The influence of heredity and contagion on the propagation of tuberculosis : and the prevention of injurious effects from consumption of the flesh and milk of tuberculous animals / by A. Lydtin, G. Fleming, and Van Hertsen.

  • Lydtin, A. (August), 1834-
Date:
[1883]
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The influence of heredity and contagion on the propagation of tuberculosis : and the prevention of injurious effects from consumption of the flesh and milk of tuberculous animals / by A. Lydtin, G. Fleming, and Van Hertsen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    objections of the owner ? I think not. The spread of Tuberculosis will cause a thousand times more damage than the value of these cattle. With regard to the destruction of certain portions only of the carcases of diseased animals, we must remember that the laws of different countries vary. The suggestions which are alluded to are merely for discussion at the Congress. I think that every portion of an animal affected with Tuberculosis should be destroyed. The idea that setons produce Tuberculosis has been proved to be an error. We find nodules in animals, as sheep, which are not at all liable to attacks of Tuberculosis. I maintain that no matter what the nature of the nodule may be, if the bacillus is found, it may safely be concluded that it is a case of Tuberculosis. I hold Tuberculosis to be this, that apart from the physical character of the nodule or tubercle, it is an inoculable disease. I think that is the great diagnostic criterium of Tuberculosis The tubercle is only an expression of a diseased condition. I am very glad that the propositions for the Congress were incorporated in Mr. Cox's paper, because I shall have the advantage of knowing the opinion of this meeting with regard to them. Although the malady is not taken under legislative control on the Continent, yet there is a general impression that it ought to be ; therefore it has been made one of the major subjects for discussion at the International Congress. I do not attach much importance to the theory with regard to sewage. Of course the germs of Tuberculosis may be carried through the medium of sewage, but as we find the disease prevalent where there is no sewage, we should not lay much stress upon this point. We cannot separate without coming to some definite conclusion with respect to the subject of this morning's discussion. We have here, in Mr. Cope, an able representative of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council, and I am sure that any decision we may arrive at will be utilized to the fullest extent by him. The following resolution was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously, That in the opinion of this meeting, the Privy Council should include ' Tuberculosis' in the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act. Some discussion then took place with reference to the ques- tion of compensation. Some gentlemen expressed an opinion that owners of cattle could not be expected to have their ani- mals slaughtered merely for the benefit of the community. The President said he thought that the question of compensation, as well as all other regulations required to eradicate this disease, should be left to the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council, and that, if the regulations at present in force, with regard to compulsory slaughter, wera^3p$i&Hn this case the public would be satisfied. ftp' ( LIBRARY ]