TUBERCULAR COWS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 960, 29 October 1910, Page 6

TUBERCULAR COWS.

.THE WELLINGTON HERDS. ' REASSURING MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. . • The case of a girl who, it was alleged, died as the result of drinking'milk from a tubercular cow, at ChristcKurch, was referred to in the House yesterday by Mr. Davey, M.IV Sir Joseph Ward said the PublicHealth Department was investigating tho whole .matter. The Hon.' T. Mackenzie said he had reports from his officers hearing on the subject. He read a lengthy report from Mr. Reakes (Veterinary Division), from which the following are Dr. Symes, iin his evidence at tho inquest, is reported to have stated that the case was one of old standing. Hence it would appear on tho face of it an extremely difficult matter, to say the least of it, to determine how or by what means the disease was set up at the beginning. (2) The herd from which tho girl's family derived its milk.supply has been tested with tuberculin,' and eveVy cow in it found free from tuberculosis. It must be borne in mind that a tubercular cow may yield milk containing tubercle bacilli even though no indication of disease cun be-detected in the udder itself. You should at onCo consult the veterinary supervisor in the case of all animals concerning which you have reason to entertain even • tho slightest: suspicion of the existence of tubercular disease, and pending his decision tho milk of such cows must not. be .allowed to 'bo used ' for human consumption." The circular goes on to urge cleanliness in connection with the handling of the milk at tho farm. , '.Mr. Mackenzie, referring to what had been said in ''another .place" regarding the supply of milk to the people of Wellington, said he was pleased to say there was nothing like tho extent prevailing amongst tlio cows as had been stated by the hoij.' gentleman, in that speech. Out of 928 cows examined, 131 wero tested, and only 34 reacted to the tuberculino test.

Mr. Massey: That does not necessarily mean that they are tubercular. Mr. 'l'hos. Mackenzie: Sometimes when it reacts they have not got tuberculosis. Mr. Massey: Hear, hear.

Mr. Mackenzie: All our information goes to show that the number is far less than was 'previously believed to bo the case. Far too serious a view has been taken of the matter.