The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1902-11-28
LIVESTOCK TRADE.
Seriously Hampered by the
Foot and Mouth Disease
rs EPIDEMIC IN BAY STATE


and Carried to Brighton Stock
Yards-Business at the Latter Place
May Have to Be Suspended
Boston, Nov. 25-Although the en-
tire force of inspectors of the Massa-
chusetts cattle commission have been
working assiduously for the past two
weeks in the endeavor to stamp out the
dreaded foot and mouth disease, it is
admitted that the disease has prac-
tically become an epidemic in this state.
A large number OF new cases have been
reported in many towns throughout
eastern and central Massachusetts,
The inspectors, as soon as an affected
herd is discovered, at once quarantine
all the cattle and no milk is allowed to
be sent away from that herd.
Late Investigations seem to indicate
that Chelsea is the cause of the present
spread of the disease and that it was
carried from this state to Rhode Island
instead of from Rhode Island to Massa-
chusetts, as was at first supposed; but
the general quarantine against Rhode
Island cattle remains in force and prob
ably will be continued until tn" disease
has been stamped out. How it came
to Chelsea is unknown; it might have
been carried from abroad by cattlemen
or it might have come in the packing of
merchandise, as it is highly infectious
disease that finds transmission through
many mediums several months after it
becomes detached from its source.
The disease is understood to have
found Judgement in Chelsea six or
seven weeks ago and it was carried off
in a COW which was taken to the
Brighton stock yards, and from there
it reached Rhode Island. An auction
sale of cattle was held in East Acton
about a week ago and the disease has
been found in places TO which cattle
were taken from this auction; in Acton
alone there are four places now under
quarantine, closing in about 100 ami
mails. Cases of the disease are re-
Danvers, Concord, Methuen, Needham
and probably in Barre.
1t has reached such proportions that
it is more than a state affair. so that
the bureau of animal industry in Wash
ington may decide to take command of
the situation and detail its men to make
a thorough inspection Of the whole
state to find out where the disease is
and quarantine it: this is said to be
necessary and If the United States does
not do it the state will have to use its
own funds for the purpose.
Owing to the spread of the disease
already and itsrcontagious nature farm
ers and milk producers are advised by
the state authorities to get along for the
present with the stock they have on
hand, so that the traffic in live stock
In Massachusetts. may be brought as
near as possible to a standstill.
Dr. Peters, chief of the cattle bureau
of the state board of agriculture. saws
that the business at the Brighton stock
yards may have to be suspended next
week, and the Boston board of health
has advised against the importation of
any cattle to Boston for exchange at
present. So far as the Brighton mar
ket is concerned this will not affect the
beef cattle; they may come in, as usual.
but the restrictions will be placed on
the animals brought here for the ex-
change trade. ..
1t is not hardy germ that causes the
"foot and mouth disease" and it may he
killed with weak solutions of chloride
of lime, borax, or some other germicidaI
preparation.
The last epidemic in England. some
20 years ago, cost that country over ST.
100000, while it took $4,000, 900 to stamp
out similar epidemic in France. The
great increase in the number of cases
during the past week in this state is
causing considerable apprehension
among the state officials.