applicable to local conditions, but the principle remains the
same. The most important feature of the score card is its
absolute fairness, it being impossible for the inspector who
follows the printed instructions to display any partiality. It
further calls the attention of the inspector to many details
which he might otherwise overlook, which, from our standpoint at
least, are very important. After a dairy is scored and the score
card sent in we can tell exactly what conditions exist upon the
farm--where it is well equipped and where it is deficient. It
should be borne in mind that we inspect the dairies and use the
card to bring out the bearing of the production of milk upon the
public health. Therefore some features looked upon in this light
are of more significance than others and are consequently given a
greater weight, as, for instance, cleanliness of milking counts
10 points, while cleanliness of stable yard counts but 3 points.
It is difficult for many dairymen to comprehend this, and they
are prone to look upon an expensive herd of cattle or barns of
more importance than the sanitary features of milk production.
The average score of dairies inspected is too low, being below
50. We hope and expect in time and as we score the dairies more
frequently to raise the standard. This is, of course, a matter
of education, but with intelligence and patience on both sides
we shall certainly succeed, and those of you who profit by the
points here discussed will be the first to reap a material
benefit in the form of an increased demand for milk produced
under sanitary conditions.
* * * * *
Dr. R. G. PERKINS, city bacteriologist: Since the establishment
of the laboratory the chief part of the work on milk has been of
the ordinary routine type. Samples of suspicious milk have been
studied, and a long series of counts were made on samples taken
from the receiving stations and from wagons in the endeavor to
find a suitable standard for the city. As a result of this work
the standard was set at 500,000 bacteria per cubic centimeter.
Even in the summer months it is the exception rather than the
rule that this limit is passed, and it seems that a lower one
might be quite practicable. The most interesting work done in
the department was an endeavor to find the relative proportion
of bacteria in milk obtained from the cans, as served to
customers by the so-called “dip method,” and that obtained from
bottles carried in the same wagons. An ordinance had been passed
compelling the delivery in bottles, and these tests were made
shortly before it went into effect. Samples were taken from
dealers trading in various parts of the city, to cover all the
conditions, and were taken every day for a week in each series.
The conditions, such as weather, etc., were carefully noted and
the following conclusions were reached:
In the average of the 40 samples the “dip” milk was found to
contain 37 per cent more bacteria than the bottle milk.
In 77.5 per cent of the samples the “dip” milk contained more
bacteria than that in the bottle. Sixteen samples were over 50
per cent higher, and 8 of these were over 300 per cent higher
than the corresponding bottled samples.
In 22 samples the bottled milk had most bacteria, only 3 of these
being more than 50 per cent over the “dip” samples.
Dry weather, especially with a stiff breeze, usually resulted in
an increase of several hundred per cent in the bacterial content
of the “dip” milk over the corresponding bottles.
The results of these examinations were considered adequate
to justify the ordinance requiring the delivery in bottles
exclusively, although in the case of a milkman who is dirty it is
quite possible that the use of bottles may increase the amount of
bacteria. This, however, is a matter which should be controlled
by adequate inspection of the dairies and the bottling plants.
* * * * *
Prof. WILLIAM PATE, Jr., city chemist: Our work consists
wholly of the determination of quality as required by law and
examination for the presence of chemical preservatives, colors,
cream thickeners, or other adulterants. We collect and test 40
samples of milk a day, taken from the milkmen upon the streets
and from the stations as it is delivered to the milkmen. The Ohio
law and our municipal requirements are that the milk must contain
3 per cent of fats and 12 per cent of solids for the entire year.
Formerly the requirement was 2.8 per cent fats and 11.5 per cent
solids during the grass months of May and June, but it seems that
3 and 12 per cent are low enough even for these months, and we
conclude that any herd which produces milk below these limits
is not a well-balanced herd, at least before our law. It is
very true that some herds are producing milk below 3 and 12 per
cent, but the producer having such a herd should balance it with
animals giving lesser quantity but richer quality so as to bring
his average for the entire herd up to the legal requirement.
For the year just passed we had for average results of 6,045
samples of milk taken: Lactometer, 312; fats, 3.71 per cent;
solids, 12.51 per cent. And for the year 1905, 5,890 samples:
Lactometer, 312; fats, 3.81 per cent; solids, 12.65 per cent.
