1 BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ^ gg 3 9999 06544 681 5 5Hje Qlnmmnmuealtlj at fHaHisarijmttttjs ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF LIVESTOCK DISEASE CONTROL FOR THE Year ending, November 30, 1936 Publication of this Document Approved by the Commission on Admimsiraiion and Finance 700. l-'37. Order 821. P. D. 93 .5 «» ■ § i-t OOlOHN^NO^CMH CO o CM©©©©t»CMiOiriC©© CM o CM rH rH rH rH rH ?-l <* si 4> rH of Crf fa ^ S H73 1> o>*a«io'<(iO(OHHio eo © MNHOOMMNOJMNiO CM J»2 co HMOOOMO<0«W® 0k 3a «o CMooo^eocoiocNcoooco CO CM CMrHCMeOeMrHrHrHrHrHeM rj< o CM Eh ■ O X^HONMaiO^NN O co W*OiflMl» X CM NHWMNNNHHNN co CM as O \Q •^coi-iOJ^oo-^coot^co o CO COeMeMlO©eMCMrHCOeO© ■*■ 5 ■>* at 9 a — H3 Q ca CO •^t-OOCNNOtt^OtO t-i *~ i095Xt->^|0'*MHa eo o C N * I " 3! 00 C 3 O CJ CM gtt to NNH«®OON!ONHO 00 w r-i rt HHWH rH rH •* u r-l ■ fa CM eONNWMtOfflMl-MO mhomh®mmno> CM ua MOOiOOOhHOCO r-l >o OMHWHHHHftON rH W l-H rH HHHHHH rH CO rH CD | o « 1 «WH 1 1 1 1 1 1 oo >H 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 rH 5 0? V H* 00 *- WHt»U5©MNNMON »ft ■^ irjeOCMOCOrHCOrHCOOOCO CO o •*< eMeMeoiocMH*eMeorH'*rH©CO©©t- IO a l-t r-t rH r-l rH rH oa "8 o iOOjHj oa NiOiOt-NOMNNiOO ■«* !-H NMONNMHOXiOl» o l-t rH rH rH rH rH a t rH S3 >> S « co cj eo e — bfc ^' c ~ **> c -w > "3 O © « Si e3 V £i >--J2 3 S := o> " « Hr)fc,2 01 rH fa ^ P-t ^ m-*eoeomo3co-oHN rHCN IO co fa COCN rHOJrHCNCN rHrH lO ■^ o CM ao eMi«ico5cocococ<>eot-rHt~io^< © CM-*coeo«>oocjj-^aM eM cO'^oeo-^iftrHeMeo cnico t- CM 0) OJOCO NWCJrtH ^ U rH CM rH © a 3 o M rHeOC3>'^,CMCO00CMlr5'^•^, © oiaH © b.HO05MT|iHl»MMOiflHW © ~w i> eo oo eo co co rH io co oo t~ Q rH ,h rH 00 M H oo COCOOt-COOOt— lOCMCMCOt-O CM H»OxiflT»«lt.O COCM I> © Ht*'* CMi-HeOCMiO CMCM 1> © o ■*< o a CO oo co-^«j^cooooOrHi«'*-Hiooc»eMco CM CCON OS-^CMOOiO t-t- !»* H P 8 co OJ GO erf o H CJ w as o 5 a] « 1 onoHoiioteaN I oia l •«*< | CO fH C-l e>» ih t- oo eo* &3 U K 1 WMHCDN'*©© 1 HM 1 "■* 1 r1t~|--O>C0©lOO>rHr-IU0OJC*> 05«oi-io?c>*>*0Qooooioioaoao afoot»»ioix)ir5U5<#oiMHio i-TeeoT co"o>-»«<*ore u CO © CO I M^O^HHNt-N'* MM | N *N» C^cN 00 Ok oo CO OJ S ^IHO 1 iOiHt~00O>rH-*C0t~C0 !*« |H rH CO C*l t> CM CO It- OJ CO 00 o> OJ GO (h OJ MOtO 1 !>-** CO tc «o o OJ 0} T3 u OJ ►J* HH^iaMt-^HOmHfflHIO oji«coi«©ojmoooj'"*eooooj© ©Nl>HI>HOC be VI HeXNMiOHWWOOJ* o 00 10iiHOOOO*!8flH(0 CM 0) (O c^NMoowa^oo® o> >• qo OSOOSOSOSOOirHOOO os •< «9- i-l rH — — e»- ■< ■— i o ooooooooooo o fr> a 10 OOiOOOtfiOOOOO o o 3 C E H# NNNOiOMflo'iOlOO o> Eh ce osMHNHr-wart ho co eo NHNWWiliiaHlONO •*• «i *- Nt»aoOOSt o N©OOfflt>NiOU3MiS rH a CM iH rH rH rH r-t rH rH 0) bo m ■*t ■** OcVKN^MNt-HKN Ht- "* 00 OSOOSOSOSOOSOSOSOSOS OS tfi «« r-l l-{ CO o a o ooooooooooo o a c o lOOOOOOOOOOO o H 3 o Nuiiaoi8ioooioia«! CN O I> OOOSOSfOSINHOI'OSO oo a 3 I-H ^^ oo MHWOOMNMiOMiO lO rH rH rH rH rH rH rH — i U 9 o od io 5 cc o CO U cc rH Q _ 0> bf) o oinMOHONcoeflOH eo cococoTreoeoeocNiesieMeo eo J < «e- «e- «t eo inotooiOHOHiNaf OJ r< a « MiOH«iJW*Ot(ioo*i eo 3 •** OtDOmtOHONOOX iO o CM HMMOHiMHCOiOOO esi £h Os ©Hn^ujomioioioHin CM eo eocoeoTreoeoeocoeMeMeM eo -1 66- m- CO a oo ■** 00 OS OS IO rH I O rH lO 1~- OS i-i 3 co eooocoooeoosooooooo OS «l 3 eo CONOOOOiOM<0 0000 o a O m M(OOHOOM»1»1000 oo E io CMOSCNlrHl^TjteNlOSCOt^-aO ■* O < CO flOMl^NN-* rHrHCO i< • I-H OMNNOOOt-OOOW m OS HiOOONQOOHffJOOM oo ffi rH rH rH r-< rH rH CM i-\ <1> be *# OHMt^Hleise-lNCMN ■** CJ eo eN«oeNrHt~oo-* OS N H (O (>.' rl N W rJ in d O !0MC*ON00M»M>O id* eo"id*eo id^co'c^co e>f t-Te>f 10 O NMt^aiCMHHOWO *^ ooHooHooojeoNoocc cs owoo5»<*ooh(no(0 «0^ H 00 ■* ffiffi H IO N ID H ^ "* eo •** of -^TcNf cnTco l-Hi-TcN •«* C*lia<0esliOC0C»«0 <*' d lO t- N ioooi-iwc©irteoe»Ci©co NHHl^NNiQNOiOCO id CO* rH id Ci ■** CO* ■** O id rH '*iHCN)e?QtOt-rH00C^''*l00 i« i© «o tfi eo eooMNO 00i-ie p S 4> S « v JS & =« 5 a 3 £* o o P. D. 98 9 INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF CATTLE INTO MASSACHUSETTS The reduction in the number of reactors to the tuberculin test slaughtered during the years 1935 and 1936 has naturally resulted in a lessened demand for cattle required as replacements. This reduction is reflected in the number of cattle, both State and interstate, that passed through the dairy section of the quarantine station at Brighton (11,703 this year as compared with 12,535 in 1935), and in the number received at points other than the quarantine station (19,003 this year as compared with 21,057 in 1935). By law (Division Order No. 43), all cattle, whether intended for dairy, breed- ing, exhibition, pasturing or slaughter purposes, transported