The Republican journal., 1871-02-02
THE CATTLE DISEASE.
lINlE VI VIZ.

10 whom ii may concern, including city anl town
authorities, common carriers, -attlr droycrS, and
N, others.
The undersigned, lately appointed by the Coy
ernor of Maine, Commissioners on Contagious
Diseases i'll cattle under the statute relating there
10, approved March 10, 1862, hereby announce TO
the Mayor and Alderman of cities, and the Select
men of towns TO all common carriers, droycrS and
others, that highly contagious disease among cat
tie known Eczema Epizootica, or Foot and
Mouth Disease, has been introduced into this coun-
try from Europe by way of Canada,that many cases
exist in New York. Massachusetts, New Iamp-
shire, and that it is spreading rapidly. There is
also reason to fear that it already exists in latent
form, or may be soon introduced in Maine.
This disease is not usually fatal, but where it has
prevailed abroad it is dreaded fully as much as
Pleuro Pneumonia, because of IFS more rapid
spread and speedily prostrating effects. 1t is The
most contagious disease known among cattle, hav-
ing communicated with great facility either by con
tact OF healthy with diseased ANIMALS or with any
object which has been contaminated by them, or bv
being placed in yards or conveyed in ears previous
ly occupied bv such ones, or Ivy being driven over
roads previously trodden by diseased beasts The
infection is also conveyed by the clothing Of at
tendamts unless first diSnpctcd.
In view OF these facts we urge upon the munci-
pal authorities of all cities and towns in the State
that, should occasion arise, You perform YOUR
duties as prescribed in chapter 1872 of the public
laws of this State for 1862 according to the spirit
and intent thereof and in the most prompt and efli-
cient manner.
have been exposed to infection, should be inmedi-
ate and complete, and should be accompanied with
thorough disintecton of all contaminated yards
and buildings; and, in order to prevent its spread
hy travelling, they should, whenever practicable
he isolated upon the premises where the disease
first appears.
1t is believed that no occasion exists for the
slaughter and burial of animals affected bv the So
called "Foot and Mouth Disease inasmuch as it is
rarely fatal; the losses arising from ii being due
chiefly to the prostration of strength, loss of flesh
elimination and poisoning of the milk, and the time
and care required IN nursing. y on are accordingly
cautioned against increasing unnecessary expense
tor such killing and burial as might be needfll for
the eXtirpaion of more fatal disease.
The municipal authorities of all cities and towns
situated on the borders of the State are recommends
ed 10 exert all the powers possessed by them both
conservatOrs of the public safety and bv virtue
of Sections and of the allowed named Statutes,
TO prevent the entrance of cattle from without the
borders OF the State 50 long as the present dancer
exists. ~ 7
hil common carriers, drovers and all other per-
sS, ons are hereby prohibited under penalty of law
IlVli uahspoflihg or driving from place to place
Wlihil the state, any cattle affected by or which
may have been exposed to infection fr,on, tha 49, ~
called ho0i and mouth dsoaso ,at;, ~ ?iii .iiI So
ton be resclnded. ~ ~ p'oiii"i-
While the Commissioners dcprecoto o,,+,;,,.
preaching pane, they believe that the f,ct t;
y serious apprehension, and the utmost ea,to,
At the same time they trust that Inv ho;nf c o
warned and informed regarding this d3ngcraS ioie1
insidous disease, il may either be wholly tcnt "t
or, by prompt energetic, united action ON the nar,
of municipal authorities, seconded by the hearty art
cooperation of the people, that may be cxtirpale5
before nfcting serious losses.
The cattle husbandry of Maineis the most promi
nent feature of its agriculture and whatever seri
ously threatens its prosperity, thereby endangerin.
supply of heathfu supply Of meat and dairy
products for the food of its inhabitants is matter
primary public Importance.
MEANS OF PREVENTION, Sc.
Appended to the above circular are the follow
ing directions regarding such means of prevention
dislnfection, and remedies a. have been found
effective: