The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-09


there. While that is true, it can easily be
explained. The sheep had unquestionably
one dipping, as evidenced by the condition
of the wool, and the new growth, where
the very serious effect of the scab had
taken large patches of the heeces of many
of the sheep. 1t is well known by those
who have handled the disease that a single
dipping seldom suftces for complete erad-
ication, and that If but slightly starting
again II might be easily overlooked on
sheep that have had it. Then it develops
rapidly: One dipping, if of long enough dur
alton, in a properly prepared strong solu-
tlOn, Kept warm, Is nearly always perfect
In its effectiveness; This is the Chicago
plan, and there all sheep going out must be
dipped. Dipping only those condemned. as
at Louisville. is unsatisfactory and permits
infection TO be carried by bits of wool and
mites from the pens
The United States authorities called at
tention to these sheep and the law, and the
they did their duty. These ence-dipped
sheep got through accidentally. i presume
TO avoid these mistakes and to secure pro-
lection to Indiana sheepmen is an object
in which 1t is hoped others will render as
sistance.
Who is to blame? l believe it is the state
livestock Sanitary Board or commission,
This board could demand clear bill of
health Tor All sheep coming from other
yards to this state, and the federal Law
them in such a move There is what may
be considered actual lack of eo-opera ton
on the part of the state authorities with
those or the United states. The writer
learns that there is not, and That there
never has been, any one assigned or Kept
at Indianapolis or the stock yards, the
greatest live stock center of the State for
horses, cattle. sheep and swine, to co-op-
crate with the officers of the United States
Department of Agriculture located here.
The state veterinarian, DIR. Balssr IS an
able gentleman, but such officer should not
be located away from the capital and stock
be unquestionably able to diagnose cases
and be empowered with authority as in
other Well-regulated States, to act without
the presence of the board. and the add
tional expense to the State necessary
thereto Said officer. if loo lts,1 in Indian
apolis. would be ready to act with he fed
eral authorities in such cases as the one
above mentioned. Good WORK could also be
done for swine breeders and sheepmcn, as
well as for horse owners and tatt!emen.
There is hardly State in The Union but is
expending some money in Weli-directed eff
forts experimenting and assisting the work
of the government on swioe diseases which
have made such terrible rava5es on most
important industry to Indiana,
1t is a prevalent belief that the stockmen
do not get the relief due them from and con-
sistent with such annual appropriations as
are made for the uses of the State Live
stock Sanitary Commission, BY the act Of
1893 there was appropriated 5000, and in
1895 $4,000 1t is believed that with the
state veterinarian at the stock yards and
in Indianapolis the appropriations would be
much more, If not twice as, effective. Tine
more central location Of the state veter-
marian would enable him to more promptly
respond to calls demanding investigation,
and at less expense. The federal laws are
very strong and complete upon all conta
gious diseases. copies of which can be Sc
cured by writing the Hon. Secretary of Agri-
culture James Wilson, Washington. d. G,
Though it may not be by intention, there is
a total lack of cooperation between the
State livestock Sanitary Commission and
repeatedly stated on occasion of the above
mentioned case. The time has arrived for
some definite action on the part of both
the stock yards authorities in charge and
the state authorities, who should be in
charge, at least to the extent that the in
terests of the stockmen of Indiana may be
constantly protected by the best possible
employment of the appropriations made for
that specific purpose.
Brooklyn, Ind, May T.