18 BACTERIA 



that 25 per cent are infected by the tuberculosis 

 bacteria of cows. This means that cows carry 

 these germs to children. Tuberculosis is com- 

 mon in cows. When the disease reaches the 

 udder, the bacteria are discharged into the milk. 

 A tuberculous cow also discharges large num- 

 bers of these bacteria from her bowels. Manure 

 from tuberculous cows is dangerous and its dust 

 spreads the disease. 



4. Diphtheria. The bacteria of diphtheria grow 

 well in milk. Diphtheria in the throats of the 

 hired help on the dairy farm may get into milk 

 through coughing or sneezing or from the milker's 

 fingers. Many epidemics of diphtheria among 

 milk drinkers have been caused in this way. 



When dairy cows are diseased or when there is 

 disease in the farmer's family or among the hired 

 help, the whole business of a dairy farmer may 

 be destroyed by the health authorities. Every 

 dairyman must protect his business by quickly 

 reporting disease when it occurs, so that the 

 authorities can help him protect milk consumers 

 and also save his business- 



