315Dbb DEflS 3n5 fl ^ Commonweal™ of Massachusetib LiEPARTMENT OF ANJMAL, INDUSTRY EIGHTH A.NNUAL REPORT CoiTimissioner of Animal Industry November 30, J9 19 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofcom1919mass Public Document No. 98 EIGHTH ANNUAL EEPOET COMMISSIONEE OF ANIMAL INDUSTEY For the Year ending November 30, 1919 BOSTON WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS 32 DERNE STREET 1920 Publication of this Document approved by the Supervisor of Administration. W'MI-- ®b^ Commontoealtl) oi itla0sacl)xiBctt0 Department of Animal Industry, Boston, Nov. 30, 1919. To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives. In accordance with the provisions of section 4, chapter 608, Acts of 1912, I have the honor, as Commissioner of Animal In- dustry, to present the following report of the Department's work for the year ending Nov. 30, 1919. The Department of Animal Industry is charged with the duty of inspection and examination of animals within the Com- monwealth,* the quarantining and killing when necessary of animals affected with, or which have been exposed to, con- tagious disease; the burial or other disposal of their carcasses; the cleansing and disinfection of districts, buildings or places where contagion exists or has existed. It is also charged with the duty of tuberculin testing all neat cattle shipped from other States to Massachusetts, unless the same are intended for im- mediate slaughter or are accompanied by a record of test made by a veterinarian approved by the live-stock official of the State from which they are shipped and by officials of the United States Bureau of Animal Industry, and which record is accepted by the Commissioner on arrival of the animals. The maintenance of health of the live stock of the State bears an important relation to the preservation of the public health, to proper fertilization of the soil, to successful dairying, to the conservation of all kinds of animal food used for human con- sumption, and to the business of propagating, feeding and mar- keting cattle, sheep and swine and also marketing their by- products, such as leather, wool, fats, fertilizers, and many other important articles of commerce. Health of live stock is so indispensable to all of these projects that the prevention and limitation of contagious diseases among them becomes an important public work which not only directly affects the economic success of live-stock owners but more or less directly influences the welfare and material prosperity of 4 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. every individual. Our work auxiliary to that of the State De- partment of Health in preservation of the public health lies in the suppression of such animal diseases as are communicable to the human subject, namely, glanders, tuberculosis, rabies, anthrax, actinomycosis, etc. Any one of these diseases may be transmitted to the human subject if circumstances favorable to such transmission are present; and as the majority of them are rapidly fatal to the human being, their prevention, control or eradication from the animal kingdom forms a most impor- tant part of our duties. Fertility of the soil is so dependent upon the keeping of live stock that general crop production is found to be in direct ratio to the number of animals produced, raised and maintained upon the farms. Their numbers are in turn largely increased if the prevalence of contagious disease among them is eflfectively con- trolled or entirely eliminated. Healthy animals return to their owners a far better revenue on the investment of time, labor and capital expended in their upkeep than do those among which disease prevails in any form or in any degree of intensity or extent, and the difference in the revenue from the two classes is so great that there is no question as to the true economy of raising and maintaining only live stock which can be kept free from disease. The dependence of the public upon domestic animals for food material as represented not only by dairy products but by the meat value of their carcasses if found healthy at time of slaughter indicates another necessity for the limitation of con- tagion among them as far as possible. The carcasses of many thousands of animals are annually condemned by Federal au- thorities in the abattoirs of the whole country on account of the presence of lesions of contagious disease to such an extent as to render them unfit for human consumption. The statistics for Massachusetts alone are not available, but they no doubt are of practically the same significance as are those of the coun- try as a whole. It is an economic necessity of the nation that this great waste be reduced. Progress in this direction is yearly Increasing through the active co-operation of Federal, State and municipal authorities and the veterinary profession in the effort for elimination of animal diseases. It is affected and influenced proportionately as it is encouraged by attention of the public 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 5 to prevailing conditions and the more general recognition of the necessity for this improvement. In this work toward reduction of the great waste of animal food products caused by the prevalence of contagious disease, and which work is necessarily of national scope, Massachusetts yields to no other State in its efforts in co-operation with every other agency operating to the same purpose. In accordance with the provisions of chapter 189, General Acts of 1918, this report will consist of a brief summary of the year's work of the Department, illustrated by charts showing the control work of recent years of some of the principal contagious diseases of animals. These charts will probably be of considera- ble interest to those who have been familiar with the workings of this Department during a period of years. They show the progress of the control work during different periods, and sum- marize the success of such policies as have been pursued for a length of time sufficient to conclusively prove the wisdom of their inauguration. Following is a gross summary of the work of the Department for the year ending Nov. 30, 1919: — Cattle. 13,163 Massachusetts cattle were phj^sically examined by Department agents. 