The herald., 1894-06-17
CONSUMPTION IN CATTLE
Some Tests Made With Cows
at Stockton.
The Tuberculin Tests Are Shown t.
Be Successful.
The Result of AutOpsies on Animal
Belonging to tho Stockton
Insane Asylum
Herd.

ability OF tuberculin in determining
whether or not cattle are afflicted with
tuberculosis or consumption was
demonstrated in way at the asylum
yesterday. Two OF the COWS that were
inoculated with the virus on Tuesday
last and exhibited Immediately after
wards an increase in temperature, were
killed and both were found to be in al
advanced state Of consumption.
The tests were made in the presence
OF DR.. O. A. Ruggles, president of the
state board of health; DR.. Asa Clark
superintendent of the asylum, and hi.
assistant, DR.. Haisholt. and the veteri
nary surgeons, r. A. Archibald of Sac
ramento, Thomas Maclay of Petaluma
IL. A. Spencer of San jose and G. b
Orvis and Mr.. Eddy OF this city.
The first animal killed was a 5-year-
old COW, which was numbered five or
the list Of those that were inoculated
with tubereulin. The beast for the pas
10 months has bcen fsrrow. This ami
NAL WAS selected by the doctors witt
the hope that q fair test of the vifut
might be obtained, So it showed tn.
least increase of temperature after thu
incubation. The autopsy was made OF
the floor of the barn adjoining the dairy
houses. The result of the experiment
surprised even the most ardent adher
ents OF tuberoulin present.
The animal was found to be literally
filled with tuberculi. They were found
in dozens, even hundreds. between the
left lung and the ribs Near the junction
of the windpipe and the lungs @ large
tuberculous tumor was taken out by tn.
surgeons knives. The walls of the in
iestines were one solid mass of minia
ture consum ption microbes or germs
In fact, with the exception of the cavity
between the right lung and the walls o.
the chest, there was hardly a spot in
the whole interior OF the animal thai
did not show the symptoms of the dread
disease. The tuberculi were clustered
along the ribs of the left side in man
ner resembling the fungus growth on e
decsying tree.
The evidences of disease were in such
abundance that it was unnecessary t.
use the microscope to determine it's pres
snce. Even DR.. Hoisholt, who until the
last moment thought the cow woulo
give the lie to the virus, admitted thai
there was no doubt of tho nature of the
serma. DR.. Ruggles, of course, expected
hat the autopsy would reveal the pree
vs-0o- OF consumption, but hardly sx pect
I'D to find its symptoms In such mum
oere. Many of the tuberculi containec
calciferous deposits.
The second animal killed was the ont
numbered 7 on the test list. This ia the
prize COW of the herd, and to a casua.
observer seemed the picture of perfect
health. 1t WAS supposed. however, thai
tubereuli would be found in the lungs
owing to the fact that the animal hau
'hown the greatest increase in tempera
ure under the influence OF the virus OF
any in the herd. When the lungs hao
seen removed the disease germs were
present in just as great numbers az in
the frat COW.
There was some dispute among the
doctors as to the nature OF the fungu-
growths OF fesh that adhered to the
ribs, and DR.. Hoisholt would not admit
the presence of genuine tuDerculi unit
he had made a microscopic examination
If the entrails. The veterinary surgeons
we're unanimous in saying that tht
animal was in an advanced state of con
sumption.
Altogether IL animals were inoc-
diated with tuberculin. Theee showed
no increased temperature and were
said to be perfectly healthy by DIR. Rug
gles. The remaining eight ali showed
evidence of being afflicted in various de.
grees with tuberculosis, 30 there are ak
Of the herd yet that are on the doubtfui
list. The big bull is included in this
number. AT first it was proposed to
kill it, but the asylum people compre-
missed by saving off its horns. He did
not take kindly to the operation, and ali
day yesterday lay in his stall moaning
like whipped child.
The result of yesterdays experiment,
demonstrate beyond question that cows
ire subject to consumption similar t,
human beings. II the percentage of al
nerds affected is as great IS the asylum
eats indicated, it is an alarming state OF
fairs. The animals at the asylum ART
thoroughbred HolsteiDs, and are regard
d as some OF the finest stock in the
tate. Many of the ranchers in the state
ave stocked their herds from tbs Off
pring of The asylum animals. Ii is a
ell admitted medical fact that chill
lren have contracted tuberculi in the
itestlnes from drinking milk OF dis
ased COW. The health of cows will un
'oubtedy become a very importanl
| lestion with the public now. Many
nore tests are to be made with private
lerds.
DR.. Ruggles will nend portions of the
tfected organs to the bureau OF animal
adustry at Washington. 1t ia very
'robable that the tests yesterday will be
he inception OF a thorough inspection
Il all dairy herds in this county and
tate. 1t must not be supposed that all
attic are subject to consumption. From
estH made in the esst it has been found
hat Tuberculosis 10 IN UGH more prevalent
mong domestic milch cows than among
lerds that roam on a range. The more
iomeaticated the animal is and the
igher it's breeding the more prone it is
o the germs of consumption. From
nose facts it is out fiatura! to suppose
hat many animals in this ard other
ties are more or less affected.
At the mex meeting of the board OF
npervisors DIR. @. r. Orvis, as county
'eterinary surgeon, will ask for instrnc-
IONS to continue the tests among the
nimais in the different dairies II
lumber of animals are found to be
anted with consumption the matter
7ill be brought to the attention of the |
legislature and that body Will be asked |
o create the Office of q state veterinary