into the Common- wealth must actually be accompanied by a written permit from the Division of Livestock Disease Control, unless consigned direct to the quarantine station at Brighton, the premises of the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company or to slaughtering establishments where federal inspection is maintained. Cattle intended for purposes other than immediate slaughter must originate from prem- ises where tuberculin testing is conducted under State supervision and on which premises there were no reactors at time of last entire herd test and must be accompanied by a certificate of a tuberculin test made within twelve months if from herds with an accredited status or within six months if from a herd with any other status. Under the provisions of Division Order No. 44, cattle intended for dairy pur- poses must also be accompanied by an "owners' and shippers' " statement to the effect that said cattle have not aborted nor reacted to a blood test for Bang abortion disease during the twelve-months period immediately prior to shipment. These regulations pertaining to both tuberculosis and Bang abortion disease have been rigidly enforced as in previous years. Quarantine Station at Brighton The following tabulation is a record of the receipts at the dairy section of the quarantine station, indicating the origin and disposition of cattle received : Origin: Released Held for Retest Interstate : on Papers Canada 293 Maine . New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Vermont 5,813 1,869 69 52 1,578 Released 4 14 14 Reacted 1* 31 Total 298 5,827 1,883 69 52 1,609 Massachusetts 9,674 1,960 63 5 68 1 1 9,738 1,965 *No lesions. 11,634 11,703 Disposition : Massachusetts Maine .... New Hampshire . Rhode Island Reacted Interstate 7,690 7 1 2,039 1* State 1,821 1 143 Total 9,511 8 1 2,182 1 9,738 1,965 11,703 *No lesions. In addition to the cattle received at the dairy section there were received for purpose of immediate slaughter: 376 tuberculin reactors, 50 Bang's disease reactors, 3 animals affected with mastitis, 3 with mange, and 2 with actinomy- cosis. 10 P. D. 98 The sales barn has been maintained in a very satisfactory sanitary condition and thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals throughout the year. Six hundred ninety (690) trucks were cleaned and disinfected under direct supervision of an employee of the Division. Service in the prevention of hemorrhagic septicemia, or shipping fever, has been continued. Three thousand six hundred fifty-two (3,652) head of cattle were given preventive inoculation. Arrivals at Points Other Than Brighton The following tabulation is a record of receipts at points outside of the quar- antine station at Brighton: Four thousand thirty-five (4,035) permits were issued in 1936 as compared with 4,252 in 1935. Of this number 189 were for exhibition purposes. On these permits there were received 19,003 dairy cattle, 804 exhibition cattle and 1,980 cattle for immediate slaughter. The dairy cattle originated at the following points : California 2 New York 1,041 Canada 2,489 Connecticut 1,796 Delaware . Iowa . Maine Michigan . Minnesota Missouri . New Hampshire New Jersey Total . , 3 52 849 260 69 24 2,865 30 Ohio 1,561 Pennsylvania 611 Rhode Island 870 South Carolina .... 1 Tennessee ..... 16 Vermont 5,666 Virginia 1 Washington 2 Wisconsin 795 19,003 Of this number 18,460 were released on certificates of health furnished by the states of origin; 543 were held, re-tested and released. The total number of dairy cattle received interstate was 28,741 (9,738 at Brighton; 19,003 at other points). The following comparative table covering a two-year period gives an analysis of the sections from which cattle intended for restocking purposes were obtained. Canada . 6 Mid- Western states 5 New England states New York Pennsylvania . 7 Scattered states . 28,741* 31,807** * 9,738 Brighton: 19,003 other points. ** 10,750 Brighton: 21,05 7 other points. From the tabulation it would appear there is an increasing demand among Massachusetts buyers for dairy cattle from New York State and Canada and a corresponding decreasing demand for such cattle from the New England States where for many years they obtained the greater part of their supply: 1936 1935 2,787 2,399 2,761 3,329 21,417 24,212 1,110 585 611 1,218 55 64 CATTLE EXPORTS During 1936, 2,191 head of cattle identified and released at the dairy section of the Brighton quarantine station were transported direct to - her states. In addition, 3,049 interstate shipping certificates were issued by tic Division cover- ing 6,223 head of Massachusetts cattle for consignment to o.