The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-10-02
Sanitation Plays
Important Part
Despite Progress Already
Made There Is Room for
Improvement.
prepared by the United States Department
of Agrculture.)

prepared by the United States Department
of Agriculture.)
Though the influence Of sanitary
surroundings in preventing disease is
widely recognized, the very direct part
it plays is illustrated almost daily in
federal veterinary activities. One Of
the most important lines Of this work
is the eradication Of tuberculosis from
live stock. Owing to the systematic
manner In which the testing is con-
Quoted, together with retests Of infect
ed herds, definite records now take
the place of casual observations.
In one herd tested annually for a
period Of three years, each test dis
closed at least two tuberculous ami
mails The premises and stable were
in such condition that thorough disin-
lection was virtually impossible, and
rather than improve conditions the
owner finally quit the dairy business
In contrast to this experience are
scores of cases in which infected
herds, kept in sanitary barns, are soon
freed of tuberculosis and kept so for
long periods.
Striking Example.
One of the most striking examples
reported to the bureau Of animal in
dustry, United States Department Of
Agriculture, was that of an Eastern
dairyman who had an excellent herd
which he kept in very old dank barn.
The herd numbered between 80 and 40
animals. mostly pure bred, and the
owner paid several thousand dollars
apiece for some of his sires. This was
some years ago when public enlighten-
ment concerning tuberculosis was just
beginning. Frequent deaths occurred
In the herd and finally the dairyman
decided to have his cattle tuberculin
tested. The first test showed large
proportion of reactors, and later tests
took still more, indicating that infec-
ton was still on the premises Ulti-
mately his herd. representing years Of
breeding work and large investment,
was practically wiped out. The cost
Of few good cows used in the con-
struction of a modern, sanitary barn
would have protected the large invest
ment In the herd and prevented the in
roads Of the disease.
So important is the sanitary condi-
ton under which cattle are kept, with
relation to their health, that the
United States Department of Agricul-
ture now pays federal indemnity for
tuberculous stock only after the prem
Uses have been properly disinfected.
This is new ruling based on an inter
probation Of federal laws and Jregula-
lions and on many of the state laws.
A thorough cleanup is necessary, of
course, before disinfection can be prop
erly performed.
The ruling is expected to be helpful
In reducing the number of reactors
found on retests of infected herds. I'm
less disinfection is promptly and thor
oughly done following the removal of
tuberculous cattle from farm, there
is serious danger Of continued lurking
infection which may mean reactors to
pay for at later time. Such a prac-
tice is contrary to good business meth
DDS and the program of federal
economy.
Room for Improvement.
Practical live stock sanitation In
cludes such matters as good drainage,
removal of manure at frequent inter-
walls, foundations of concrete or other
material that does not rot or harbor
infection, good light and ventilation,
and smooth walls, floors and ceilings
that can be easily cleaned and disin-
fected. The trend of progress is plain
~ in the direction of better care and
housing of farm live stock, since SAM
tation pays both In business way and
from health standpoint. But in spite
OF the excellent progress already made
department officials point out that
theresis abundant opportunity for more
attention to this important subject.