186 , ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION 



growing in extent, and as a result of both these 

 measures there has been great improvement of raw 

 milk supplies in many sections. In Richmond, Va., 

 one of our southern cities, where a vigorous campaign 

 for clean milk was begun in May, 1907, the average 

 score of dairies was then only 41 '5 per cent., whereas 

 in December, 1912, it had increased to 83 per cent., 

 a highly commendable result obtained by hearty 

 co-operation with dairymen and wise enforcement of 

 dairy inspections and other measures. 



By reason of the greater interest taking in epi- 

 demiology, however, milk is being shown more and 

 more to be the vehicle of disease. This is the most 

 serious indictment brought against it, and the one 

 most difficult of solution. Dairy inspection to the 

 extent practised in the United States undoubtedly 

 contributes to the production of cleaner market milk 

 supplies, but it is inadequate to ensure constant free- 

 dom from the infections of tuberculosis, typhoid 

 fever, diphtheria, scarlet fever, and septic sore 

 throat, and to a lesser extent those causing infantile 

 diarrhoeas. 



Herein lies the sanitary problem of milk supplies. 

 In order to solve it, dairy inspection will necessarily 

 be greatly extended, and the cost of milk corre- 

 spondingly increased. In the meantime there is no 

 alternative except to pasteurize milk supplies under 

 official supervision. 