774 Massachusetts cattle were tuberculin tested by Department veterinarians. 10,993 Interstate cattle were tuberculin tested by Department veteri- narians. 1,202 Animals on 148 farms in 47 towns were given preventive treatment against blackleg. 128 Animals on 8 farms in 5 towns were given preventive treatment against anthrax. 52 Animals on 8 farms in 7 towns were given preventive treatment against hemorrhagic septicemia. 2,097 Visits to unsanitary premises were made by district veterinarians. HOKSES. 303 Tests for glanders were made by Department veterinarians. 4,125 Interstate horses were examined by Department veterinarians. 7 Tests of whole stables were made by Department veterinarians. Dogs. 391 Cases of possible rabies in dogs were investigated. 6 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. , [Jan. Swine. 68,075 Head of swine were treated in prevention and cure of hog cholera. 16,180 Head of swine were treated in prevention and cure of hemorrhagic septicemia. Miscellaneous Diseases. 276 Cases of miscellaneous diseases were investigated by Department veterinarians. Bovine Tuberculosis. Although the records of the Department show a favorable condition as to the prevalence of this disease in the State, we nevertheless feel that its control is a serious problem and that every additional effort possible should be made which promises any greater success in this direction. Widely prevalent in all parts of the world, it is, however, in the densely populated areas of the country, where intensive dairying is carried on and where the conditions most favorable for its existence and spread among cattle and to the human subject are found, that its greatest prevalence is noted. Statistics do not show that Massachusetts cattle are more generally affected than are those of other States in which similar conditions of environment exist. On the other hand, it is prob- able that if a correct survey could be made the percentage of cases in our herds w^ould be found to be smaller than in many other States where active control work has not been given atten- tion for as long a period as has been the case in Massachusetts. The general policy which has been pursued by the Depart- ment in this work for the past three years is still in operation. "'This policy briefly stated is as follows: Tuberculin testing of all cattle arriving in Massachusetts from other States not accom- panied by approved records of test, followed by slaughter of the reacting animals; annual examination by local inspectors of animals of all Massachusetts cattle and the premises on which they are kept, with a detailed report as to the health of the animals and the sanitary condition of the premises; quarantine of all animals suspected of being diseased, followed by an ex- amination by a Department inspector not only of the suspected animal but of all other members of the herd in which it is found, with the slaughter of such as are found diseased; dis- 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. • 7. infection of the premises where diseased animals are found and a "follow-up" examination of the herd three months later; the same process of disinfection and re-examination of herd again carried out if additional cases are found; tubercuhn testing of herds at request of the owners, under an agreement as to the disposal of the reacting animals. In our opinion the present Massachusetts plan of searching out and disposing of clinical cases of tuberculosis, thereby re- moving the most active spreaders of the disease, is one of the most effective methods by which progress in its actual control is accomplished. The diagnostic value of the tuberculin test, carefully applied by competent men, is very generally recog- nized; it should be taken advantage of at every opportunity for the purpose of disclosing the non-clinical cases. Although not infallible even in the hands of most competent and careful veterinarians, satisfactory control of the prevalence of tuber- culosis among our neat cattle is not possible without its aid. Another factor now entering into the control of this disease is the movement inaugurated two years ago by the United States Department of Agriculture, and now in operation in forty-four States of the Union, known as the "accredited herd plan in eradication of tuberculosis." It provides for the ap- plication of the tuberculin test by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry in co-operation with live-stock officials of the several States. The movement at first limited the application of the test to herds of pure-bred animals, from which springs the foundation live stock of the country, but it has now been extended to include the herds of grade animals. To such herd owners as agree to fulfill certain requirements laid down by the Federal and State officials relating to the con- trol, keeping and replenishment of their herds, and whose cattle all pass two annual or three semiannual tuberculin tests, is accorded the privilege of having their herds listed in what is known as the "accredited tuberculosis-free herd list," published by the United States Department of Agriculture in a large edi- tion and wideh^ distributed. The health of a herd and its freedom from tuberculosis being thus extensively advertised by the means of an official publica- tion operates as a decided business advantage to the owner who 8 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. has animals for sale, establishing for them a materially ad- vanced market value. This accredited list is also of great ad- vantage to purchasers, and especially to those who, having eliminated tuberculosis from their own herds, prefer to pur- chase only such animals as come from herds which are officially certified as free from that disease. Although Massachusetts owners have not yet applied for this test in any great number, indications are that the movement is surely gaining in popularity, and that this service by Federal and State officials, rendered at no exiDense to the cattle owner, will finally be generally taken advantage of, and as a measure in the eradication of tuberculosis from INIassachusetts herds cannot but be ultimately of great value. 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. CT3 n - 1 — C5 — ■""sr o cvJ OJ cc \ • < u en ex T ■^ C35 3: s \ ~ 1— to ^ OQ s"^ J ^. 