The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-04-22
Cities Require
Protected Milk
Ordinances Are Adopted in
Many Towns Demanding
J. .Tuberculin Test.

prepared by the United States Depart
ment Of Agriculture)
Extensive interest of cities in the
nationwide campaign against tuber-
culosis of live stock is seen in results
of survey recently conducted by the
United States Department of Agricul-
ture. A total of 874 cities and towns
have ordinances requiring the tuber-
culin testing of cattle furnishing milk
for consumption. Official reports indi-
cate that with the exception of about l
per cent the ordinances are fairly well
enforced.
The action of such cities as Chicago,
Cleveland, Detroit and Louisville, in
promulgating tuberculin-test require
ments has stimulated recent interest
| In this subject. The survey showed,
however, that the smaller communities
also are fully as active in safeguard
ing their milk supplies.
Steps Taken to Safeguard.
In addition to the 874 cities having
tuberculin-test ordinances, 735 pro-
vide an option between tuberculin test
Ing and pasturization. Thus a total
Of 1,249 municipalities have taken
steps to safeguard their milk supplies
from possibility of disease transmits
sion.
Fourteen states also have enacted
laws or have issued regulations au-
thorized by law requiring the tuber-
culin testing Of cattle. Though vary
ing in details, the laws have the same
general purpose-to safeguard the
wholesomeness of milk supplies. In
all cases tuberculin tests must be ap-
piled by approved graduate veteri-
narians.
AS a basis for skilled tuberculin
testing in which the public may have
confidence, the federal and state vet
Urinary officials have prepared lists of
accredited" and approved" veteri-
narians. These terms apply to private
practitioners who have satisfied fed
eral and state authorities as to their
qualifications.
Forms of Supervision.
An examination Of the forms Of SUI
| pervision over the tuberculin testing
of cattle supplying cities with milk
shows the large extent to which cities
have accepted the so-called uniform
| plan of drinking. This plan provides
federal and state indemnities for cat
tie which prove to be tuberculous and
which are removed from the herd and
slaughtered. The plan is followed by
634 cities. Cities that rely on mu-
nicipal inspection alone number 49S,
while III other cities and towns use
q combination of the two safeguards
or make some other provision for tu-
berculin testing.
states explains the rather general
adoption of pasteurization as an addi-
tional safeguard even when the cattle
are tuberculin tested. Proper pas
teurization, as is well known, destroys
any infection from other disease-pro-
ducing organisms that may be present.
| 1t also gives double assurance that no
living tubercle bacilli are present.
Milk From Other States.
|
Some states, of which Florida is a
| typical example, receive large guam
titles of milk from other states. Flor
ida does not have a statewide tuber-
culin-testing law, but the city of Mi
ami, for instance, requires pasteuriZa-
ton in addition to tuberculin testing.
Much other milk received in the state
is also pasteurized since it's origin,
outside of the state, is beyond the jul
risdiction of local inspectors. In sew
eral small towns tuberculin testing of
| cattle is conducted in response to
demand of patrons, though no official
ordinance requires such tests.
These sidelights appear to show the
strength of public opinion and the ex-
tent to which milk consumers demand
safety with respect to their milk sup
plies The condition appears to be
especially true in states to which tour
lists and homeseekers go for their
health.
Several states have issued educa-
tional literature dealing with bovine
tuberculosis, the evidence of transmits
sion to human beings, plans for eradi-
cation, and laws and regulations for
suppressing the disease.
Besides this means of stimulating in
terest in safe milk supplies. various
state officials have drafted Sample
milk ordinances based on successful
ordinances elsewhere. In these are
embodied effective and practical pro-
visions for dealing with the tubercu-
losis problem.
Some cities have taken more definite
action than others, but evidence is
abundant that city fathers" are be-
coming more and more concerned in
guarding the milk consumed in their
communities.