Wider aspects of veterinary public health

The field of public health work covered by the Veterinary Branch of the Johannesburg City Health Department is described. This comprises meat hygiene, milk hygiene and the investigation of zoonoses. Meat hygiene embraces hygienic control of wholesale meat premises and inspection of meat imported into the municipal area. Results of the bacterial monitoring of premises and the mass of meat inspected and condemned are given. Inspection of dairy herds, diseases monitored by laboratory tests and other aspects of milk hygiene are discussed. Zoonosis control includes the investigation of unusual animal behaviour and mortality. In carrying out this work the Branch co-operates closely with the Laboratory and Technical Services and Environmental Health Branches of the City Health Department.