New-York tribune., 1901-07-27
KOCH'S THEORY DOUBTED.
OFFICIALS OF AGRICULTURAL DEPART
MENT OPPOSE HIS VIEWS.
GBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUxEI

Washington, July 26-Professor Koch's latest
contention, that bovine tuberculosis is not trans
nlissfble to human beings. finds approval
among the scientists of the Agricultural Depart
ulent. The Tribune's special dispatches on the
subject from London have aroused great inter
est among the officials and scientists OF the
Bureau of Animal Industry. whose whole system
Of fighting the spread Of tuberculosis is based
upon the accepted, ard TO them the well estab
nshed theory that the dread disease is trans
Missile from cattle and other animals to hu-
man beings Secretary Wilson, the head Of the
Agricultural Department used the following
strong language on the subject in his last year
book:
tuberculosis is the most prevalent and the
most destructive disease affecting mankind and
the domestic animals. Among farm stock, cattle
and swine most affected. During the last
twenty years there appears TO have been
great increase Of animal tuberculosis in the
principal countries of Europe, and. unfortunate
y. in those countries from which our breed
srs desire to obtain animals for the improve
Inent Of their stock While this disease exists
in the United States, IL Is limited an TO terri
tory and in the worst infected districts
there is a much smaller proportion of the cattle
and swine affected than Is found in European
countries.
Modern Investigations show that tuberculosis
tuberculosis and that this disease cannot develop
Until the body is invaded by this germ, which
can only come from some diseased individual,
either man or animal BflnS Il SlIltIly CoDLd-
sIous disease and arising only by contagion, II
is important for our stock interests that the law
prohibiting the Importation Of diseased animals
should be strictly enforced Cntl last year re-
lance has been placed upon the ordinary ply
sical examination of imported cattle while in
the quarantine stations
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTION.
Experience has shown, however, that this ex-
animation even by the most sbdlful inspectors
is not reliable Accordingly the tuberculin test
has recently been adopted, and IT is hoped that
with this more accurate means or diagnosis the
American farmer may be protected from fur
ther importations Of this contagfon. AS the loss
Of a considerable proportion Of high bred cattle
affer they have been purchased and brought TO
this country would be a severe burden to i'm
porters. il has been decided TO station an in
spector in Great Britain 70 test and cerufy to
the animals before shipment. Similar arrange
Inents have been made for testing Canadian
cattle.
Numerous restrictions have been placed upon
the interstate shipments Of breeding ana dairy
cattle by the individual States in order to guard
against the Introduction OF diseased animals.
The hardships and burdens thus put upon the
legitimate traffic in healthy animals which are
carried in the channels Of interstate commerce
leads 10 the suggestion that uniform regula-
tions under Federal authority may save our
shippers much annoyance and loss, and at the
same time furnish protection from disease. The
authorities Of several States have requested this
department 10 take action which would prevent
the interstate shipment Of tuberculous ANIMALS
but II is doubtful if existing law authorizes the
measures required for efficient control, and any
thing short Of this would prove an addifional
burden without bringing the desired relleI
SO well established had become the theory OF
the transfnissibility of bovine tuberculosis that
Congress as long ago as 1894 passed act pro-
hbitng the importation of cattle and cattle
hldes. but a yf ar later. in appropriation bill
for the Department of Agriculture. IL was pro
vided that the prohibition might be suspended
by the President whenever the Secretary OF
Agriculture should certify 10 the President what
countries parts OF countries free from
bovine tuberculosis. In November. 1885 Presi-
dent Cleveland accordingly lifted the embargo
with reference 10 Norway and Sweden, Holland.
Great Britain, Ireland the Channel islands and
the countries OF North. Central and South
America, so 10 admit cattle and cattle hides
under sanitary regulations prescribed by the
Secretary Of Agriculture.
TESTS FOR IMPORTED CATTLE.
IL is under this partial suspension OF the strin-
Gent law of 1894 that foreign cattle ad
ntted TO the United States. but every animal
tuberculosis prescribed by the Secretary OF Ag
hc'liture before II is permitted TO be turned over
!" It's owner. The test consists in the injection
u euberculin substance extracted from the
active germ OF the disease, but which does not
contain the quality OF infection. 1t is explained
enat fubeTcuiin, when injected into animal
ihiected With tuberculosis, produces q consider-
49, rise OF temperature. and when injected into