The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-03-06
tuberculosis in Cattle and People.

lcic was all eAuduSIlhc ulSCuoSiOH u
.he following questions relating to tub,
Irculosis, phthisis. or consumption, as
is commonly known:
First-What is the influence of hered-
ty upon its propagation?
Second-What is the influence of con-
sagion?
Third-What are the primitive meas
ures to be employed against the bad
influence that may be produced by the
utilization of the meat and milk of ami
mails affected with the disease?
The conclusion is reached that tuber-
Gle is propagated BY hereditary and
cOntagion. and numerous cases were
cited in support of this view. As to
the infectious nature of the disease
there has been little dissent, especially
since the discovery of the bacillus o.
tubercle. In view OF the fact that con-
sumption is transmissible by infection,
the Importance of adopting such meas
ures as VIII prevent propagation of
disease was recognized. In opening the
discussion Mr.. Lvdtin said: '.Phthisis
is 50 common disease that it deserves
before anv other ailment the name of
universal panzotoic. This disease not
only touches the preservation of our
cattle, but also the health of man. If
we succeed in solving the question we
shall have reached a noble Object-that
Of protecting at the same time the
prosperity and health Of the public"
The following resolutions were pres
ented, as EN- odying the opinions of the
veterinarians there assembled, and may
be taken as embody ing the views of
many if not most of the scietiic men
who have made this matter special
study:
tuberculosis is a maIadv which is
transmissible by heredity and by conta-
gion. 1t is disease which should be
comhated by sanitary police measures.
Every stOck-owner should be COM
PEELED to declare to the authorities the
existence of Tuberculosis among his
animals, and should give notice when
he observes any symptoms which lead
him TO suspect the existence of the dis
order. 1t should also be compulsory
10 put the suspected animals in such a
position as will prevent risk of the ex-
tension of disease to other animals.
This obligation is to be made to apply
to every person having charge of
in transit, and also to the
owners of stables or pastures in which
are kept. The same obliga-
ton to give notice of tuberculosis is to
rest upon all veterinary surgeons or
persons concerned in treatment of the
diseases of domestic animals; also on
all whose business it is to de-
stroy or utilize CT in anv
way manipulate the carcasses of
The existence OF the disease
and its locality is to be made public,
and even in the herd in which it has
is to be named.
Meat from tuberculosis animals is
not 10 be sold for consumption unless
it is certain that the disease was in the
incipient stage. and that the meat
presents the appearance of being first
class in quality.
The inspection of animals afflicted
with tuberculosis is to he performed by
Il veterinary surgeon who is 10 be sole
Judge as to the fitness or otherwise of
the meat for human food.
Milk of diseased animals is not to be
used for food of man or animals, and
milk of animals which are suspected of
is not to be used until
after it has been boiled.
Compensation TO owners of diseased
animals for losses sustained from the
operation of the above police measures
s to be provided by the State; and, rs
| means for providing the necessary
undS, it is proposed to adopt system
If compulsory insurance, every owner
IF cattle being compelled to subscribe 4
certain sum in proportion to the size of
ais herd.
The popular idea in America has been
hat the domestic animals OF this coun-
nv, especially the neat cattle, are al
most entirely free from contagious dis
Eases, but in the strong light thrown
upon the matter by the Investigations
following England's act in forbidding
he admission of American cattle, the
ruth has become widely known. 1t is
found that contagious plcuro-pneu-
nonia has had an almost uninterrupted
existence in the United States for many
ycars; anthrax, lung-worms and Span
81 or Texas fever kill many cattle each
-ear, and actinOmycosis has been seen
almost every dav of the last ten years,
# least in the cattle markets of the
Vest Milk, butter and meat convey
o mankind the living germs of tubercu-
oSiS, with which there is no doubt the
'attle of America are more or less af-
ected BY this means this dread dis
.ase, which has killed more people than
lave been killed by wars, is kept in ex-
stence and its hold upon the people is
extended day by day.
According to the conclusions reached |
" NJ. Daremburg. and set forth by him
'efore the Academy of Medicine of |
Paris. tuberculosis is transmissible by |
incubation, inhalation. or by alimenta-
ion; it is always caused by the absorb |
ion of germ from without; when oc-
urring by inhalation the quantity of
he contagion is of little moment; it can |
perate only in suitable soil. COnta- |
ion is an influence to which all are eX- |
oSed, but which is operative only in I
hose individuals in whom hereditary |
r acquired vices of nutrition have pre- |
AIRED a field suited to the growth and
eproduction of the germ. Local and
tuberculosis differ only in de-
rec. Scrofula appears to be diathe
is. while tuberculosis is an infection /
ngrafted upon diathesis. The infec-
iOus germs are not usually inherited,
ut rather the vices of nutrition which /
ave provoked the disease in the anceS-
OrS. Finally, the learned gentleman
that the destruction, through
ttention to general hygiene, of the
auSes which prepare hit soil for the
eceptiOn of the germs. should be prin-
ipal object in the treatment of the dis
]