ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS. THE INSPECTION OF MEAT AND MILK IN GLASGOW. FORMERLY the inspection of meat in Glasgow was under the dual control of the Chief Constable and the Sanitary Inspector, but at the end of the last fin- ancial year it was placed under the supervision of the veterinary surgeon to the Corporation, Mr A. M. Trotter. At that time an assistant veterinary surgeon and seven meat inspectors were appointed, but this 'number was soon found to be quite inadequate, and the staff has since been augniented by the addition of two assistant veterinary surgeons and seven meat inspectors. The following is extracted from Mr Trotter's Annual Report to the Cor- poration. INSPECTION OF MEAT. From the 1st June to 31st lJecember ther e were slaughtered;- Cattle. Calves. Sheep. PZ;!{s. Goats. 58,375 1,244 184,588 31,882 IS of these- Cattle. 1,368 were partially or totally condemned. Sheep. 15 8 Pigs. 5 2 4 "Goats. Tuberculosis.-The most important disease, considered from a hygienic as well as from an economic standpoint, was tuberculosis. Of the 23,587 home cattle-oxen, bulls, cows, heifers-dressed in Moore Street, Victoria, and Milton Abattoirs, the serous membrane of the pleural or peritoneal cavities of 1035 or 4'38 per cent. were affected; 328 or 1'39 per cent. were partially, and 707 or 2'99 per cent. were totally destroyed, as unfit for human food. These figures, although showing the great prevalence of this disease among home cattle, do not, however, give any indication of the extent of the ravages, as in the majority of animals the lesions are confined to the viscera. Of the 31,882 home swine, 481 or 1'58 per cent. were affected, 46 or '14 per cent. were totally, and 435 or I '36 per cent. were partially condemned. The disease was found localised in 435 swine in the lymphatic glands of the throat, and consequently the head only was de.stroyed. During the period, 34,788 cattle arrived at Yorkhill, and an examination of the viscera after slaughter showed that 25 or '07 per cent. were more or less affected. Of these, 3 ("008 per cent.) were totally destroyed, and 5 ("014 per cent.) were partially destroyed, whilst in 17 ("048 per cent.) the internal organs only were condemned. Anthrax .-Three cases of anthrax were discovered, and were reported in terms of the Diseases of Animals Act" I 894. In one instance the dressed carcase of a bull was sent for examination prior to being delivered to the meat salesman in the Corporation Dead Meat Market. On the previous evening the animal appeared in good health, but on the following morning the attendant found it in a dying condition. It was at once bled, and, as it was believed to have choked on a turnip, the carcase was considered by the farmer to be fit for human food. In this instance the principal organs were sent in along with the carcase. The other cases were those of animals that had died in the vicinity of the city, and had been brought in for the purpose of being dressed. Carcinoma.-The" carcases of five cows were objected to on account of the
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ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
THE INSPECTION OF MEAT AND MILK IN GLASGOW.
FORMERLY the inspection of meat in Glasgow was under the dual control of the Chief Constable and the Sanitary Inspector, but at the end of the last financial year it was placed under the supervision of the veterinary surgeon to the Corporation, Mr A. M. Trotter. At that time an assistant veterinary surgeon and seven meat inspectors were appointed, but this 'number was soon found to be quite inadequate, and the staff has since been augniented by the addition of two assistant veterinary surgeons and seven meat inspectors.
The following is extracted from Mr Trotter's Annual Report to the Corporation.
INSPECTION OF MEAT.
From the 1st June to 31st lJecember there were slaughtered;-Cattle. Calves. Sheep. PZ;!{s. Goats. 58,375 1,244 184,588 31,882 IS
of these-Cattle. 1,368
were partially or totally condemned.
Sheep. 158
Pigs. 524
" Goats.
Tuberculosis.-The most important disease, considered from a hygienic as well as from an economic standpoint, was tuberculosis. Of the 23,587 home cattle-oxen, bulls, cows, heifers-dressed in Moore Street, Victoria, and Milton Abattoirs, the serous membrane of the pleural or peritoneal cavities of 1035 or 4'38 per cent. were affected; 328 or 1'39 per cent. were partially, and 707 or 2'99 per cent. were totally destroyed, as unfit for human food. These figures, although showing the great prevalence of this disease among home cattle, do not, however, give any indication of the extent of the ravages, as in the majority of animals the lesions are confined to the viscera.
Of the 31,882 home swine, 481 or 1'58 per cent. were affected, 46 or '14 per cent. were totally, and 435 or I '36 per cent. were partially condemned. The disease was found localised in 435 swine in the lymphatic glands of the throat, and consequently the head only was de.stroyed.
