Assessing the Infectious Risks of Milk Sold in Locations not Intended for Trade

Abstract

Milk is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, magnesium, casein. Its advantages are the pleasant taste, dietary features and the ability to quench thirst. However, in hygienic terms, it is not without drawbacks. In particular, milk is a beneficial environment for the development of various microorganisms, including pathogens, as a result of which it can easily become a carrier of infectious diseases. Therefore, the task was set to investigate the risks associated with the transmission of a number of dangerous zoonotic infectious diseases, in particular brucellosis and tuberculosis.
To this end, organoleptic and laboratory studies were carried out on 20 samples of unpasteurized milk purchased from private individuals in different administrative districts of the city of Yerevan.
Through organoleptic method the color, smell, taste, texture of milk was determined. Under laboratory conditions, pH, purity, density, total acidity, bacterial contamination of milk and the presence of brucellosis antibodies and causative agents of tuberculosis were detected. Milk samples were also examined for starch and soda content (milk adulteration).