The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-02-14
Diptheria IN Milk.

1t Is said to be an established fact that milk Il
frequently an agent for the diffusion of dis
ease. Epidemic outbreaks Of typhoid or en-
teric fever have more than once been traced
to common supply of infected milk. In
these cases, however, the injurious character
of the milk has been attributed TO Its con-
taminstion from external sources, as by
means of impure air or impure water, con-
tanning the germs of the disease. Buts more
startling theory concerning the epidemic
agency Of milk has recently been put for
ward In England, and demands attention
from the sanitary authorities in this country
in view of the present prevalence of dipthe-
ria in so many localities.
1t is possible, not to say probable that
diptheria has its origin in the diseased con-
dition of milch COWS. Such at least is the
inference which must be drawn from the
carefully observed facts of two epidemics in
England, both of recent occurrence, one in
North London and the other at Woking.
They indicate that disease of the udder
known as Garget, aud generally regarded by
dairymen as Insignificant, may so affect the
quality Of the milk as TO produce dipthera
in the consumers.
Inquiry leaves no doubt that milk from
cows having garget finds its way into the
market in considerable quantities. Only a
portion Of the udder is usually attacked by
the disease, and the milk yielded by the
other quarters. do not manifest any such
change in quality as would ordinarily lead 10
its rejection. Indeed, so indiffereutly is the
affection looked upon by the men having
the charge of cows that they seldom inform
their employers Of its existence. A mem
Der of the Pathological Society of London,
who was led to investigate the subject lately
found several cases of garget among bis own
cattle, although his bailif had not thought
them important enough to mention.
The circumstances Of the North London
epidemic of diptheris satisfied the sanitary
officer charged with its investigation that
the disease WAS distributed by the milk sup
ply, and that the milk had not been con-
tsminated by any influences from without.
These conclusions are confirmed by the like
opinions of disting uished physicians to whom
the facts have been submitted. They nstu-
rally lead to the question whether any spe-
cisl disease could prevail, without attract.
ing particular notice, among the cows from
which the milk came. The answer is that
garget is just such disease. And the be-
lief that the apparently slight affection in
cattle may be- transformed into diptheris,
or may induce that disease in the human
subject, is strengthened by the recent dip
theritic outbreak at the Princess Mary's
Home at Woking.. Garget was found to be
prevalent on the farm which furnished
milk to that institution.
The proceedings of the Pathological Soci-
ETY. of London in reference to this possible
connection between diptheria and disease
in cows supply abundant evidence Of the
gravity with which the medical Iprofession
regard the subject. 1t has been referred fol
investigation to committee of highly quail.
flied physicians, one of whom is DR.. Burden
Sanderson, and the results of their inquiry
cannot fail to be important. In the mean
time, ought not something in the same dirsc
tion to be done in this country IN Y. Sun