During the period, 34,788 cattle arrived at Yorkhill, and an examination of the viscera after slaughter showed that 25 or '07 per cent. were more or less affected. Of these, 3 ("008 per cent.) were totally destroyed, and 5 ("014 per cent.) were partially destroyed, whilst in 17 ("048 per cent.) the internal organs only were condemned.
Anthrax.-Three cases of anthrax were discovered, and were reported in terms of the Diseases of Animals Act" I 894.
In one instance the dressed carcase of a bull was sent for examination prior to being delivered to the meat salesman in the Corporation Dead Meat Market. On the previous evening the animal appeared in good health, but on the following morning the attendant found it in a dying condition. It was at once bled, and, as it was believed to have choked on a turnip, the carcase was considered by the farmer to be fit for human food. In this instance the principal organs were sent in along with the carcase. The other cases were those of animals that had died in the vicinity of the city, and had been brought in for the purpose of being dressed.
Carcinoma.-The" carcases of five cows were objected to on account of the
ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
internal organs being affected with cancer. This disease is comparatively common in Irish cows. Many of these animals are of extreme age, and are in a very emaciated condition. This class of animal, however, has to a very large extent disappeared from the markets, and has been replaced by a better class of animal.
Decomposition and Asphyxia.-The majority of cattle which have died from natural causes, either in the city or in its vicinity, are brought to one or other of the abattoirs for the purpose of being dressed. In many of these animals decomposit-ion is more or less advanced, and, as it would expose one to grave risks of blood poisoning without material gain, the cause of death is not ascertained. Before permitting the carcase, etc., to be removed, however, care is taken to discover whether or not the animal has died from anthrax.
It occasionally occurs that large numbers of cattle are landed from the Irish boats in a dead or dying condition. An instance of this took place on l!th November, when the carcases of twenty-two animals were brought to Moore Street Slaughter~house to be disposed of.
Examination of Imported Meat.-The amount of meat annually imported cannot be ascertained with any degree of accuracy. Meat is brought into the city by rail, by river, and by road. In order to examine meat prepared outwith the boundaries, inspectors visit the various railway termini and wharve~, but the consignments arriving by road are so irregular, and the routes so numerous, . that little or no surveillance of a methodical nature can be exercised.
From 1St June to the 31st December there were examined at the various railway stations, wharves, etc., the following;-
The above forms only a small percentage of the consignments arriving in the city, many of which are conveyed direct to butchers' shops, etc., and, if not inspected at the railway station or wharf, pass into consumpt without being examined by an accredited inspector of the Corporation. These consignments are usually roasts, the finer cuts of meat, kidneys, sweetbreads, ox tails, etc., but whole carcases are consigned from large centres of population where some form of inspection exists, from small towns and villages, and from country districts where the inspection of butcher meat is nil.
Stations.-From 1st June to 31st December 2449 visits were made to stations. Of "the" meat examined, twenty-five consignments, of the aggregate weight of 4337 Ibs., were found to be unfit for human food. These include five carcases of beef, seventeen of veal, and one of pork. On enquiry it was ascertained that the consignments in two instances were mala fide, and consequently legal proceedings were instigated against the con signers. In one case a party in Armadale consigned a pig to a well-known firm in town. On examination it was found to be tubercular, and the carcase bore evidence of having been tampered with in order to remove the evidence of disease. The charge was found proven, and the accused fined £10, with the alternative of sixty days' imprisonment. The second was that of a calf consigned by a farmer in Denny. On enquiry it was ascertained that the calf was found dead in the byre, but notwithstanding that fact it was consigned to Glasgow for human food. The magistrate on hearing evidence, fined the accused £5, with the alternative of thirty days' imprisonment.
Whan1es.-During the period under review 632 visits were paid to the
86 ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
various wharves, with the result that four carcases of beef and five of pork were dealt with. The cause of seizure was tuberculosis and decomposition, and entailed the destruction of 1536 lbs.
Shops.-7J 53 butchers' shops were visited, and in 269 instances meat was seized and destroyed. These seizures comprised 1897 lbs. of beef, 235 lbs. veal, 350 lbs. mutton, 57 lbs. pork, and 1441bs. sundries-in all, 2683 lbs. Legal proceedings were instigated in one case, when the accused was found guilty and fined £3 3s., with the alternative of fifteen days' imprisonment.
Sausage Factories.~124 visits were made to sausage factories, but nothing (,f an objectionable nature was detected.