^er states and countries. This number represents an increase of 306 certificates and 682 head of cattle over the record for the corresponding period in 1935. P. D. 98 11 The following tabulation is a record of cattle exports shipped direct from Massachusetts herds in 1936 : Destination Alabama California ..... Connecticut 2,229 Delaware Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Maine Maryland Michigan Missouri Nebraska . . . . . Head Destination Head 1 10 2,229 New Hampshire New Jersey New York 817 29 497 2 North Carolina 1 2 Ohio . . . 27 3 Oklahoma 7 3 20 Pennsylvania . Rhode Island . 29 1,919 3 South Carolina 3 37 Tennessee . 2 11 Vermont . 525 5 1 1 Virginia . West Virginia Wisconsin 1 13 7 6,205 Cuba 1 1 18 LICENSED CATTLE DEALERS The twelve-months period just passed has provided an opportunity to observe the successful working of the law (Chapter 426, Acts of 1935), by which certain powers of control are vested in the Division of Livestock Disease Control in connection with the licensing of persons engaged in the business of dealing in bovine animals and the supervision of certain definite phases of the conduct of the business. Intended as a means of assuring buyers of dairy animals of reason- able protection in the purchase of tuberculosis-free cattle, the results obtained have proven without question the value of such legislation. Under the rules and regulations dealers in dairy cattle are required to main- tain premises and buildings suitable for the handling of dairy cattle and to allow on such premises through purchase, repossession, etc., only such cattle as would have the approval of the office of the Division of Livestock Disease Control, — i.e., cattle from premises rated as tuberculosis-free supervised prem- ises. Dealers are required to submit weekly reports of all cattle bought, sold or repossessed. In the enforcement of the rules and regulations frequent inspec- tions are made of the premises maintained by dealers, tuberculin tests are con- ducted approximately every ninety days and weekly reports are insisted upon and the tag numbers of all cattle purchased and sold are carefully checked. The need of this type of legislation is revealed by the occasional finding of reactors in dealers' herds and the frequent detection of irregularities in connec- tion with dealers' purchases, such as cattle from premises not maintained under supervision, cattle from herds in which reactors had been found at time of last previous test, cattle which had not been tested within the required period of time, i.e., within one year of date of purchase, etc. Two hundred seventy-two (272) licenses were issued during the year. Eight (8) licenses were revoked for failure on the part of licensees to submit weekly reports. Three dealers made application for renewal of licenses which had been revoked, furnished information as to previous purchases, etc., paid the five- dollar renewal fee required and were reinstated. Convictions were obtained against three persons, one each in Chicopee, Methuen and Worcester, for dealing in cattle without a license. In each case a fine was imposed. 12 P. D. 98 BANG BACILLUS DISEASE Next in importance to bovine tuberculosis, not alone from an economic view- point but also in the possible relationship to public health, Bang bacillus disease is now engaging the attention of all persons interested in animal and human health problems. This disease was originally and is now commonly referred to as contagious abortion, a term which would seem to convey the meaning that animals affected with the disease always abort. In reality the act of abortion is only an irregular symptom of the disease and may or may not take place. Although it is now commonly conceded that abortion in cattle may be caused by various agencies, it has been quite definitely determined that by far the greater number of abor- tions are traceable to infection caused by the bacillus known as Bang bacillus. While this fact is now universally accepted by those interested in livestock disease control, present opinion is divided concerning the best method of combatting the disease; by eradication, which would necessarily require destruction by slaughter of all affected animals; or by vaccination, with the thought of even- tually establishing immunity. As to diagnosis, it is generally agreed that the disease can nowT be accurately diagnosed by the use of the agglutination blood test which has been stand- ardized and is proving highly efficient. Eradication. — The elimination plan now conducted