1/^ 00 CTS (31 o- 03 »— ^ ^ > o Ira I — CU ^4 ■^ CNJ ^ (F 1- i— , ^ c 3 J . 3| / r 1 — CD no <\. fv. lo OC i« or 3^ TO c>. — CV, > 3 % oO cvJ ro / 1 (^ *<: OC oc J CO if) rr I/; CC U3 ti*' r»: Z3 Oi < ^ ^ c Ik 03 to CO CVJ ^lcvj P ^ ^ Ira o Lo C\J CJ) at ^ s rrs U3 a us oo fv- CVJ rv i, O. Lt_l o V 3 -> \ i,: o CO ijn c^ 1 — C3 in CO S CD C£3 'c 1 .1 / n •«5r — l-O c\. _) 09 rO -^ c 0 << CO -< / Ic p r ac=i U3 oo In oo «5 fNJ cn ^ 3 \ V CO u teg e»n <=> «-3 ^ r— s en CT) Q o c^ or fN-l 00 OQ s V -> r\j o 03 \ ^^ r- en <\- cO t© m a .tJ o Q i i o 0 1 "3 1 Reported by inspectors, owners, etc., Reacted to Department tests. Reacted to private tests, .... Reacted to United States tests, . 793 4 3 60 138 121 71 15 9 7 7 43 1 190 13 17 3 1,117 164 136 78 Totals 797 3 390 38 44 190 33 1,495 3 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 11 The preceding table shows the disposal of Massachusetts cattle suspected of tuberculosis and reported from all different sources. Following is a tabulation of tuberculin tests only, made by Department inspectors and reported by private veterinarians, showing also the disposal of such reactors as came under the jurisdiction of the Department and such as could be arranged for by consultation with owners : — Department Tests. Premises on which tests were made, 26 Number of animals tested, 774 Number of reactors, 213 Disposal of Reactors. Killed, lesions found, 106 Killed, no lesions found, . . . . ' 9 Killed by owner, no killing order issued, 4 Died, 1 Awaiting action, ......;.... 93 Note. — ■ In addition to above, 32 animals which reacted in 1918 were killed. Tests reported by Private Veterinarians. Number of herds in which animals were reported, .... 134 Number of animals tested, 1,802 Number of reactors, ^ . 562 Disposal of Reactors. Slaughtered by owner, no record of post-mortem findings, . . 221 Condemned on plwsical examination, 4 Died, no post-mortem examination made, 1 Killed, lesions found, 120 Killed, no lesions found, 7 Showing no phj^sical symptoms of tuberculosis, no record of dis- posal, 182 Awaiting action, 27 Note. — In addition, 1 animal reacting to test made in 1918 was killed and lesions found. During the year Department inspectors physically examined 1,252 herds of Massachusetts cattle comprising 13,163 head, of which number 991 were killed and found diseased. 12 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Interstate Cattle. The Department has for many years maintained quarantine stations at Brighton, Watertown and Somerville for the receipt of interstate cattle consigned for sale for dairy or breeding pur- poses. These cattle have been assembled at the Brighton Stockyards, where Department inspectors have applied the tuber- culin test to such animals as had not been tested previous to shipment, and to those on which, having been previously tested, the record was not approved and accepted by the Commissioner. On July 1, 1919, the Brighton Stockyards were taken over by the Bureau of Animal Industry, United States Department of Agriculture. As a measure in the movement toward eradication of bovine tuberculosis on the part of the Federal government, a new B. A. I. regulation applying to the interstate shipment of cattle went into effect on that date. This regulation provides that all cattle for dairy or breeding purposes over six months of age moving from one State to an- other, unless to "public stockyards" (so designated by Bureau regulations), shall have passed a tuberculin test applied by veterinarians approved by both Federal and State authorities. Realizing that many of the cattle shipped interstate to the quarantine stations mentioned above, for the weekly cattle market at Brighton, are from sections of New England where veterinarians are not readily available for testing, the Bureau officials decided, as a convenience to shippers, to declare the Department's testing station at Brighton "public stockyards" under the meaning of their regulations, and to which cattle may be shipped without having been tested, they being tested upon arrival under supervision of Federal inspectors. Although the State's jurisdiction of the testing has been formally released to the United States government inspectors, we have agreed to co-operate with and assist them in doing the work without accepting any responsibility for condemnation of the reacting animals. The statistics of the work done appear, therefore, in separate tabulations, one covering our work singly as a State department, for the period of the year up to July 7, 1919, and another referring to that done in co-operation with the government officials. 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 13 The protection of Massachusetts cattle interests at this sta- tion, through which so many animals pass to the farms of the State, is being carefully attended to by our force of inspectors there present. We are at all times concerned that the State laws and regulations are complied with, and particularly that no interstate cattle affected with tuberculosis shall be released at this point for any purpose except immediate slaughter. Following are tabulations showing in detail the interstate cattle work of the Department at Brighton and other points: — At Brighton Quarantine Station from Dec. 1, 1918, to July 7, 1919. Number held from 1918 for tuberculin retest in 1919, . 11 Number accepted on approved records of test, . . 404 Number received and tuberculin tested, . . . . 9,164 9,57» Disposal of Above Animals. Number released on accepted records of test, . . . 404 Number released on first test, 8,754 Number released on second test, 131 Number condemned, lesions of tuberculosis found, . . 218 Nmnber condemned, lesions of tuberculosis not found, . 44 Number slaughtered on "permit to kill" warrant, lesions found, 19 Number slauglitered on "permit to kill" warrant, lesions not found, 5 Number released for slaughter at owner's request, . . 2 Nmnber died, 1 Number lost, 1 At Other Points from Dec. 1, 1918, to Nov. 30, 1919. Number condemned in 1918 awaiting slaughter in 1919, 1 Number held from 1918 for test or other disposal in 1919, 210 Nmnber held from 1918 for retest or other disposal in 1919, 13 Number received during year, 6,056 Disposal of Above Animals. Number released on accepted records of test, . Number released on first test, .... Number released on second test. Number reacted and died, Number reacted and held till 1920 for disposal, Number condemned, lesions of tuberculosis found. 