HC Deb 12 June 1913 vol 53 cc1786-7
88. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state how, under the Tuberculosis Order of 1913, bovine tuberculosis with emaciation is being distinguished from Johne's disease in cases where the owner does not consent to the application of the tuberculin test; and how, if no outward symptoms of tuberculosis exist, cattle can be notified as giving tuberculosis milk in the absence of the proposed machinery of the Milk and Dairies Bill, whereby the presence of the disease in milk can, after bacteriological analysis, be traced from the retailer's premises to those of the cattle owner and the particular cow which yielded it?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)

No case of difficulty in making a differential diagnosis between tuberculosis with emaciation and Johne's disease has been brought to my notice, but I am advised that the following method may be used for distinguishing the two diseases, namely, by clinical examination, and, if necessary, microscopic examination of scrapings of the mucous membrance of the rectum, or by microscopic and biological examination of the fæces. With regard to the latter part of the question I would point out that, whilst it is, of course, the case that owners of cows may not be able to notify cases of cows giving tuberculosis milk from clinical symptoms, local Acts are already in existence under which cases may be found and dealt with even before the machinery is made generally applicable by the passing of the Milk and Dairies Bill.

Mr. BATHURST

Is it not a fact that the machinery of the Tuberculosis Order, so far as tuberculous milk is concerned, will break down almost entirely in the event of the Milk and Dairies Bill not passing into law?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I cannot admit that. It is true that if the Milk and Dairies Bill is not passed into law these Regulations will not be generally applicable, but will be applicable only in the most important cases.

Forward to