by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry on what may be called a voluntary request basis is a step toward eventual eradication. Under this plan cattle which react must be tagged, branded and slaughtered. If slaughtered, the owner retains the amount received from sale of the animal for beef purposes and, in addition, receives compensation from the federal government in amount not to exceed $25 for a grade animal or $50 for a purebred. In the twenty-nine-months period from July 1, 1934, to November 30, 1936, the federal department conducted tests in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 307 herds containing 9,697 head of cattle six months of age or over. Of these 154 herds, 4,349 head were negative; 153 herds were infected, in which 813 of 5,348 head reacted. On November 30, 1936, there were 103 herds, 3,639 head, under federal supervision. Vaccination. — Reports from veterinarians and from an increasing number of owners of dairy herds point to favorable results obtained from the use of non- virulent abortion vaccines in establishing immunity in adult animals in herds where infection exists. While this method of procedure does not tend to eradi- cation, it apparently is proving highly successful from the standpoint of economy. In connection with this method of combatting Bang abortion disease, the United States Bureau of Animal Industry is conducting so-called "calfhood" vaccination experiments throughout the United States. Calves between the ages of four and eight months vaccinated with the same type of vaccine employed in adult animals are apparently made resistant to possible future infection, do not harbor the infection, do not become spreaders and frequently do not react to the blood test at time they reach breeding age. The Division of Livestock Disease Control does not arrange for conducting blood tests except to State-owned herds and in connection with undulant fever investigations. Service by the Division to the public is still limited to the examination of blood samples submitted for that purpose. Vials for obtaining samples and laboratory service are furnished without charge. Samples must be marked for purpose of identification and full information is required as to the identity of each animal from which blood is obtained and as to the name and address of the owner. Fifteen thousand three hundred ninety-one (15,391) blood samples were examined during the year and 880 were positive to titres of 1-100 or higher. These samples were submitted from 194 herds and 7,042 head of cattle. One hundred twelve (112) of these herds with 4,237 head have now passed at least P. D. 98 13 one clean test. The degree of infection can not be estimated from these figures as many of the samples were from cattle from which samples had been drawn one, two, three or more times previously. Thirty (30) of the herds containing 1,041 head of cattle six months of age or over, accredited in the vear 1935, were re-accredited and 10 new herds containing 535 head were accredited. Three (3) of this total of 40 herds ; i.e., the Alfalfa Farm, Topsfield, 68 head ; Broadmeadow Farm, Wayland, 74 head; and Myhaven Farm, Weston, 52 head, — all purebred Guernsey herds, — were recently disposed of at dispersal sales, leaving a total of 37 herds, 1,382 head of cattle now accredited. RABIES Rabies continues to be one of the major problems with which this Division has to contend. Its occurrence, often somewhat endemic in character, usually fails to arouse any great interest except in localities where the attention of the public is temporarily called to more or less serious injuries or even death caused by bites inflicted by a rabid animal. Even in such cases the resultant scare is all too soon forgotten. In view of the nature of this disease and the fact its spread depends wholly on actual contact, usually through the bite or scratch of an affected animal, it unquestionably would be possible, with the cooperation of dog owners, dog lovers, and persons empowered to enforce laws pertaining to the licensing of dogs, to completely eradicate the disease by the observance of strict quarantine imposed for a period of one year or possibly less, providing such cooperation could be accomplished. With the exception of two isolated cases, one in Nantucket and one in Attle- boro, all positive cases of rabies occurred this year in the counties of Essex (11 towns, 48 cases), Middlesex (18 towns, 49 cases), Suffolk (3 towns, 20 cases) and Worcester (8 towns, 15 cases). The total for 1936 (134 cases in 42 towns) when compared with the record for 1935 (290 cases in 71 towns) shows