4,401 1,716 24 1 9,57&- 6,280 47 14 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Number condemned, lesions of tuberculosis not found, . Number slaughtered on "permit to kill" warrant, lesions found, Number slaughtered on "permit to kill" warrant, lesions not found, Number condemned awaiting report of slaughter, . Number remaining in State temporarily, no test required. Number of range cattle, held for test, but later slaugh- tered, Number held awaiting test or other disposal, . 9 9 2 2 1 23 37 6,280 Note. — One hundred and one of the above tested cattle were young range animals from the West or Southwest, and were tested by United States government inspectors by the "intradermal method," in an "ac- credited herd" test, copj^ of record being furnished to this Department. At Brighton Quarantine Station, in Co-operation with United States Bureau of Animal Industry, prom July 7, 1919, to Nov. 30, 1919. Number accepted on approved records of test, . . 3,277 Number received and tuberculin tested, . . ■ . . 3,000 Disposal of Above Animals. Number released on accepted records of test, . . . 3,277 Number released on first test, 2,569 Nimiber released on second test, 104 Number reacted and slaughtered, lesions of tuberculosis found, 213 Number reacted and slaughtered, lesions of tuberculosis not found, 114 6,277 Summary. Total interstate dairy cattle received at Brighton station, 15,856 Total interstate dairy cattle received at other points, 6,280 Origin of the above Interstate Cattle. Vermont, 7,898 Maine, 6,393 New Hampshire, 5,990 New York, .... 1,099 Connecticut, .... 154 Rhode Island, .... 58 Other States and Canada, . 544 6,277 22,136 22,136 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 15 Animals other than dairy cattle requiring tuberculin test re- ceived at other points than the quarantine stations may be classified as below : — Cattle not requiring Tuberculin Test. Cattle for immediate slaughter, 2,139 Calves for immediate slaughter, 2,743 Dairy calves under six months old, 205 Cattle returned from out-of-State pastures, 565 Feeder cattle, 70 Died or losi, 3 Returned from temporary stay in other States for breeding pur- poses, etc., 25 Remaining in State for brief periods only, for breeding purposes, etc., 11 Reshipped out of State soon after arrival, 75 For temporary stay at sales or exhibitions, 702 Total, 6,538 There are large slaughtering establishments at Haverhill, West Newbury and Springfield where Federal inspection of slaughtered animals is maintained, to which points cattle and calves for immediate slaughter may be shipped without special permit, record of which is not kept by this Department. There are on an average several thousand animals shipped to these points annually, and it is estimated that at least 90 to 95 per cent of them come into Massachusetts from other States. Twenty permits allowing shipment of cattle into the State were brought over from the previous year, report on them not having been received before the close of that year. There were 1,302 permits issued during the year; on 14 of these no report has yet been received. It was found that cattle M^ere brought in without permits in 158 instances, comprising 501 animals; 227 of these were accompanied by approved records of test; 125 were tested by Department veterinarians; 74 were Massachu- setts cattle returned from pastures in other States; 27 were calves under six months old; 36 were slaughtered at once; and the remaining 12 were disposed of as requiring no test or were held for test at a later date. These figures are all included in the statistical tables. 16 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. During the spring and early summer Massachusetts veterina- rians inspected and tagged in the vicinity of 800 head of cattle that were to be sent into other States for pasture. The larger part of these cattle went into the State of New Hampshire, under permit from the Commissioner of Agriculture of that State, and upon being returned to Massachusetts were checked up as far as possible by their tag numbers. Many of them were returned through the Brighton Stockyards. At a sale of Ayrshire cattle held in Springfield in June, 101 animals came from other States, 9 of them being sold to remain in Massachusetts. On the occasion of the New England Fair held in Worcester during the first week of September, 139 head of cattle came from other States, 21 being sold to remain. At the Eastern States Exposition held in Springfield about the middle of September, and a sale of Aberdeen-Angus cattle held in connection therewith, 458 head were brought from outside the State, and 8 head of the Aberdeen-Angus breed were sold to remain in the State. At this exposition there were 56 ex- hibitors all told, a total of 685 head of cattle were shown, 357 swine and 98 sheep. The Department keeps records of all animals received at the several quarantine stations, also the States from which neat cattle are shipped, as shown by the following figures: — Receipts of Stock at the Watertoicn Stockyards for the Year ending Nov. 30, 1919. New Hampshire cattle, Vermont cattle, Massachusetts cattle, Calves, Sheep and lambs, Swine, 4,392 7,073 84 21,636 2,544 5,291 Receipts of Stock at the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company's Yards at Somerville for the Year ending Nov. 30, 1919. Maine cattle, New Hampshire cattle, Vermont cattle, . Massachusetts cattle, Western cattle, . Canada cattle, . 