Uncommon Strain Of Tuberculosis Found

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31763, 21 August 1968, Page 26

Uncommon Strain Of Tuberculosis Found

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, August 20.

Freezing works management and union interests are expected to discuss soon the increasing incidence of a rare strain of tuberculosis in humans associated with the dairy industry.

Specialised research work in Auckland has in the last two years traced 47 cases of bovine tuberculosis in humans connected with the dairy industry. Dr D. E. M. Taylor, a bacteriologist at the Auckland Hospital who is leading the research team, said today that the cases included freezing workers, 15 dairy fann-

ers or their wives, and two dairy factory workers. The Health Department was investigating the occupational link of the rare strain —almost unknown since the Second World War.

Dr Taylor said it had not yet been determined how the disease was transmitted but research had indicated that it probably came directly from tuberculosis-infected cows.

It was also thought that the strain could be infectious between humans.

At the special meeting it was hoped to discuss the increasing incidence of the strain and possible steps to prevent it, such as regular chest X-rays at all freezing works where contact was likely. Dr Taylor said the bovine tuberculosis organism was extremely difficult to isolate and entailed very specialised work. It was likely that the Auckland laboratories would become a reference centre for the strain for New Zealand. Already tests were being requested from other parts of the country and cases from Whakatane, Thames and New Plymouth had been traced.