As the average result of the year will show, we have very good
milk in Cleveland from the standpoint of quality as required by
our law, although it is only fair to say to the producers that
the milk as it comes into the city is better than it is when
delivered to the consumer. I cite a few instances:
_Table showing composition of milk as received by milkmen and as
delivered to consumers._
+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| As received by | As delivered to |
| milkman. | consumer. |
+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Fats. | Solids. | Fats. | Solids. |
+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|_Per cent._|_Per cent._|_Per cent._|_Per cent._|
| 3.9 | 12.69 | 3.3 | 12.02 |
| 4.1 | 12.77 | 3.4 | 12.17 |
| 4.2 | 13.05 | 3.2 | 11.59 |
| 3.8 | 12.62 | 2.7 | 10.55 |
| 3.8 | 12.77 | 3.1 | 11.18 |
| 4.0 | 13.21 | 3.2 | 12.20 |
+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
The examination for the presence of preservatives consists in
carrying along a test for formaldehyde with all samples taken. We
are particularly free from this preservative in Cleveland, but
six samples having been found treated with formaldehyde in 1905
and four in 1906. The offenders were immediately prosecuted, but
in addition to prosecution the board of health uses an effective
weapon in the revocation of licenses. The present policy is to
revoke the license of any man who is found to have on sale an
adulterated milk. Tests for the presence of sodium carbonate,
borax, colors, etc., are carried on from time to time as is found
necessary. In the past two years we found one sample containing
carbonate and one to which annatto had been added as an enriching
color.
* * * * *
D. C. HALE, milk producer: In the past milk delivered to the
Cleveland trade has been looked upon simply as milk, with no
thought of the conditions under which it was produced. Whether
it came from sanitary or insanitary stables it was all sold as
one grade and for the same price. But now, since the question has
been agitated and brought to the attention of the consumer, we
producers look for more definite rules and regulations governing
the city milk traffic whereby the dairyman may be rightfully
compensated for his painstaking labor.
There is no reason why milk produced in a well-kept dairy of
healthy cows where sanitary methods are practiced should not
bring more money than that produced by the careless dairyman. It
has long been a puzzling problem to many of us why it was that
other farm products could be placed in the city market strictly
on their merits, while milk, which enters into more foodstuffs
than any other product, has to be sold simply as milk and usually
for one common price regardless of what has entered into the
production of that product. We who profess to have produced
sanitary milk in the past have an opportunity at this time to
take an advance step in the way of adopting more rigid sanitary
rules that may be recommended for the good of the consumer and
that may prove practical and, we hope, beneficial to the producer
in returning him a more remunerative price for his extra care and
attention.
I believe that it is injurious to the general health of a cow
to be turned out of a warm stable and allowed to remain out and
get chilled, as is the practice with many dairymen. If cows must
be turned out of the stable in winter to get water, they should
be put in the stable just as soon as they return from water.
Keeping the cows comfortable will save hay and grain, increase
the milk production, and keep the herd in better health. The
kind of feedstuff to be used is a matter of choice, economy, and
convenience. If there is one domestic animal more than another
that is deserving of sunshine in her home during the winter
months it is the cow, not only for her enjoyment, but for her
health.
Milk should be handled in such a way, after it leaves the milk
room, as to lower the temperature rather than raise it. It should
not be exposed to the hot sun. We should urge the importance of
transportation companies doing their part toward taking care of
the temperature of the milk after it has been delivered to them
and until they have delivered it to the city milk dealer.
CLEVELAND’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE TUBERCULIN TEST.
Cleveland was one of the first cities to incorporate in its
ordinances a requirement that no milk should be sold in the city
except from dairies holding certificates that their cows are free
from tuberculosis as shown by the tuberculin test. The experience
of this city is therefore of interest and value in connection with
the subject of a wholesome milk supply for cities. Following are the
sections of the Cleveland ordinance relating to the tuberculin test:
PART ONE, TITLE V.
SEC. 4. On and after the ---- day of ----, 1906, no milk will be
allowed to be sold or offered for sale or brought into the city
from any cow or cows unless the owner of said cow or cows holds a
certificate of this board’s veterinarian, or other veterinarian
acceptable to this board, that said cow or cows are free from
tuberculosis as shown by the tuberculin test.
SEC. 5. Any person selling or offering for sale any milk from
uninspected cows as above shall be subject to having his license
revoked.
The city did not attempt at the outset to require all dairymen to
conform to this section, and it is not the intention to do so until
the State laws on the subject are more efficient and provide prompt
compensation for cattle destroyed. At present the tuberculin test
is required only of dairies where tuberculosis is known to exist
as determined by physical examination or by tracing cattle killed
at abattoirs. If the owner does not consent to the test and to the
slaughter of the reacting cattle, his milk is excluded from sale in
the city, and in addition the State board of live stock commissioners
is notified, which commissioners have the authority to enforce the
test or to quarantine the suspected herd. If the owner consents, the
test is made free of charge. After the test the reacting cattle are
appraised by two disinterested persons, one selected by the board of
health, the other by the owner. The average between the two values
is taken as the true value, and the appraisal and report of the test
is submitted to the State board of live stock commissioners. If this
board approves the finding, an order is issued authorizing the health
department to destroy the reacting cattle, which is done and promptly
reported back to the State authorities. The approved appraisal is
then submitted to the governor, approved by him, and submitted to
the proper committee of the legislature, which finally instructs
the State auditor to draw a warrant for the claim. The law allows
from one-half to three-fifths of the appraised value, but so far all
claims have been paid in full.
