Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-03-05
State Cattle Condemned.
ENTIRE HERD OF HOLsTEINs AT INSANE
HOSPITAL TO BE DESTROYED.

As result of meeting of the State
Of Maine Cattle Commission, consisting
of Frank S. Adams of Bowdoin, Flaviua
o. Beal of Bangor and John n. Deer
ing of Saco, and the board Of trustees
Of the insane hospitals, which was held
at the Augusta institution recently, on
the matter Of tuberculosis in the hos
pital herd of cows, it was decided that
the better course to pursue was to have
all of the animals destroyed. and the
work will probably commence at once.
This herd numbers 153 animals, in
cluding cows and yearling stock. and
is one of the finest Serds of Holsteins
in the state. The herd was recently
tested for tuberculosis and the majority
of the animals were found to be affect
ed, and while quite number did not re-
act when the test was applied it was
deemed for the best to destroy all of the
animals, thoroughly fumigate the barns
and then purchase new herd.
The herd has supplied the milk for
the hospital, but az it has for the past
three years been pasturized before be-
ing used there has been no danger Of
transmitting the infection in that way.
The work of destroying the cattle will
be done by men in the employ Of the
commission, and will be carried on grad
ually until all have been killed. The
carcassss will be disposed of by being
sent to Portland where they will be
rendered. Journal.
The State of Maine has seen fit to
enact certain laws aimed at the exter-
mination of tuberculosis among cattle
in the state. So far as these laws 60,
on the whole, We believe that they are
wise and in time will prevent infection.
Certainly, if there is any merit in these
laws, the first place where evidence Of
operation should be shown is among the
cows owned by the state itself. While
we regret sincerely that an examination
shows that the Maine Insane Hospital
herd is in dangerous condition and
that it is necessary to slaughter the
entire herd, still, if such is the case,
there is every reason why the work
should be done and quickly.
To stamp out tuberculosis, however,
killing the infected animals only half
does the work. Cattle, in certain stages
of tuberculosis, are able to transmit the
disease, which is a recognized germ
disease, to other cattle, either directly
or by contact with inanimate objects
such as portions of the barn itself or
implements used on the cattle. Modern
science, however, has found that il is
possible, easy and cheap to thoroughly
disinfect a barn which has sheltered
contaminated animals and make it safe
in which to put animals entirely healthy.
We are glad to see that after the hos
pital herd is slaughtered, all the barns
will be thoroughly disinfected before a
new herd is purchased.
In this connection we think the pres
ent statutes should be amended 80 that
in such cases the Cattle Commissioners
should not only have the power, but
should be compelled in all cases to see
that such disinfection is thoroughly
done. 1t is bad enough economic loss
to the state to lose thousands of cattle
each year; and, if this can be prevented
by a little extra labor and small ex-
pense in the matter of disinfection, it is
altogether too important to be neglect
ed.-Maine Farmer.