MILK SURVEY OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER 193 



is purer than it was before; the disease is better controlled; but one of 

 the considerable factors is the fact that the entire milk supply, with the 

 exception of a small amount of milk that is sent in, is pasteurized not 

 .only by ordinance, but is under observation of inspectors and under 

 laboratory control. As I have just stated, the Health Commissioner 

 makes the statement that the number of milk-borne epidemics has been 

 decreasing, almost in proportion as the milk supply became pasteurized, 

 and there has been no milk-borne epidemic of any kind or sort, since all 

 of the milk has entered the city going through the pasteurizing plant. 



Q. Are you familiar with the circumstances surrounding the 

 epidemic of septic sore throat that occurred in Chicago about 1911 or 

 1912? 



A. In the winter of 1911 and 1912. 



Q. Will you state briefly the circumstances of that epidemic? 



A. The epidemic occurred among the patrons of one dairy in the 

 greatest part. It was clear as the result of the investigation, that the 

 epidemic originated among the patrons of one dairy. That there was 

 connection between this epidemic of sore throat and the milk supply, 

 there was no question. The difference of opinion arose as to how the 

 infection happened to occur. 



Q. What was the nature of this disease you called sore throat; 

 was it ordinary sore throat ? 



A. No, it is a disease that is generally known as septic sore throat. 

 My recollection is that there were several thousand cases that were re- 

 ported as cases of septic sore throat. 



Q. Do you remember whether there have been other epidemics of 

 that same character traced to milk in America? 



A. Many such. 



Q. Large epidemics of septic sore throat? 



A. Large epidemics of septic sore throat, traced to infected milk 

 supply. 



Q. But you do not think that if the milk has been properly pas- 

 teurized it is possible for the milk to carry such infection ? 



A. I do not. 



Q. Do you think pasteurization destroys the infection? 



A. I do, and I think it is the only method of preventing just that 

 accident. There is but one practical method of preventing human beings 

 from consuming milk containing streptococci and that is by pasteurizing 

 the milk, or otherwise cooking it. 



Q. That is, you feel from your knowledge and experience the ex- 

 amination of cattle by veterinarians, the ordinary physical examination, 

 is not 'sufficiently accurate to determine whether dairy cows are infected 