3,261 2,456 11,416 849 3,374 1,216 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 17 Calves, Sheep and lambs, Swine, 120,249 204,859 1,286,700 Receipts of Stock at Brighton for the Year ending Nov. 30, 1919. Maine cattle, 10,085 New Hampshire cattle, Vermont cattle, Massachusetts cattle. New York cattle. Western cattle, . Canada cattle, . Calves, Sheep and lambs. Swine, 10,981 3,475 14,027 19,712 31,615 1,500 75,150 7,180 39,810 Glandees. This fatal disease of the equine species, and which is of great additional importance on account of its communicability to the human subject, formerly prevailed to such an extent in Massa- chusetts that its control was a subject of great concern not only to the officials of this Department and to public health authorities but also to ow^ners of the several types of horses used for farm work, for general business purposes, for exhibi- tion, breeding, or as a means of recreation and pleasure. Although the horse is now supplanted to some extent by motor vehicles as a factor of business or pleasure, the demands of the great war for his service, — indispensable in many branches of army work, — and his priceless value as the only animal available for the manufacture of the many sera now used in the prevention and cure of diseases of other species of animals and especially of the human subject, point to the neces- sity for his continued "production in large numbers and for his being kept free from contagious disease. We are therefore actively engaged in the suppression of glanders in Massachusetts as the one principal disease of a con- tagious nature that affects horses, mules and asses. That we are meeting with success in this direction is shown by our records, which are tabulated and charted on pages 20 and 21 of this report. 18 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. The remarkable reduction in number of cases found this past year really indicates that complete extermination of this dis- ease may be hoped for. During the year 1913 nearly 1,100 horses and mules were killed in Massachusetts on account of being affected with glanders. From that time to the present, as a result of improved methods in control work inaugurated that year and since improved and perfected, there has been a steady reduction in the prevalence of this disease to the small number of 23 cases, the record for 1919. In the city of Boston alone, formerly the greatest center of this infection, the number of horses killed has dropped from 556 in the year 1913 to 4 in 1919. We are therefore apparently justified in predicting that in the near future this disease will be completely eradicated or so limited in prevalence that it will cease to be of great importance. The successful methods of control heretofore mentioned have been pursued during the past year. They may be briefly re- ferred to as comprising the following: — Immediate quarantine of all reported cases; prompt killing of all clinical cases, followed by disinfection of the premises where kept, of the blacksmith shops where shod, and of water- ing troughs where they were in the habit of drinking; exami- nation and re-examination of all contact animals, together with application of the several diagnostic tests when necessary; ex- tension of the plan of testing whole stables; closing of public watering troughs in sections where an outbreak of the disease occurs; testing of all horses and mules shipped interstate from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, unless accompanied by satisfactory records of recent tests. The Department's records for the year ending Nov. 30, 1919, show the following facts: — At the end of 1918, 7 animals were under observation. Of this number, 1 has been killed as a positive case, and 6 have been released as free from the disease. During the past year 194 suspected animals have been ex- amined. Of this number, 22 animals proved to be positive cases and were destroyed in accordance with the requirements of the law; 9 died or were killed by owners before diagnosis had been made; 152 were released as free from the disease; 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 19 and 8 were still held under observation at the end of the year. Two animals were killed by order of the Department, post- mortem examination of which did not reveal the presence of the disease, and full appraised value of which was $100. One animal was killed at owner's request, and no lesions of the disease were found. Horses reported as Suspected. Brought forward from the year 1918, 7 Reported by renderer, 1 Reported by inspectors, Department agents, veterinarians, own- ers, etc., 138 Contact animals examined in stable tests, 55 Disposal of Above Horses. Appraised and killed, positive, Killed by owner, reported by renderer, no award, positive, Died, positive, Killed at owner's request, no lesions found. Appraised and killed, no lesions found, . Killed by owners or died, no lesions found. Released as not affected with glanders, . Awaiting disposition, . ... 21 1 1 23 1 2 9 158 8 201 201 Following is a table giving the number of cases of this disease covering a period of twenty-one years. In this table cases which have occurred in the city of Boston are shown separately, on account of the fact that Boston w^as for many years the storm center of this disease. Special tabulation of the number of cases in that city has always been made in order that its relative importance to other sections of the State may be studied. 20 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Number of Cases. Cases. Yeah. In Boston. In Other Places. Totals. 1899, 159 384 543 1900 -. 192 507 699 1901 197 548 745 1902, 155 580 735 1903, . 250 610 860 1904, . 254 555 809 1905, 210 414 624 1906, 194 376 570 1907, ......... 308 403 711 1908 389 552 941 1909, 278 406 684 1910, 314 362 676 1911 387 565 952 1912, 395 446 841 1913 556 528 1,084 1914 355 495 850 1915 152 250 402 1916 157 278 435 1917 80 206 286 1918 89 104 193 1919, : ■■ „r:— — ■■■ -- . ■ - ,-- 4 19 23 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 21 CO LuJ CD < I o cr -^ ~ ._. <3 OJ en crj rff OJ % 00 en U3 OO / ^ 00 ( I— a: Lr> ^ A /^ > 3 a: ? X R / 03 <= - mBP a0«a »-• i ^ J •^ oo ^ *«* e** -C^ ^ ^ J**" CO < a.