Tuberculosis In Cattle

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 62, Issue 3, 15 March 1941, Page 179

Tuberculosis In Cattle

THE number of cattle condemned under the Stock Act for tuberculosis during the -last financial year amounted to 6569 head, being 5619 condemned on clinical symptoms and 950 reactors to the tuberculin test. In each case compensation was paid in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The tuberculin test was applied to 17,877 cattle, of which number 950 reacted, giving a percentage of 5.3. The total number of cattle, exclusive of calves, examined at the various abattoirs and meat-export slaughterhouses was 518,201, an increase of 13,595 on last year’s figures. Of these, 39,812, or 7.68 per cent., were found to be affected with tuberculosis in varying degree, a large percentage being only slightly affected. This indicates an increase of 0.11 per cent, infection amongst cattle slaughtered in these premises. So far as the tuberculin testing of herds is concerned, the position is a voluntary one. It is, however, interest-

ing to note that 14,458 cattle were tested at the owner’s request. Although a system of clinical examination of the dairy herds supplying milk for human consumption is combined with the biological test of composite milk samples from dairy herds, it still appears desirable to have all herds supplying milk subjected to the tuberculin test at regular intervals. — Director of the Livestock Division. Answers to Correspondents Cleaning a Skim-milk Pipe Line. J.L. (NELSON)— I would be very much obliged if you would let me know if there are any serious objections to the use of the “caustic soda solution” for cleaning a skim-milk pipe line.

I have been using the solution (as recommended by your Department) for cleaning my milking machinery for the

past few seasons, and find it very satisfactory, so thought it would be an easy matter to use it in the same way for a skim-milk line. I might say - that I will be using new galvanised pipes without any pump. If the above method is not satisfactory I would be very grateful if you would tell me of the method you do recommend. DAIRY DIVISION— Caustic soda solution is not satisfactory for cleaning galvanised skimmilk pipes. There is always a danger that some will remain in the pipes and get mixed with the next lot of skimmilk put through them and. endanger the health of the pigs. It will also remove the zinc, and this also has been found to cause trouble. A little molasses dissolved in hot water has been found to keep the pipes clean, and it will do no harm if run into the skim-milk tanks.