Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-14
Circular on Cattle Disease.

The Commissioners on the new hoof and
mouth disease in cattle, will in a day or two
issue the following circular:
To Whom it may Concern, Including City
and 1oasn Authorities, Common Carriers
Cattle Dr0rers, and all others.
The undersigned, lately appointed by the
Governor of Maine Commissioners on Con.
tageous Diseases in Cattle, under the statute
relating thereto, approved March 10, 1862,
hereby announce to the Mayor and Aldermen
of cities and the Selectmen of towns, to all
common carriers, drovers and others, that a
highly contagious disease among cattle,
known as Eczema Epicootica, or FooT AND
MOUTH Disease, has been introduced into
this country from Europe by way of Canada
that many cases exist in New York, Connecti-
cut, Massachusetts,, New Hampshire, aud
that it is spreading rapidly. There is also
reason to fear that it already exists in la.
tent form, or may be soon introduced into
Maine.
This disease is not usually fatal, but where
it has prevailed abroad it is dreaded fully as
much as Pleuor Pneumonia, because of its
more rapid spread and speedily prostratine
effects. 1t is the most contagious disease
known among cattle, having communicated
with diseased animals, or with any object
which has been contaminated by them, or by
being placed in yards or conveyed in cars
previously occupied by such ones, or by be-
ing driven over roads previously trodden by
diseased beasts. The infection is also con.
veyed by the clothing of attendants unless
first disinfected.
In view of these facts we urge upon the
Municipal authorities of all cities and towns
in this 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 efficient manner
The isolation of diseased cattle, and o,
such as have been. exposed to infection,
should be immediate and complete, and
should be accompanied with a thorough dis
infection of all contaminated yards and build.
ngs; and, in order to prevent its spread by
travelling, they should, whenever practicable,
be isolated upon the premises where the di'
sease first appears.
1t is believed that no occasion exists for the
slaughter and burial of animals affected by
the So called "Foot and Mouth Disease" in
asmuch as it is rarely fatal the losses arising
from it being due chiefly to the prostration o.
strength, loss of flesh, diminution and pois.
oning of the milk, and the time and care re.
quired in nursing. You are accordingly eau
toned against increasing unnecessary expense
for such killing and burial as might be need
full for the extirpation of more fatal dis.
ease.
The municipal authorities of all cities and
towns situated on the borders of the State are
recommended to exert all the powers pos
sessed by them, both as conservators Of tn;
public safety, and by virtue Of Sections and
8 Of the above named Statutes, to prevent the
entrance of cattle from without the borders pl
the State SO long as the present danger ex'
lists. % ~ t ttt1
All common carriers, drovers and all other
persons are hereby prohibited, under penalty