Hide Marts.-At these places an inspector calls every morning, but calves are brought in at all hours, and it is simply impossible for the department to examine all arrivals without having an inspector constantly on duty. Consequently a large number is permitted to pass into consumpt without being inspected. During the period 380 visits were made, and 47 calves were seized and destroyed.
Dead Meat Markets.-The dead meat markets were visited several times a day, and the meat consignments examined. The majority of the meat salesmen have cordially assisted the inspectors by acquainting them of country consignments arriving between their visits. There were seized and destroyed with the owners' consent :-
Sides. 14
Beef. Qrs. 60
Cuts. 4
Veal. Car. Cuts. 23
Miscellaneous-four boxes pig kidneys.
Pork. Car. Cuts.
2 7
Mutton. Car. Cuts.
10
Examination Station.-The difficulty of thoroughly and efficiently examining meat consignments at the stations, wharves, etc., caused Mr Trotter to approach several of the large consignees of pork with the view of having all meat consigned to them brought to Moore Street abattoir for examination, prior to it being taken to their place of business. These gentlemen promptly acquiesced, and their action has been followed by others, and now at least 75 per cent. of all imported pork is brought for examination before being offered for sale for human food. The importance of this departure cannot be overestimated, and, more especially, when it is remembered that these firms do this voluntarily, and at considerable expense and trouble.
Prior to this time pork was exempt, or nearly so, from inspection, but the necessity of its being examined is demonstrated by the experience of the past three months. During this time, 347 swine were brought for examination, and, of these, 12 or 3'4 per cent. were found to be affected with tuberculosis. The importance of an examination station will be readily understood, when it is stated that pigs are consigned either in large hampers containing six or nine carcases, or each carcase is sewn in canvas, rendering it impossible to examine them in transit. The necessity of places where imported meat can be thoroughly examined, with the minimum amount of handling, is recognised in all Continental countries, where these stations are recognised as indispensable for an efficient system of meat inspection.
Disposal 0/ Unsound Meat.-All diseased meat was hitherto placed in an aqueous solution of picric acid and sulphate of iron for at least several hours. The intention was to render the meat so offensive to the senses that it would be impossible to use it for human food. Meat so treated acquired a greenishyello\\' colour. It was found, however, that the picric acid did not penetrate more than one-sixteenth of an inch, and, therefore, the removal of the surface layer was sufficient to obliterate all traces of dipping. The tallow obtained from meat so treated was stated to be deteriorated in value.
ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
The following experiments were undertaken to ascertain the effects on meat of crude carbolic acid, cresylic acid, picric acid, heavy oil of tar, and chloride of lime ;-
Series I.
Several large portions of meat were freely sprinkled with ;-Crude carbolic acid, cresylic acid, and heavy oil of tar.
After having lain for twenty-four hours the surface layer was removed, and the tissue underneath was found to be normal.
The fat obtained from the meat, after prolonged boiling, smelt of the chemical used.
Series 2.
From one animal a small quantity of fat was taken, and divided equally among three flasks. To these were added respectively-( I) crude carbolic acid, (2) chloride of lime in solution, (3) picric acid.
After being exposed to the action of steam for four and-a-half hours, they were compared with fat taken from the same animal, which had been treated in a similar manner, but without the addition of any chemical.
The results were as follows ;-
Chemical. Carbolic acid. Chloride of lime. Picric acid.
C%ur of Fat. Not materially altered. Bleached. Yellow.
Series 3 (a).
Smell. Slight.
Do. Do.
Consistency. Not materially altered.
Do. Do.
A solution of crude carbolic acid in the proportion of I part in 1000 of water was made up, and a carcase cut up in the usual way for dipping was permitted to remain in it for thirty-six hours_ On removal the surface of the carcase had a bleached look, but on section, it was found that the discolourisation had only penetrated to the extent of half an inch. The tissue underneath the surface layer was normal in colour, taste, smell, and touch. The surface of the carcase which had been exposed to the solution emitted a strong odour of carbolic acid, but, owing to the unsatisfactory penetrating power of the solution, it was deemed unnecessary to proceed further with the experiment.
Series 3 (b).
Into a strong solution of the chloride of lime a piece of meat was submerged for twenty-four hours. At the expiry of that time the surface of the muscular tissue was found to have acquired a dirty greenish-yellow colour. The penetrating power of the solution may be said to be nil, as a protecting layer is formed on the surface of the meat.
These experiments were continued on a commercial scale, through the courtesy of Messrs Couper & Bryce and Mr A. S. Bryce, who placed at the Chief Inspector's disposal large quantities of diseased meat. The result demonstrated the unsuitability of these agents for attaining the object desired.