a reduction of 54%. This is the lowest number recorded since the year 1919. Of the 134 cases 14, or 10%, were dogs the ownership of which could not be determined. Early in the year, through letters directed to the mayors of all cities and the selectmen of all towns in the portion of the State lying east of the City of Worcester, attention was called to the benefits to be derived from and the advis- ability of conducting clinics for the inoculation of dogs for prevention of rabies. Although the number of communities holding such clinics (33) was considerably less than that of last year, it is with a feeling of satisfaction that we report so decided a decrease in the number of eases of rabies as referred to above. In 49 of the towns in which cases were reported in 1935 there were no cases this year. However, there were cases reported this year in 20 additional towns which, added to the 22 towns in which rabies occurred both years, make a total of 42 towns in which rabid animals were found this year. There was no case of human rabies reported. Ninety-six (96) persons were reported bitten by rabid animals; 94 persons and 20 families were reported exposed. Laboratory examination was made of the brains of 343 animals, of which 107 were positive, 233 negative and 3 ques- tionable. 14 P. D. 98 Rabies Forward, Year 1935 .... December, 1935 January, 1936 February March April May June July August September October November Forward Total Tbe above record refers to the following animals: Cats Cattle Dogs Squirrels Rats Rabbits Monkevs- Showing Symptoms 13 5 14 9 19 16 16 15 5 4 4 14 Cr 134 38 5 - - 3 - - 126 36 5 - 2 - 84 4 13 12 5 10 5 6 9 4 152 5 9 138 Contact •2 S rs o 4) ^5 co ^ .« — c WS5 M O 11 11 Bite Cases 89 333 386 417 523 618 914 728 1,158 800 582 525 386 15 7,442 2 « 3 S 6 4 1 3 4 7 S 3 12 15 14 16 17 22 20 15 30 21 9 13 5 — - 157 7,459 50 197 157 1 49 21 171 3 1 1 157 173 369 425 467 566 672 966 772 1,215 842 603 552 419 168 8,209 48 21 8,131 5 1 1 Total positive cases, 134 Andover 2 Arlington 3 Attleboro 1 Boston 6 Boylston 1 Burlington 1 Chelsea 6 Danvers 4 Everett 3 Groton 1 Haverhill 1 1936 RABIES (POSITIVE) BY TOWNS — DOGS Hoi den 1 Lawrence 15 Lynn 11 Lunenburg 1 Maiden 6 Marblehead 1 Marlborough 1 Melrose 2 Methuen 1 Nantucket 1 Newton 1 New Braintree .... 1 North Andover ... 6 Phillipston 1 Reading 2 Revere 5 Salem 1 Saugus 2 Shrewsbury 1 Somerville 2 Swampscott 3 Tewksbury 2 Tvngsborough .... 1 Wakefield 1 Waltham 2 Westbo rough 1 Wilmington 2 Winchester 14 Woburn 1 Worcester 8 RABIES (POSITIVE) BY TOWNS Cats MISCELLANEOUS Andover Boston . . Chelsea . Wakefield Cattle 1 Westford . . Wilmington Woburn . . . Cats 1 Cattle 1 Realizing the tendency on the part of the public to underestimate the need of continued vigilance in order to prevent a recurrence of disease and to encour- age the enforcement of the law pertaining to dogs, the following open letter was published in the press. To the Citizenry of Massachusetts: In January, 1935, the State was very much alarmed due to the prevalence of rabies in its dog popnlat'on, as during the preceding eight years 4,330 positive cases of rabies had b en reported and 15 human deaths. Here was an average per year of over 542 cases of rabies and the Division of Livestock Disease Con- trol was importuned to take immediate action to free the State of the menace of this dread disease. P. D. 98 15 The campaign that followed included letters to the press, to the mayors and selectmen of cities and towns east of a line drawn just west of Worcester (the infected territory), several radio talks and other addresses — all to make the citizenry antirabic-innoculation-minded and secure the establishment of anti- rabic inoculation clinics in the various municipalities. This work secured the establishment of more antirabic inoculation clinics the past two years than the State had ever known. In 1935 the number of cases of rabies reported was 290. In 1936, to date (and our fiscal year ends the 30th of this month) the cases number but 121, and not one human death. In all probability the number for 1936 will be under 125 — just about 23% of the old yearly average. These results are most gratifying, but the end is not yet. More clinics must be established. The stray dog, the prolific source of the spread of the disease, must be eliminated. If the police will but gather in unlicensed dogs as »they are supposed to do, there will be no stray dogs. Cities and towns holding clinics over a period of years have been entirely freed from rabies. We earnestly ask that you help us establish a< clinic in your town or city. If