*-' 1^ < CO c\J "*tSj ***! oo ^ to ■■CD Ol s** ua CO V ^ o en ^*^ ^x M CT! ^ ^ y \?2 OJ OC 5^ CT3 < iui»J^ C3D OO < OO r- "*« ^ •^ V ^ o (31 ^ ^ ^ O cn C 3^ ) / ^ ^ LO. / a / o c cn — 1 CO ^ cn \ 03 OC S N \ cn o CD O OO o LO r- ^j2 cr> <£3 LO Li-: C2 LO u-r c\_ Li-3 J <:::r Lo <=> 22 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Boston Workhorse Relief Association, the Animal Rescue League, and the branches of these various associations in many cities and towns of the State have through their agents always been of material aid to the Department in the work of controlling this disease. Their close observation of working animals of all classes has in the past, when the disease was more prevalent, brought to light many showing suspicious symptoms, which they liave promptly reported to this Depart- ment, and many of the animals so reported have proved to be positive cases of the disease. The constant activity of the humane societies in removing disabled animals from work and destroying those w^hich, on account of extreme age or poor condition, are no longer useful has undoubtedly been a factor in the suppression of glanders, as such animals are very susceptible to infection. The maximum amount, fixed by chapter 646 of the Acts of 1913, which may be paid for any one animal condemned and destroyed on account of being affected with glanders being $50, the appraised value of the animals condemned is a subject of considerable interest. Of the 23 positive cases of glanders occurring during the year, 21 were appraised at a total valua- tion of $2,250, the average amount per animal being $107.14. On the remaining 2 animals no appraisal was made for the fol- lowing reasons: 1 of them was reported by a Tenderer and 1 died, the disease having been found on autopsy. Of the 21 horses which were appraised, 18 have been paid for, the amount paid being $900; in 1 case there was no award, as the horse had not been in the Commonwealth the required length of time; and 2 cases are awaiting the filing of claims for payment. Complement-fixation Test. Of the 7 horses under observation at the end of the year 1918, 3 were subjected to the complement-fixation test, with the result that they were released as probably free from the disease. One hundred and twenty-five samples of blood were taken from 101 horses during the year 1919, and the following dis- posal of the animals was made: — 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 23 Animals held over from 1918, di&posed of as above, Animals released on first test, . Released on second test, .... Died or killed by owner after first Lest, . Died or killed by owner after second test, Condemned on first test, .... Condemned on second test, Condemned on third test, . Held for further observation, . 3 63 12 3 1 9 1 1 101 Oijhthalmic-mallein Test. This test has been applied to 152 State and 653 interstate horses during the year. It happens that the test in some in- stances was repeated on the same animals, and 831 such tests have been made. The results are as follows: — Tests giving positive reaction, 17 Tests giving no reaction, 793 Tests gixdng unsatisfactory results, 21 831 In the so-called ''stable tests," or tests of all animals in stables where glanders has been found, 55 horses have been tested in 7 stables, and among them 1 case of glanders has been found. Interstate Horses. Horses, asses and mules shipped to Massachusetts from the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island must be accompanied by a permit from the Commis- sioner of Animal Industry. This regulation was established on account of the prevalence of glanders among the horses of the States mentioned, and in order that upon arrival the animals might be immediately located and examined by agents of this Department. The number of horses, mules and asses shipped from these States has decreased from 4,425 in the year 1918 to 4,168 in the year ending Nov. 30, 1919, the statistics following: — 24 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Equine Animals from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Mules, ai Horses, 4,157 4,168 Disposal of Above Animals. Released upon phj^sical examination, 3,452 Released upon accompanying papers "without examination, 43 Released after test, 673 4,168 It is worthy of notice that no interstate horses or mules were condemned this year as affected with glanders. Many of the animals brought from the above-mentioned States are of the better class, being highly bred horses used for carriage work and breeding purposes. The second-hand horses, which are trafficked in and sent from the markets of one State to those of another for purpose of public sale, have been specially watched on account of their being considered more liable to be subjects of contagious disease than the higher class animals, and if not accompanied by a satisfactory certificate of test have been tested on arrival by inspectors of the Department. Rabies. The control and eradication of this disease is one of the most important duties of the Department because of its communica- bility to man from the lower animals, its rapid spread if uncon- trolled, especially among dogs, and the extremely high rate of mortality which in all species follows its development. An outbreak in any locality, if it becomes at all extensive, is apt also to create more or less panic, especially if persons are bitten by any of the animals positively known at the time to be rabid, or which are subsequently proved to have been infected when the bite was inflicted. The m.easures necessarily taken to effect the control of an outbreak are also accompanied by much inconvenience, trouble and expense on the part of the public. In addition to the monetary loss caused by the death of valuable dogs and other animals found to be positive cases of the disease, the expense 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 25 of confinement and restraint of those exposed to it but found later not to have been infected is not inconsiderable. Our records show a gradually increasing prevalence of rabies during the past three years, which in our opinion is principally due to new centers of the contagion being established here by infected dogs coming from neighboring States where the dis- ease has raged extensively during that period. Its extension to Massachusetts has been felt to be inevitable owing to the facility by which it can be spread by roaming dogs. Many of these animals ordinarily kept under proper conditions may have become infected unbeknown to their owners, and, obeying what is commonly an early inclination in the development of the disease, may wander far away from home within a few hours even, and spread contagion widely before searched for by their owners. Such dogs are often never found by their owners. The ownerless or tramp dog is, however, a more important factor in spreading this contagion because no one pays any attention to his physical condition