The attitude of the dairymen toward the test was somewhat hostile
at first, which was natural, as it was a great surprise to them
to find that tuberculosis existed to such an extent among their
herds. Several instances were met, however, even at the first, of
exceedingly public-spirited dairymen who did all in their power to
assist the board of health, even where the losses were very severe.
The hostile feeling manifest at first has since given way to a
fair-minded conception of the situation, and the only objection to
the general application of the test is the long delay in the payment
of the claims. This is a very great hardship on a dairyman who is in
debt and dependent upon his cattle for the support of his family,
especially as in Ohio the legislature meets only every alternate year.
The following are the statistics of the work of the board of health
for the eighteen months beginning with January, 1906:
Number of herds tested 20
Number of cattle tested 280
Number of reactions 89
Percentage of reactions 32
Tested by other veterinarians under direct supervision of the board
of health:
Number of herds tested 13
Number of cattle tested 201
Number of reactions 29
Percentage of reactions 15
It is understood that within the same period about three times as
many cows have been tested by private veterinarians, the reacting
cattle being secretly sold and shipped to other States.
The greatest good accomplished has been in the dissemination of
knowledge concerning bovine tuberculosis among not only the dairymen,
but the people generally. The health office receives almost daily
inquiries as to where milk from tuberculin-tested cows can be had
for domestic purposes, and almost as many inquiries as to where
tuberculin-tested cows can be purchased. Nearly one-half of the
herds tested have been tested as the result of requests of owners
who desired to know for themselves what condition their herds were
in. This has been specially true in the last six months. It is
expected that more cattle will be tested in the next year than in the
preceding eighteen months, and if State laws can be passed that will
be satisfactory and efficient and provide a fair compensation there
will probably be more herds to test than the present force can handle.
The efforts of the Cleveland board of health to eradicate
tuberculosis from dairy herds and to secure a safe milk supply for
the city deserve commendation, and other cities may well profit by
this experience and adopt similar measures to safeguard the health of
the public.
IMPORTANCE OF THE TUBERCULIN TEST.
The public has become aroused and general interest is being
manifested especially in measures for reducing the mortality from
tuberculosis in human beings. This is shown by the formation of
societies throughout the country for furthering these measures and by
the general campaign of education which is now under way. It has been
shown beyond question that human tuberculosis and animal tuberculosis
are communicable between persons and animals, and that a considerable
proportion of the cases of human tuberculosis are caused by infection
from animal sources. The eradication of tuberculosis from dairy cows
is therefore very desirable as a protection to human health.
The tuberculin test is recognized by sanitarians as an agency of the
greatest value for detecting tuberculosis in dairy herds and for
controlling and eradicating the disease. Without its assistance but a
small percentage of the cases could be detected in the live animals.
It is remarkably accurate, the records of thousands of cases in
which the animals have afterwards been slaughtered showing a correct
diagnosis in 97 per cent.
Unfortunately, in the early attempts to control tuberculosis in some
States, measures were adopted which were so radical that they aroused
the antagonism of the dairymen and cattle owners generally, and
little was accomplished in the way of either benefiting the cattle
owners or removing the dangers of the disease to the public. It is
time that those interested in the dairy and live-stock industries
of the country should give their support to all measures tending to
check this widespread disease and to prevent the serious losses which
it causes. It is to their interest to do so purely as a business
proposition, regardless of any benefit to the public health.
A practice which is largely instrumental in the spread of
tuberculosis is the sale of animals known to be diseased without
transmitting this knowledge to the buyer. This is done not only in
private sales, but at public auctions as well. This practice should
be stopped. Where the tuberculin test is used under the direction
of a board of health, the animals as a rule are properly marked
(usually by placing metal disks in the ears), showing whether they
are tuberculous or healthy. This plan is to be commended, as it
renders difficult the deception of a purchaser.
While some States have laws prohibiting the importation of cattle
without the certificate of a veterinarian showing that they have
passed the test, other States have no such laws, and the transfer
of animals from one State to another goes on without molestation.
This shows the necessity of the Federal Government taking some
action in the near future to prevent the interstate shipment of
diseased animals. The work of the Government might also be extended
still further in a cooperative way, so that, when the disease is
discovered, the information will be communicated both to the owners
of the animals and to the proper State authorities.
The Bureau of Animal Industry furnishes tuberculin free of charge to
public officials for making tests under certain conditions.
METHODS FOR ERADICATING TUBERCULOSIS.
This subject has been discussed at some length by Dr. D. E. Salmon
in Bulletin 38 of the Bureau of Animal Industry. Because of its
important bearing on the improvement of the milk supply, the
following extract from that publication is appended:
ERADICATION OF TUBERCULOSIS FROM THE FARM.
