Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-11-15
SERUM TESTS AND STOCK DISEASE

Washington, D. G.. Nov, 15.-An off
cial statement in regard TO the recent
temperance in northern Illinois OF
the foot and mouth disease after it had
been apparently stamped out early in
the year, has been issued by The Unit
ed States department OF agriculture
From this statement it appears that the
outbreak has now been definitely
traced to an anti-hog cholera serum
prepared from the blood OF hogs infect
ed with foot aud mouth disease but
showing at the time the serum was
manufactured no symptoms OF the con
tagi0n, According to the statement,
the serum was thoroughly tested be
fore it was permitted 10 be placed up
on the market, and the tests failed to
reveal any evidence OF contamination.
After the recurrence OF the disease in
Illinois, samples OF the serum We're
tested again and again by the depart
menr OF agriculture and also tested by
the United States public health service.
II was not until the 62d animal used in
the tests had been inoculated with the
serum. however. that the baeteriolog-
lists of the department were able to
produce any symptoms of foot and
mouth disease. The departments state
ment is as follows
In October. 1914, an outbreak OF
foot and mouth disease the first In
this country in six years-was discov-
cred in the vicinity of Niles, Mich De-
spite thorough investigation, the source
of the infection remains unknown. Il
was learned, however, that before the
occurrence was reported to Washing
ton and the disease diagnosed by vet
erinarians familiar with it through ex-
perience in past outbreaks, animals
from the infected area had reached
Chicago. Owing TO the extreme con-
.tagiousness of the disease. the Union
stock yards were quarantined (Oct.
80 Ordinarily several days or a
week elapse between infection and the
appearance of symptoms, and although
there was no conclusive evidence on
the point it was believed possible that
the animals in question might have
reached the yards in the incubative
stage and infected them
"On Nov i this belief was strength
ened by the discovery Of the disease in
the cattle being exhibited at the dairy
show in the immediate vicinity of the
yards, In the yard proper, however
the first case did not appear until Nov
g. The next day foot and mouth dis
ease was found among the hogs at tbs
establishment Of serum company
This establishment was quarantined al
once and at about the same time a
precautionary quarantine was also
placed upon another establishment, To-
Gated about a mile away. although nc
actual cases of the disease had been
found at this second establishment. Al
that time the one company had on hand
approximately 1oI 900 cubic centimet-
ers of anti-hog cholera serum which
had been prepared late in October All
of this serum vas placed under official
seal by the inspectors of the depart
ment aud withheld from distribution.
During the ensuing six months the
disease, which had spread widely over
the country, was effectively eombated
by the slaughter Of ali exposed herds,
1t was then decided thar the Law re-
Guired the department to comply with
the request OF one serum concern for a
test of the serum IN order that If il
We're found safe if mighs be placed up
on the market The national serum
law gives the department no authority
to refuse 10 permit the sale of a serum
unless il Is contaminated. dangerous,
or worthless