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39
Meat Inspection.
Bread, milk and meat are practically the only articles of food coming
directly under the supervision of the Health department, though unsound
food of any sort would be dealt with if found.
During the year the following amount of unsound meat was seized
and destroyed:—
Pigs' kidneys, 72
Sheeps' "plucks," 8
About 1 cwt. of unsound meat and putrid bones found on unoccupied
premises.
About 28 lbs. of stale meat alleged to be waiting for removal by fat
merchant.
Special attention was paid during the year to the inspection of pigs
and the carcases of these animals intended for food, with particular reference
to the possible existence of Tuberculosis. The subject of pig Tuberculosis
is one of some considerable practical importance, owing to the different
views held by different authorities as to what extent of disease found in
a pig when killed justifies the condemnation of the whole carcase. At
the present time no uniform system exists. and each individual inspector
has to act according to his own particular opinion. It is obvious that
this condition of things would make it very difficult to obtain a conviction
in any disputed case, and therefore it is very satisfactory to record that in
this district no difficulties have arisen, owing chiefly to the willing co-operation
of the owners of doubtful carcases.
The following is a summary of the inspections made in connection 'with
Tubercuiosis in pigs:—
Number of carcases slaughtered in this district 360
Number of pigs inspected prior to slaughter 41
Number of inspections of carcases from London markets 78
Number of inspections of carcases from country 20
Total number of pigs and carcases inspected 499
In one case Tuberculosis of the lungs was found, the rest of the carcas6
being apparently perfectly healthy. (The diagnosis of the disease was subsequently
proved correct by microscopical examination). The whole carcase
was destroyed with the consent of the owner.