or his whereabouts, and in many localities no attempt is made to enforce the laws relating to him. He roams unrestricted and is a menace to the com- munity in many ways. Had it not been for the very thorough and efficient control work carried on by the authorities of the neighboring State of Connecticut, where rabies has extensively prevailed for the past three years and where several thousands of unlicensed dogs have been destroyed during that period, we would undoubtedly have been confronted with a much more serious condition than now exists. Our local inspectors of animals are familiar with the situa- tion, and those of border towns have been specially advised as to the value of early quarantine, thorough investigation and prompt reports in detail to the Department's office. If we can procure the co-operation of town and city officials, dog owners and the general public, an outbreak of rabies in any community can generally be suppressed before it becomes serious. With- out question, a better enforcement of our dog laws would materially assist in preventing the further spread of this con- tagion and operate to reduce its present prevalence in several communities. 26 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Following is a general outline of the Department's present methods in rabies control work : — Upon report being made to the Department that a person has been bitten by a dog, the inspector of animals of the town or city in which it occurs is ordered to make an examination of the animal, and, even if it appears to be healthy, to have it re- strained for a period of fourteen days for the purpose of obser- vation. The restraint for this length of time is deemed neces- sary for the reason that competent authorities have shown that in some instances the bite of a dog infected with rabies may communicate the infection fourteen days before the animal shows clinical symptoms. If at the end of this period no symp- toms of rabies have developed, the animal may be released. In case a person is bitten by a dog which, upon examination by the inspector of animals or any other person, shows evidence of already being affected with rabies, or there is a history of its having been in contact with a rabid animal, the dog in either case is immediately confined in strict quarantine. If it is sub- sequently killed or dies, its head is at once sent to the Depart- ment's ofRce, and a laboratory examination of the brain is made for the purpose of positively determining whether or not the animal was affected with the disease. Information as to the laboratory findings is promptly communicated to the person or persons who have been bitten. The State Department of Health is given the information received in every case of dog bite reported to this office, whether the bite has been inflicted by an animal suspected of rabies or not. We also order the local inspector of animals not only to ascertain the names of all persons who have been bitten by dogs suspected of rabies but to find out if animals have also been bitten, and if so to place the same in quarantine for a period of at least ninety days. All dogs which are found to have been in contact with a rabid animal, whether or not it appears that they have been bitten by it, are also placed in quarantine for the same period. If an unusual number of cases of rabies is found to exist in any town or city, the selectmen or the mayor or board of alder- men are asked to issue a restraining order, under the provisions of section 158 of chapter 102 of the Revised Laws. Such an order obliges all dog owners to confine their animals to their 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 27 own premises for a certain period, or take them therefrom only on leash. This restraining order is much more effective in the local control of an outbreak than is an order which compels owners to muzzle the animals only but not restrain them, as a muzzled animal let loose may in some way get the muzzle off" and bite other animals or people. A muzzled dog at large may therefore become much more dangerous than an unmuzzled one which is at all times confined upon owner's premises or taken therefrom only on leash. Dogs found running at large while a restraining order issued by town or city authorities is in force may be killed on the issuance of a warrant for the same to a police officer. It was found advisable to ask for gen- eral restraining orders in five towns of the Commonwealth during the past year. These orders were for periods of ninety days. Our force of district agents, all of whom are veterinarians and located in different parts of the State, together with the local inspectors of animals, of whom there is one or more in every city and town of the State, constitutes an organization by which systematic local control of an outbreak of this dis- ease can generally be accomplished within a reasonably short time. During the year ending Nov. 30, 1919, 408 animals were re- ported to the Department for diagnosis, observation or quaran- tine on account of the prevalence of rabies, and 9 were brought forward from the year 1918. The records have been classified as follows: — Animals suspected of rabies, 109 Animals exposed to rabies (4 reported in 1918, 174 in 1919), . . 178 Animals which have inflicted bites upon persons (5 reported in 1918, 125 in 1919), 130^ Animals suspected of Rabies. Dogs. Cattle. Cats. Diagnosis positive Diagnosis negative, Diagnosis questionable, 89 13 4 1 1 1 28 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Of the 89 dogs classed as "diagnosis positive," 39 had bitten persons. Of the 4 cases classed as "diagnosis questionable," 1 dog was reported as being affected with rabies, but from description of symptoms and as head was not obtainable for examination it is not recorded as a positive case; 1 dog after showing symptoms indicating rabies disappeared and could not be located; 1 show- ing symptoms gave negative diagnosis to laboratory examina- tion; and the head of 1 animal arrived at laboratory in such a state of decomposition that examination could not be made. Animal ; exposed to Rabies. Dogs. Cattle. Cats. Pigs. 1 Horses. Nuniber released after a quarantine of ninety days. Number killed, no symptoms having de- veloped.