asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of biological examinations carried out in the last two years in domestic milk supplies for the detection of tuberculosis-infected milk in (1) highest grade milk; (2) pasteurised milk; (3) milk prior to pasteurisation; (4) loose milk supplies, and further, if he will indicate the number in each case found to contain tubercle bacilli.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Detection of Tuberculosis-infected Milk.
Mr. Walsh
The number of samples of loose milk shown in returns furnished to my Department by local sanitary authorities to have been submitted during the year 1950 to a biological examination to ascertain whether the milk contained tubercle bacilli was 209, and the number of such samples found to contain the bacilli was nine.
Corresponding statistics are not yet available in respect of the year 1951.
Detailed particulars have not been obtained from local authorities of the samples of highest grade milk, pasteurised milk and milk prior to pasteurisation which were so tested. The production of highest grade and of pasteurised milk is of course subject to special regulations and is closely supervised to ensure compliance with the required standards.