Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1860-06-29
Report of the Commissioners


We are indebted to Hon W. II. Sargent
OF the council fora copy of the Report of
the commissioners appointed by Governor
Morrill, 10 visit Massachusetts, and report
ON the alarming disease which is carrying
ruin into some Of the best herds Of imported
stock in that State The gentlemen Of the
commission are among the most competent
for the duty assigned, of any in the State
The Report says the disease. called Plcuro
Pneumonia was introduced into Massachu-
sets in May lsj9. by means of cattle inn
ported by W. W. Checn.ry E.q. Two of
the four animals imported died soon after
their arrival. One is still living In about
two months Mr.. Cheencry lost about thirty
head Of cattle by the disease The true ma
ture Of the disease was not discovered until
Nov. last. when Dr. E. F. Thayer. skillful
veterinary surgeon discovered it To lie the
disease known in Europe as PleuroPneuno-
MIA. The commissioners give many nstan-
ccs proving the disease to be contagious, but
think some cattle less susceptible than 9TH
ers to Its influence but they state that the
facts in Massachusetts, prove it to be centa-
gious bcvonda reasonable doubt The disease
is not only contagious, but it is insdious d.
ccPtire. malignant and fatal Nearly one
thousand animals have fallen victims to the
disease or to the efforts with view TO its
eStlrraton and more than an additional
thousand are known to he sick Il is not
positively known that even one has lecn
absolutely cured. The usual period between
exposure and the appearance of the disease,
is about twenty days; but the commission
ers are unable - arrive at satisfactory con-
illusions upon this point, as some eases
much longer time elapsed before the disease
after exposure. Where the eaIa
bility of the animal TO convey disease begins
or ends the commissioners have no knewl-
edge.
The early symptoms are 80 faint and OBJ
scure as to excite no attention, By and by
the animal has DETECTED look. If at the
pasture it may be fougpd apart from the herd.
the hack archci. the fore les rather wide
apart, the hair staring, and don eat well ,
but later in the day looks better. \ slight
cough is heard, and quick breathing. Is
the disease progresses the eyes look dulhr,
the head is lowered, the cough more frequent
and husky and appetite lessons. At length
the ewes sink. the extremities become cold
and the mouth is covered With fr9th, and
the animal falls and dies
Percussion and auscultation furnish the
most reliable means of Judging OF the state
of the disease, in the living animal
In what manner and through what chan
mel the disease enters the system, are mat
tiers Of pure conjecture. As to the treat
ment, little can lie said The commissioners
believe that attention should be paid 10 those
already infected. 50 that they may be free
from second attack, and think they may
with care become able bodied and sound
or valuable for the ordinary purposes for
which domestic animals are kept.
Our safety lies, say the commissioners in
keeping clear of the disease, to do this see
that no cattle enter the State from any quar-
ter where there is reason To believe that the
disease exists. The Report is signed by
5. l.. Goodalc, \. Noursc and F. Holmes
Five thousand copies of it were ordered to be
published.