If there is any reason to suspect the existence of tuberculosis
in a herd, an effort should be made at once to determine
definitely whether it is present and which animals are affected
by it.
The general condition of the animal should furnish some
indication. If any of the animals are not doing well, are losing
flesh, and fail to yield the amount of milk which is to be
reasonably expected, a careful examination should be made of
them to determine whether their temperature is normal, whether
there are signs of enlargement of the external lymphatic glands,
and whether abnormal sounds can be detected in the lungs. The
examination of the carcasses of any animals which may have died
or are slaughtered is a valuable indication as to the existence
of the disease in the herd.
The most reliable means of determining this question is, however,
the tuberculin test. While this may occasionally fail to reveal
tuberculosis in an individual animal, it may be relied upon with
certainty to reveal the existence of the disease in a herd. If
this test indicates that some of the animals are tuberculous,
measures should be at once adopted to eradicate the disease from
the herd, or at least to prevent its further spread. In case
there are only one or two animals affected, and these are not
especially valuable, the best plan is to slaughter them at once
and thoroughly disinfect the stable in which they have been kept.
If a large proportion of a herd is affected, and the animals
are not especially valuable, the best and cheapest plan would
be to separate the reacting animals from the healthy ones, and
to have the former slaughtered under inspection as soon as they
can be put in proper condition. It is probable that the flesh of
most of these animals would be found fit for food, and the loss,
therefore, would not be very great. In case the herd has been
long affected and many of the animals are in an advanced stage of
the disease, they are unfit for milk production, and the sooner
they are slaughtered the less will be the loss.
If the herd contains animals which are valuable for breeding
purposes, the Bang system of management or some modification of
it may be profitably adopted.
STATE AID FOR THE ERADICATION OF TUBERCULOSIS.
In the eradication of a disease so widely disseminated, and one
which causes such serious losses to the animal industry of the
country, there should be assistance offered by the State in order
to relieve the burdens which fall upon the owners of live stock.
A considerable number of States have shown a disposition to come
to the assistance of farmers whose stock is affected, but the
assistance has sometimes been coupled with conditions which made
it unwelcome. In some States compulsory testing and the slaughter
of reacting animals have been required, but this has not been a
popular measure. It is essential that a plan should be devised
which will meet with the approval of the stock owners and which
will aid them without being too burdensome in its conditions.
There are certain measures which have been adopted by individual
States which have accomplished satisfactory results but which
would be far more successful if adjoining States would adopt
the same or similar regulations. Among the reasonable measures
which a State may adopt for the repression of tuberculosis the
following may be mentioned:
1. Cattle which are brought into a State for breeding or dairy
purposes may be tested with tuberculin, and those which react
may be refused admission to the State. In connection with this
measure it should be provided that cattle which have been tested
by the authorities of another State or of the Federal Government
and found free from disease should be allowed admission without
being retested. The testing of animals coming into a State is
essential in any effort to control this disease and is one of
the first measures which should be enforced in any effort to
eradicate it.
2. There should be an inspection of all slaughtered animals
coming from breeding or dairy herds within the State in order
to discover in what herds the disease exists. Animals from the
greater part of the milk-producing herds are being continually
sold for slaughter as their usefulness in the dairy is over,
and an examination of the carcasses of these cows would serve
to locate the existence of the disease in many herds where its
presence is unsuspected. Unfortunately, few of the animals killed
in the small slaughterhouses are inspected, and in those cases
where there is an inspection and tuberculosis is discovered it
is seldom that the herds from which they came are traced and the
owners informed of the discovery of this disease. In any effort
to suppress tuberculosis it is almost essential that information
of this kind should be obtained and an attempt made to persuade
the owner to adopt proper measures for getting rid of the
contagion.
3. Measures should be adopted for testing herds with tuberculin
without expense to the owners. In the beginning of the work,
at least, this should not be compulsory, but it should be made
to the interest of the owner of a tuberculous herd to have it
tested under the auspices of the State. Apparently, it would
also be wise and a great aid to stockmen for the State to test
herds with tuberculin and certify to the healthfulness of animals
from all those herds where no reactions occur. At present it is
a difficult matter in most States for the breeder or dairyman
to purchase cattle for his herd with any assurance that they
are healthy. He may have them tested, but there is always a
possibility that they have been treated with tuberculin a short
time before and that for this reason they have not reacted.
The loss which has fallen upon the breeders of the country
through the introduction of tuberculosis in their herds has been
tremendous, and it appears that it would be only a proper aid
and encouragement to agricultural interests to assist breeders
in obtaining animals free from disease. Not only would this
encourage farmers to enter into breeding operations and increase
the value of the industry within the State, but the certification
of breeding animals would help to build up a market in other
States for breeding animals.