SYMPOSIUM OX SANITATION 61 



of tubercle bacilli, of typhoid bacilli, of diphtheria bacilli, of 

 the germs of scarlet fever may be employed in a dairy and 

 unconsciously communicate the virus of these and other dis- 

 eases to the milk. The only reasonable safeguard against 

 carriers is eflficient medical supervision of dairy employes. 

 Such supervision is of greater bearing than exceedingly small 

 numbers of bacteria. 



For pasteurized milk the bacterial count is of importance. 

 Fortunately for us. most pathogenic bacteria are destroyed 

 by efficient pasteurization. In fact, we may safely say, that 

 all pathogenic bacteria which carry infection through the in- 

 testinal tract, are destroyed by efficient pasteurization. Bac- 

 terial efficiency of pasteurizing apparatus is therefore of similar 

 value as bacterial efficiency of water purification plants. 



Reduction of numbers of bacteria and proper medical sup- 

 ervision of employes are the two most important factors in 

 improving milk supplies. Medical supervision is of prime im- 

 portance when the raw product is to be consumed, but of 

 secondary importance if milk is to be pasteurized. It should 

 be one of the duties of health departments to control past- 

 eurizing machines. The style of machine should be approved 

 by the commissioner of health and the temperature should 

 be recorded automatically. The records may be kept in locked 

 cases, the keys to which are held by the department of health. 



The producing dairies should be regularly inspected. The 

 inspectors report on equipment and methods. Only well train- 

 ed men should be employed as inspectors. They should be 

 familiar with the objects of their work and should approach 

 the producer as friends and advisers, not as officers, who are 

 bound to find fault. Unfortunately inspectors have frequently 

 antagonized producers. Municipal governments are not devot- 

 ing sufficient funds to employ high grade men as inspectors. 

 The consequence is. that producers object to making improve- 

 ments and the detrimental influence of such conditions cannot 

 be overestimated. In several states of the Union laws have 

 been enacted, forbidding the enforcement of ordinances, de- 

 manding tuberculin testing of cattle. Legislation of this 

 nature is the direct regult of antagonism developed amonir 

 Jproducers. Thus tubercular cattle are permitted to furnish 

 milk which becomes a serious menace to public health. 



The distribution of milk should be in bottles only, ex- 

 cept for wholesale trade. In large cities the can and dippe^ 

 have been practically abolished. Proper licensing regulations 

 and periodical inspection of central stations and delivery 

 wagons will control this part of the milk traffic. 



Finally we have to consider the handling of milk in the 

 home. This is really the most difficult part of the problem. 



