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69
There are thirteen cowsheds now in occupation, and the number of
cows vary from two to three hundred, so that the milk produced here
is but a fraction of that consumed. Many of the defects pointed out
in my 1907 report still remain, and many improvements have been
effected.
All the cowsheds as well as the milkshops are systematically visited,
and much time and trouble are spent in stimulating cowkeepers and
milksellers to maintain cleanliness in every detail of their trade.
The Veterinary Surgeon, appointed under Article 15 of the Dairies,
Cowsheds and Milkshops Order, has submitted a report on all the cowsheds
and the cows examined by him, and so far as the cowsheds are
concerned it is but a replica of that already presented.
As to the health of the cows, Mr. Carroll was of opinion that in one
herd of 73 there were 15 suffering from tuberculosis of the udder.
The cows were in a very dirty condition, badly kept, and the byres
were close, ill-ventilated and dirty upon inspection.
As this was the first inspection by the Veterinary Surgeon, and the
cowkeeper had parted with the peccant cows by the time I had the
report, nothing could be done.
I am arranging that more frequent visits will be in future paid by the
Veterinary Surgeon, and that samples of milk will be taken from the
suspected cows for bacteriological examination.
A cow was found with probable tubercular udder in each of two other
byres, and with these exceptions all the cows were said to be sound and
well kept.
The report dealing with the cows of the three principal distributing
dairymen was most satisfactory:—
(a) "A well-kept establishment in every detail."
(b) "This herd (44 cows) is kept as cows ought to be."
(c) "The cows are in good condition and well kept."
Of another small owner with eight cows the report says of the cowshed,
"A very nicely kept little place, and a credit to its owner"; and
of the cows, "They are in first-class condition and perfectly kept."