The committee, after due consideration, decided to have all unsound meat removed from the various slaughter-houses to the works of the purchasers in a covered cart. The covers of these carts are locked and sealed by an inspector before leaving the slaughter-house, and cannot be opened in transit. The various firms purchasing the meat are required to give a guarantee that all meat purchased by them will only be used for boiling down pu'rposes, and that the cart will be taken by a route mutually agreed upon.
88 ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
INSPECTION OF MILCH COWS.
During the year 1220 visits were made to cow-sheds, and 13,919 milch cows were examined. The milk of fifty cows was temporarily or permanently withdrawn from circulation; nine permanently on account of tuberculosis, and eight for various other diseases.
During the past few years the standard of dairy stock has much improved, and at present compares favourably with those of other parts. The majority of the animals are in their prime for dairy purposes, yielding not only a large quantity, but milk of superior quality. Nearly all are kept for one period of lactation only, consequently the average life of cows in our city byres is about nine months. If the animals are brought into the cow-sheds in a healthy condition, their sojourn is so short that they cannot become infected with tuberculosis to any great extent.
Several cow-feeders are in the habit of purchasing Irish cows in order to minimise the risk of adding tubercular animals to their herds. It is well known that bovine tuberculosis is almost unknown in certain districts in Ireland. This is undoubtedly due to the cattle leading a natural existence in the open air.
Inspection oj Milch Cows in Country Districts.-The inspection of the dairy stocks in the country can only be overtaken during the winter months, when the animals are housed during the greater part of the day. In the early part of the year twelve farms in Ayrshire were visited, and 300.1 cows were examined. In one instance the udder was found to be tubercular, and the animal, under the powers of the Glasgow Police (Amendment) Act, 1890,
was removed from the premises. Milk jor Corporation Fe11er Hospitals.-Forty-three visits were made to the
three farms supplying milk to the Corporation fever hospitals, and in three instances cows were detected suffering from affections rendering the milk unsuitable for human consumption. The cows on these farms are guaranteed free from tuberculosis by passing the tuberculin test. The test was applied by veterinary practitioners, and on the strength of their certificates sixty-seven animals were permitted to enter the herds.
Inspection oj Cattle under The Public H ealilt (Scotland) Act, Section 43.Under this section the cattle exposed for sale in the Corporation cattle market were examined, and four animals were destroyed with the consent of the owners. On one occasion a cow was seized, and as the circumstances of the case were such as to warrant prosecution the case was taken into Court, and the accused fined £5 with the alternative of fourteen days' imprisonment.
THE CONDITION OF THE AIR OF BYRES.
An investigation was undertaken by Mr Trotter to determine the minimum amount of pollution present in th e air of byres, and he adopted Pettenkoffer's bottle method as being the most accurate and suitable for the purpose. A jar of about five litre capacity was filled with water; and emptied at a height of about eighteen inches from the ground. 100 cc. of baryta water was then added, and, after being agitated at frequent intervals for an hour, it was decanted into a small stoppered bottle and set aside to permit the soluble barium carbonate to separate out. A known quantity of the clear supernatent fluid was then titrated with a standard solution of oxalic acid, with phenol phthaleine as indicator, and from the diminished alkalinity of the original baryta water the quantity of carbonic acid present in the air was calculated. A wet and dry bulb thermometer was suspended in the byre near the place where the sample of air was collected, and another in the courtyard. Several readings were taken to ensure accuracy before being recorded. The results are thus summarised-
The carbonic acid was less than 10 in [0,000 in 7 cases. 775'50 52'21 S'81 54 50'7 43'64 41'28 47'43 38'23 77"1 81'5
The carbonic acid was between 10 and 15 in 10,000 in 21 cases. 691'19 59'50 12'17 53'71 50'51 35'97 34'23 41 '36 32'03 79'30 72'38
The carbonic acid was between IS and 20 in 10,000 in IS cases. 844 72'34 11'18 58'1 54'4 41"07 39'59 51'05 39'01; 71'60
The carbonic acid was between 20 and 25 in 10,000 in I case. 985 '43 80'11 20'38 50 48 34'5 33 45'SS 30'48 85'5 85'4
The carbonic acid was be'tween 25 and 30 in 10,000 in 3 cases. 614'40 41'21 26'38 61'S 59'3 42'9 39'S 57'27 31\'27 85'78 79'4
The carbonic acid was over 30 in 10,000 in I case. ri51 64'25 33'13 62 60 43 41 58'28 3S'60 87'4 84'4
The augmentation of carbonic acid is due to (I) the interference with th e free movement of the air, (2) the increased amount of fermentation and decomposition of organic matter, (3) the greater combustion of fuel, (4) the greater activity of life, and (5) the absence of vegetation.
