The Portland daily press., 1871-01-16
DAILY PRESS.
ND.
MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1871.
PORTLAND
4 Circular ON Cattle Diseas.

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1871.
Circular ON Cattle Disease.
The Commissioners on the new hoof and
mouth disease in cattle, will in day or two
issue the following circular:
To wh0m 10 may Concern, includtn1 Citu
and TO,cn authorities, Common Carriers,
Cattle Dr0uers, and all others.
The undersigned, lately appointed by the
Governor OF Maine Commissioners on Con-
tageous Diseases in Cattle, under the statute
relating sthereto, approved March 10, 1852,
hereby announce to the Mayor 5and Alder
men OF cities and the seectmen of towns, to
all common carriers, drOvers and others, that
hlghly contagious disease among cattle,
known known as as Eczema iEpigootica or Foot and
Mouth disease. has been introduced into this
country from Europe by way OF Canada, that
many cases exist in New York, Connecticut,
Massachusetts. New Hampshire and that n is
spreading rapidly. There is also reason IN
fear that it already exists in latent 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 prostrating
effects. 1t is the most contagious disease
known among cattle, having communicated
with great FACILITY either by contact of
healthy 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
being driven over roads previously trodden by
diseased beasts. The injection is also convey.
ed by the clothing of attendants unless first
disinfected.
In view Of these facts we urge upon the Mu-
nicipal authorities of all cities and towns of
this State that, should occasion arise, you
perform your duties as prescribed IN chapter
132 OF the public laws of this State for 1862,
according to the spirit and the intent thereof,
and in the most prompt and efficient man
ner.
The isolation of diseased cattle, and of such
as have been exposed TO injection, should be
Immediate and complete, and should be ac-
companleu with thorough dsinfectiOn of all
contaminated yards and buildings; and, in
order to prevent its spread by travelling, they
should, wherever practicable, be isolated up
on the premises where the disease first ap-
pears.
it is believed that no occasion exists for the
slaughter and burial of animals affected by
the so-caled "Foot and Mouth Disease" in-
asmuch as it is rarely fatal; the losses arising
from it being due chiefly to the prostration of
strength, loss of flesh, diminution and poison
ed in nursing. You are accordingly caution
ed against increasing unnecessary expense
for such killing and burial as might be need
ful Tor the extipatiOE OF more fatal disease
The municipal authorities of all cities and
towns situated on the borders of the State are
recommended to exert all the powers possess
ed by them, both as conservators of the fpub.
lie safety, and by virtue of Sections and 5 of
the above named Statutes, to prevent the en-
nf oof Ia ,-rv:kI xt.1 q
the State so long as the present danger exists
All common carriers, drovers and all other
persons are hereby prohibited, under penalty
OF law from transporting or driving from place
to place within the State, any cattle affected
Dy, or which may have been exposed to inec.
ton from the so-caled hoof and mouth dis
ease, until this prohibition be rescnded.
While the Commissioners deprecate any
thing approaching panic, they believe that
the facts justify serious apprehension, and
the utmost caution. At the same time they
trust, that, by being forewarned and informed
regarding this dangerous and insiduous dis
ease, it may either be wholly kept out, or, by
prompt, energetic, united action ON the part
OF municipal authorities, seconded by the
hearty cooperation Of tine people, that it may
be extirpated before inficting serious losses.
The cattle husbandry of Maine is the most
prominent feature ofits agriculture, and what
ever seriously threatens its prosperity, there
by endangering supply of healthful meat
ants, is matter of primary public Importance
s: L; Go0DALE, Sta'e Com. on
y0s y1sErH = wrsECN wrrssKECC,yAL' Contas's Diseases
STATE OR MAINE,
Augusta, Jan. 13, 1871.
Communications may be addressed by mail
to MIR. Goodale at Saco, Mr.. Percival, Water
vile, and to DR.. Weston, Bangor. Appended
is mention of such means of prevention, dis
infection, and remedies as have been found
effective.
For PREvENTIoN.-We recommend that
cattle exposed to infection be treated with the
fumes OF burning Sulpeur; Tor which purpose
drop small pieces of birthstone upon live Goals.
contained in suitable metallic vessels, (so as to
avoid all risk OF communicating fre,) and al.
low the fumes to mingle with the air of the
leanto or building containing the cattle, and to
penetrate the coats of the beasts, and to be in
hailed to such extent as can be borne by the at
tendant without serious discomfort. Let this
be regularly repeated, daily or twice daily
while the danger continues, using from one to
two ounces each time, according to the extent
of the building and the imminence of the dan
ger.
AOn OASlNr rhCIION.-lu NC same sulphur
Immigration is recommended, as at once the
cheapest, easiest and most penetrating and
effective means. For this purpose (the cattle
being out OF the building) the fumes should be
stronger and longer continued than cattle
could inhale with safety. Carboc Acid.
Chloride OF Lime and other disinlectants NAV
also be employed at discretion, as auxiliary
to the above, by those acquainted with their
proper use,
TREATMENT. 1.-The animals should be
Kept IN dry, comfortable place. suitably ven
tilated, and receive good nursing, including
the utmost cleanliness.
2.-lf unable to take their usual food, their
strength should be sustained by giving mashes
OF coarse ground wheat, with bran or flax. seed
tea or other similar diet.
3.-Bleeding and active purgatiyes should
not be resorted to, nor any other depicting
measures.
4.-The mouth may be washed twice or
thrice daily with soft sponge or rag dipped
in solution of Alum water. one pound to two
gallons, or in solution OF White Vitriol. (sul-
phate OF Zinc.) one pound to three gallons.
The same may be applied to the udder of cows
when infiamed. The milk should be drawn
regularly, as usual but it should not be used
for food, even for swine.
5.-TO the feet may be applied wash made
by dissolving Blue Vitriol, '(Sulphate of Cop.
perl in water, one pound in two gallons.
They should be kept as clean as possible.