TAKE THE MILKY WAY TO HEALTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 September 1939, Page 4

TAKE THE MILKY WAY TO HEALTH

Tested Cows Ensure Pure Milk

The dread of using milk from cows possibly affected by tuberculosis is ever present throughout New Zealand. Fortunately, however, modern scientific methods are now being used more and more ' frequently to (■oct- rlrsiw hprds for

T. 8., and Masterton is fortunate that, under the direction of Mr T. A. Russell, Boorugh Sanitary Inspector, determined efforts have been made to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from the dairy herds near the town ,and which supply the local licensed vendors for ultimate distribution to homes.

Only a scientific test can normally diagnose a T.B. condition in cows. In many cases the health of the animal may not be impaired, and in others the disease may be present in the milk secretion system. Modern testing gives reactions in any stage, and results in heavy eradication if infected cows are condemned - ?and slaughtered.

Rigid Inspection by Borough Inspector

Masterton consumers are fortunate that, because of the energy and foresight of the Borough Inspector, Mr Russell, the cooperation of farmers with dairy herds close to the town has been gained. For the past four or five years, Mr Russell has been

making tests for T. 8., and few boroughs in N.Z. can boast a milk supply coming almost exclusively from herds scientifically tested for bovine tuberculosis.

In an interview, Mr Russell said that for the past four years the borough had sponsored a testing scheme in relation to all dairy herds supplying milk for locah consumption, and this, coupled with the fact that a considerable amount of testing had been carried out in the Wairarapa district as a whole from Pongaroa to Featherston, should be a factor in determining the suitability of the Wairarapa as an area for experimental purposes, as was recently proposed by the Minister of Agriculture.