The diffusive power of gases is by itself incapable of maintaining a uniform composition of the aerial sea, but requires the aid of the more powerful agencies, currents, storms, rains, etc.
The proximity of a dungstead is a grave source of air pollution, For instance, No, 3' was a comparatively new byre, in which the doors, windows, and ventilating open ings are all placed in the wall facing a large dungstead, situated some T 2 feet distant. In a sample of air collected midway, with the wind blowing over the dungstead in the direction of the byre, carbonic acid was found in the proportion of 7 '98 parts per 10,000. The influence of the del eterious gases on the health of th e lower animals is unfortunately not universally recognised, and, as the aim is to minimise labour, the dungstead is placed as near the byre as possible; indeed, it is frequently found underneath the same roof, and communicating by means of an opening, The gases, liberated by the fermentation and decomposition of the accumulated manure, ventilate into the byre through the opening, and in a less degree, by the process of diffusion, which is constantly going on through the walls themselves. Consequently, the air of the cowshed next to the dungstead contains a much larger amount of carbonic acid, Two experiments bearing on this point were carried out with the following results ;-
Parts of CO2 per 10,000
No, End next Dungstead. End away from Dungstead. Increase, I. 14'6 13'34 1'26
2. 13'37 H'gS
It has been demonstrated that the air of a building which has been closed for some time is richer in carbonic acid than that of the surrounding atmosphere, This augmentation is due to the presence of dirt ; every particle of which is constantly adding its quota of deleterious gases, It stands to reason, therefore, that the proper domain of ventilation begins when cleanliness has done its best. The influence of filth as a source of air pollution cannot be over-estimated, but its importance could be materially diminished by scrupulous cleanliness,
During respiration, atmospheric air undergoes marked changes-the temperature is raised, the amount ,of watery vapour is increased, and the chemical
90 ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS.
composition is altered. Expired air contains 100 times more carbonic acid, a small amount of nitrogen, and nearly 5 per cent. less oxygen. The object of ventilation is to remove this expired air and replace it by pure supplies. To do this, however, under the usual thermometric condition which prevails in this country, without warming the incoming air, would cause the temperature of the byre to fall below that, i.e., 60'0 Fahr., which is generally regarded by agriculturists as the most favourable for the forced production of milk. Consequently, no matter what system of ventilation is adopted, the attendants persist in closing all openings in order that the heat of the animal be retained, with the result-a more or less. polluted ·atmosphere.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1900 FROM THE PRINCIPAL OF THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE TO THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Research Laboratory. During the year 1900 343 morbid specimens were forwarded for examina
tion to the laboratory, which was established at the Royal Veterinary College in 1890 for research in comparative pathology and bacteriology, and which has since been maintained by the aid of an annual grant of £500 from the Royal Agricultural Society. The number of specimens similarly forwarded in 1899 was 380, and in the preceding year 327. The diseased parts and org(lns sent for examination represented a .great variety of morbid conditions, but a large proportion was furnished by the bacterial diseases. In many cases microscopic examination and cultural and inoculation experiments were required to determine the nature of the disease, and hy such means the cause of many obscure cases has been cleared up.
In addition to the experiments forming part of the series instigated by the tuberculin sub-committee' of the Society, a number of special experimental investigations intended to throw light on problems in pathology or therapeutics have been carried out. The results of some 'of these will be referred to in this report.
Anthrax. The published returns of the Board of Agriculture show that during the
year 1900 577 outbreaks of this disease were reported. Judged in this way, the disease was rather more prevalent than during the preceding year, in which the outbreaks numbered 534; but, on the other hand, the number of animals actually attacked was less in 1900 than in 1899, the respective figures being 952 and 986. It will be observed than in each of these two years the average number of animals attacked in an outbreak was less than two. and the fact may be taken as evidence of the beneficial effect of the regulations which are now enforced against this disease. Anthrax is not a contagious disease in the ordinary sense of the word, but in the absence of certain precautions it may within a very short space ofHme attack a large number of animals and appear to spread by contagion. Although the average number of animals attacked in outbreaks in this country is less than two, in occasional cases the Dumber is very much higher, and with rare exceptions these more serious outbreaks are the result of ignorance or carelessness in dealing with the first case.
The cause of anthrax is a microscopic germ, the anthrax bacillus, which multiplies in the bodies of infected animals, chiefly in the blood stream. An animal that is the subject of anthrax is to some extent dangerous to its