we can have 50% of the dog population inoculated, we are positive rabies will be controlled. Charles F. Riordan, Director Division of Livestock Disease Control November 12, 1936 HOG CHOLERA It has long been a recognized fact that in an area such as Massachusetts where hog owners depend principally upon garbage for feeding, the raising of swine cannot be accomplished successfully without the continued use of protective measures to prevent the occurrence of hog cholera and its allied diseases. In the prevention of cholera, protection can be provided only by the establishment of immunity by the use of anti-hog cholera serum and hog cholera virus through the application of so-called simultaneous or double treatment. Inasmuch as in this treatment it is necessary to use the virus or actual causa- tive agent of the disease, regulatory measures regarding the possession and use of both hog cholera serum and virus have for several years been deemed neces- sary in order that the possession and use of these products may be properly supervised. Under these regulations, Division Order No. 20, only persons author- ized by this Division have the right to possess and use these products. On premises where hog cholera has at any time existed or on which cholera virus has been used, attempts to raise swine usually result in failure unless the swine have been immunized previously, are given preventive treatment when placed on the premises or are treated at time of weaning. Associated with and often coexistent with cholera is hemorrhagic septicemia, a disease in which the mortality rate is invariably high and which differs con- siderably from cholera inasmuch as it is usually acute in character, death occur- ring within a short time after symptoms first show, whereas cholera is usually of a more chronic type. During the past year there have been called to the attention of this Division a few outbreaks diagnosed as a mixed infection of hemorrhagic septicemia and paratyphoid. Proper sanitation, dry quarters, etc., are important factors in the prevention and treatment of conditions of this nature and, in fact, are neces- sary at all times to the successful raising of swine. Although intended originally to be restricted to hog cholera control, the service of veterinarians employed by the Division in this work is furnished on request and without cost to the owner in the diagnosis and immunization treat- ment of hog cholera as well as its several allied conditions. Authorization is also given veterinarians employed in private practice to apply treatments for such owners as may prefer to employ them for that purpose. All materials 16 P. D. 98 used in the treatment of these conditions are billed direct to the owner or the authorized veterinarian by the biologic supply concern furnishing same. During the year 89,151 treatments* for and in the prevention of hog cholera were applied by veterinarians in the employ of the State on 822 premises. In addition, 29,292 treatments were applied oh 183 premises by veterinarians en- gaged in private practice. In connection with hemorrhagic septicemia and similar conditions there were also applied 30,852 treatments* by State-employed veterinarians, and 7,886 treat- ments by private veterinarians. *Erratum. Report for year 1935, P. D. 98, page 13, should read, "79,541 hog cholera treatments" "24,787 hemorrhagic septicemia treatments". In addition to these treatments applied by veterinarians in the State employ there were 26,101 hog cholera treatments and 9,910 hemorrhagic septicemia treatments made by veterinarians in private practice. MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES Actinomycosis (commonly called "lump jaw"). — Twenty-nine (29) suspected cases in cattle were reported. On investigation 18 were declared diseased, were condemned and eventually slaughtered. Ten (10) were released. Anthrax. — Reports of anthrax on five premises located in Berkshire County resulted in a positive diagnosis in one cow each on two separate premises, one in the Town of Richmond and the other in the Town of Sheffield. The carcasses were disposed of by burning, the premises were disinfected and preventive in- oculation was given to all other cattle on the premises. Blackleg. — Preventive treatment was applied to 1,608 head of cattle on 154 premises located in 57 towns. This service is rendered without charge upon request of owners of young cattle in districts where pastures infected with the disease are located. Glanders. — The last case of glanders on record in Massachusetts occurred in the year 1931. This fact would indicate that