TESTING OF COWS FOR T.B.

Southland Times, Issue 23838, 8 June 1939, Page 4

TESTING OF COWS FOR T.B.

COMPULSION URGED HIGH INCIDENCE OF DISEASE To The Editor Sir, —The article in your editorial columns today on the subject of milk in schools is deserving of more than, passing notice, and you are to be congratulated on giving expression to another advance in combating the malnutrition in children which is a matter of serious concern at the present time. Some few years ago it was stated that the milk consumption a head of population in New Zealand was one of the lowest in the world, being only 28 gallons a head as compared with Denmark’s 63 gallons. It is probable that the administration of milk in our schools will now remove this reproach. There is, however, another subject of paramount importance so far as milk is concerned. I refer to the necessity for making compulsory the testing of cows for tuberculosis. According to the latest figures available there are in New Zealand 1,872,797 cows and heifers over the age of two years. Last year 16,509 of these cows and heifers, were tested for tuberculosis. This is only .88 per cent, of the total, and the incidence of tuberculosis in those tested was 7 per cent. If the incidence is the same in those untested, we have the stupendous number of 131,095 cows suffering from tuberculosis—and their milk is being consumed. This state of affairs is a sad commentary on a country which prides itself on producing the best dairy produce in the world, and also prides itself on having the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. In conclusion, sir, may I quote from a recent article by Professor Grainger, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, criticizing the “Clean Milk” campaign in England. Professor Grainger said: “A start is being made at the wrong end. The Government is giving money for milk publicity, but I do not see why the amount should not be devoted to securing tubercle-free herds. There lies the door to clean milk. No amount of publicity will make the British mother give her children tuberculous milk.”—Yours, etc.,

A. F. RITCHIE CRAWFORD. June 7, 1939.