, 1910.
"3,647 Pig Carcasses on board the s.s. "Graf Muravjef," lying off
"Greenwich.
"I have carefully examined several pig carcasses on board the s.s.
" 'Graf M\iravjef,' which I am informed are typical of the whole
"consignment.
"These pig carcasses do not comply with the requirements of the
"Foreign Meat Regulations, and I, therefore, have to serve you with a
"Notice in accordance with Article V thereof.
"These Regulations provide by Article XVII that with regard to
"anything done under these Regulations, the difference may, on the
"application of the parties affected, be referred to the Local
"Government Board for determination.
"For my part, I am willing that such application should be made,
"and if you decide to do this, I suggest that the application be made
"forthwith.
"Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) "HERBERT WILLIAMS,
"Medical Officer of Health, Port of London"