the disease may now be consid- ered as eradicated. Nine (9) horses considered as possible suspects were reported during the year. On physical examination and blood tests they were all released. Mange. — This condition was reported in 101 head of cattle on six premises. Tuberculosis in swine. — This condition is rarely called to the attention of this Division excepting by inspectors of slaughtering. Three (3) cases were so reported during the year. Laboratory Service In addition to 15,391 blood samples examined in connection with Bang bacillus disease in cattle, blood samples from 5 horses and 13 goats were also examined for this disease and were found negative. Specimens were submitted for laboratory examination and diagnosis for acti- nomycosis, anthrax, diamond skin disease, food poisoning, glanders, hemorrhagic septicemia, contagious laryngotracheitis, new growths and tuberculosis. ANNUAL INSPECTION OF NEAT CATTLE, SHEEP AND SWINE In accordance with Chapter 129, section 19 of the General Laws, the annual inspection of neat cattle, sheep and swine and of the premises where kept was ordered on November 15, 1935, to be completed on or before January 1, 1936. From reports received from the 355 towns and cities in the Commonwealth, inspections were made of 24,077 premises on which were located 207,862 head of cattle, 8,204 sheep and 81,922 head of swine. Regional meetings of inspectors of animals were held in the month of Novem- ber at Boston, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester for the purpose of giving information and instruction relative to the duties of the inspectors of animals. P. D. 98 17 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Appropriation for the salary of the Director, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $4,000.00 Expended during the year for the salary of the Director $4,000.00 Appropriation for personal services of clerks and sten- ographers, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $26,215.00 Expended during the year for personal services of clerks and stenographers $25,900.39 Unexpended balance 314.61 $26,215.00 Appropriation for services other than personal, includ- ing printing the annual report, traveling expenses of the Director, office supplies and equipment and rent, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $11,000.00 Brought forward from 1935 Appropriation 469.72 Total amount appropriated $11,469.72 Expended during the year for the above mentioned purposes $10,225.57 Unexpended balance 1,244.15 $11,469.72 Appropriation for personal services of veterinarians and -agents engaged in the work of extermination of contagious diseases among domestic animals, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $75,360.00 Brought forward from 1935 appropriation 146.00 Total amount appropriated .$75,506.00 Expended during the year for the following purposes: Services of salaried agents $38,960.00 Services of per diem agents 32,638.75 Labor hired 1,948.75 Total expenditure $73,547.50 Unexpended balance 1,958.50 $75,506.00 Appropriation for traveling expenses of veterinarians and agents, including the cost of any motor vehicles purchased for their use, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $27,000.00 Brought forward from 1935 Appropriation 54.85 Transferred from appropriation for small items 11.32 Total amount appropriated $27,066.17 Expended during the year for traveling expenses of agents $19,592.48 Unexpended balance 7,473.69 $27,066.17 Appropriation for reimbursement of owners of horses killed during the present and previous years ; travel, when allowed, of inspectors of animals, incidental expenses of killing and burial, quarantine and emergency services and for laboratory and veteri- nary supplies and equipment, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $5,000.00 Supplemental budget, Chapter 432, Acts of 1936 200.00 Total amount appropriated $5,200.00 18 P. D. 98 Expended during the year for the above mentioned purposes $4,361.93 Unexpended balance 838.07 $5,200.00 Appropriation for reimbursement of owners of tuber- cular cattle killed, as authorized by Section twelve A of Chapter 129 of the General Laws, as appear- ing in the Tercentenary Edition thereof, and in accordance with certain provisions of law and agreements made under authority of Section 33 of said Chapter 129 as amended during the present and previous year. Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $40,000.00 Supplemental Budget, Chapter 432, Acts of 1936 210.00 Brought forward from 1935 Appropriation 20,150.82 Total amount appropriated $60,360.82 Expended during the year for the following: 1399 head of cattle killed (Chapter 129, General Laws, as amended) $44,388.11 Unexpended balance 15,972.71 $60,360.82 Reimbursement of towns for inspectors of animals : Appropriation for the reimbursement of certain towns for compensation paid to inspectors of ani- mals, Chapter 304, Acts of 1936 $5,500.00 Expended during the year for reimbursement of cer- tain towns $5,031.51 Unexpended balance 468.49 $5,500.00 The average amount paid for cattle slaughtered under the provisions of Chap- ter 129, General Laws, as amended, was $52.87 for registered purebred cattle and $29.27 for grade cattle. There has been received during the year for Hemorrhagic Septicemia treat- ments at Brighton, $547.80 ; and for Cattle Dealers' licenses, in accordance with Chapter 426, Acts of 1935, $1,375.00. SUMMARY It is with considerable pleasure that I append the following table showing the diminishing cost to the State of this Division. Total Amount Paid All Other Year Expenditures for Reactors Expenditures 1933 • $626,233.81 $473,987.29 $152,246.52 1934 525,425.40 369,940.71 155,484.69 1935 306,591.87 156,737.23 149,854.64 1936 ...... 182,015.98 44,388.11 137,627.87 There can be no fair comparison made of the items headed "All Other Ex- penditures" for the years 1935 and 1936 with the expenditures of 1933 and 1934 without considering the following facts: in 1932 all step-rate salary increases were discontinued; April 1, 1933, all salaries and the wages of per diem veteri- narians were cut ; in 1935 full restoration of salary and per diem wage rates and step-rate increases are included in the item $149,854.64. These amounts total $10,110. And so, for a fair comparison, $10,110 should be deducted. The same is true of 1936, but in this case the amount to be deducted is $12,925. In 1936 the Federal Bureau of Animal Industry removed several of its opera- tives (who serve at no cost to the Commonwealth) from the State and the slack was taken up by our own State-paid agents. Notwithstanding the lower cost P. D. 98 19 to the State, it is very gratifying to be able to show in the following tables the increased amount of work accomplished by our field staff in 1935 and 1936 over all preceding years. The first table has to do with bovine tuberculosis tests only; the second table, hog cholera; and these latter treatments in 1936 were greater in number than in any of the preceding years. 1934 1935 1936 Cattle tested 270,624 261,204 242,783 Number tested by Salaried Agents 52,680 (19%) 56,873 (22%) 61,894 (25V2%) Number tested by Per Diem Agents 160,929 (59%) 133,796 (51%) 129,543 (53%) Number tested by Federal Agents 57,015 (21%) 70,535 (27%) 51,346 (21%) Number of Swine Treatments for: Total number of Year Hog Cholera Hemorrhagic Septicemia Swine Treatments 1929 93,199 23,514 116,713 1930 88,740 23,166 111,906 1931 86,031 31,401 117,432 1932 90,444 20,879 111,323 1933 85,099 16,965 102,064 1934 84,230 14,408 98,638 1935 79,541 24,787 104,328 1936 89,151 30,852 120,003 Our three-bid plan put in operation early in 1935 for the protection of dairy- men in the sale of reactors has placed Massachusetts at the top of the forty-eight states of the Union as obtaining the highest average salvage for dairy cattle. The average salvage in 1936 was $35.16 ; in 1935, $20.62 ; in 1934, $14.45 ; and the increased cost of beef explains only a small part of the increased salvage. The adoption of this plan has placed many thousands of dollars in the pockets of dairymen for reactors, which they would not otherwise have received and, incidentally, saved the State many thousands in indemnities. While the market for milch cows in 1936 was 25% higher than the 1935 prices, our average appraisal for 1936 ($99.20) was only 15% above the average appraisal of 1935 ($84.57). Most pleasing of all is the slight increase in the average indemnity paid for reactors in 1936 ($32.40) as against $29.27 in 1935, an advance of $3.13 or approximately 10%. The credit for this is due to our three-bid system and the able, conscientious work of our appraisers. Our cattle dealers' license law, enacted in July, 1935, (the first state to pass such a law) continues to be of tremendous service in safeguarding the health of our herds and the pocketbooks of the taxpayers. It also produces a revenue to the State of approximately $1,400 a year. I might add that in the past two years there has not been any increase in either field or office staff; rather, there has been a decrease of two in the field staff and one in the office staff. Respectfully submitted, Charles F. Riordax, Director c