^ Number killed, positive symptoms having developed. Number still held under observation, 79 34 16 26 5 11 2 2 2 1 -^. J Animals which have inflicted Bites upon Persons. Number killed during quarantine, no symptoms having developed. Number released after fourteen days' quarantine. Number still held under observation, Dogs. 13 115 2 Nine animals which were under observation at the close of the year 1918 were released, no symptoms of rabies having developed. During the year we have received reports of 179 persons having been bitten by dogs. In all these cases the dogs have been immediately quarantined for observation, in accordance with our custom as previously referred to, except in those in- stances where the animals were immediately killed. Some of the quarantined dogs were killed by request of owners and others were killed on account of development of unmistakable symptoms of the disease. Of the 179 cases of dog bite, 131 of them were inflicted by dogs proved not to be affected with 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 29 rabies, 43 were inflicted by dogs proved to be positive cases of the disease, in 3 of the cases the laboratory diagnosis was question- able, and in 2 the dogs are now in quarantine for observation. There have been examined in the laboratory during the past year the brains of 86 dogs, 1 cat and 1 cow. Of this number, 63 dogs, 1 cat and 1 cow showed positive evidence of the disease; in 21 dogs the diagnosis was negative, and the brains of 2 dogs were so decomposed at the time of examination that no diagnosis could be made. Of the 408 animals reported for observation, diagnosis or quarantine, 27 were, as far as the Department could determine, unlicensed and ownerless dogs, 18 of which proved to be positive cases of the disease. The following table shows the number of positive cases of rabies by cities and towns : — City or Town. Dogs. Cattle. Horses. Pigs. Cats. Arlington, 1 _ - _ _ Attleboro, . 3 - - - - Berkley, 1 - - - - Brockton, . 8 - - - - Concord, 4 1 - - - Dartmouth, 1 - 1 - - Dighton, 3 - - - - Easton, 1 - - - - Fall River, . 7 - - - - Fitchburg, . 1 - - - - Freetown, . 2 - - - - Groton, 1 - - - - Holden, 1 - - _ - Lincoln, ... 2 - - - - Littleton, . 1 - - - - Maynard, . 1 - - - - Middleborough, . 7 1 - - - Milton, 1 - - - - New Bedford, 15 - _ _ - Newton, 4 - - 1 North Attleborough, . 1 - - - Northborough, . 1 - - - Norton, 2 - - - - Raynham, . r ■ ■■ -■ 1 - - - - 30 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. CiTT OR Town. Dogs. Cattle. 1 Horses. 1 Pigs. Cats. Rehoboth Revere, Seekonk Somerset Somerville Stoughton Swansea Taunton Townsend, Westport, Westwood, Worcester Wrentham, 5 1 1 5 1 1 5 8 1 1 3 2 1 3 7 - 1 1 - Totals, .... 105 12 1 2 1 ■ ■■ ] One case of rabies developed in New York State, it later being shown that the animal had been exposed to the disease while in JMassachusetts. One dog exposed in May developed the disease in November, with no evidence of additional ex- posure in the meantime. One case was proved to have been in contact with a herd of 12 cows, 10 of which developed the disease and w^ere killed. Following is a chart showing the proved cases of rabies in the several species of animals covering the period from 1905 to 1919, inclusive. 1920.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 31 32 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Hog Cholera. During the past year the Department has continued and ma- terially increased its work inaugurated in 1914 for control of the contagious diseases affecting swine. Of these, the principal one, hog cholera, formerly prevailed to such an extent and carried such a high mortality rate that the raising of swine in any considerable numbers in this State was a very uncertain enterprise, especially so if their principal food was garbage. Hog cholera would often break out, and, sweeping through a herd, would destroy many animals and leave others unfit for further feeding. The utilization of garbage, a product recognized to contain all the food elements necessary for swine and which in many communities was being entirely wasted, seemed an economic necessity and an enterprise which it was generally conceded could be successfully carried out and rendered financially safe, provided the one great scourge of that species of animal could be controlled. The industry of raising pure-bred swine, a business of rapidly increasing proportions and in which a large amount of capital is invested, also has been considered to be in large measure dependent for its success upon the protection of the animals from the ravages of contagious disease. Toward this objective the work of the Department has now been directed for a period of six years. It was carefully planned and then inaugurated under careful supervision. Its many new phases have been carefully studied as they have appeared, and the execution of the work in the field has been improved as practical experience has shown to be advisable. We now un- hesitatingly refer to it as an important public sanitary control work, the value of which has been shown by the economical results^ obtained, namely, the successful utilization of a great waste product and the conservation both of large amounts of food for human consumption and of commercial by-products of great value. It has also greatly stimulated interest in live- stock production, and has fostered a business enterprise of no small proportions. 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 33 The reports of our inspectors of animals show that the num- ber of swine found on the farms at the 1919 inspection exceeded the record of 1918 by 26,456, a gain of 32 per cent in the year, and 4,193 more people are recorded on the list of swine owners in 1919 than in 1918. These figures indicate a rapid growth of the swine-raising industry in Massachusetts under present conditions of protection aflforded it by control of contagious disease. Following is a list of cities and towns in which hog cholera prevention work has been carried on during the year ending Nov. 30, 1919: — City or Town. Abington, . Adams, Agawam, . Amesbury, Amherst, . Andover, . Arlington, . Ashby, Athol, Attleboro, . Auburn, Ayer, . Barnstable, Barre, Bedford, . Belchertown, Belmont, . Berlin, Bernardston, Beverly, Billerica, . Bolton, Boston, Bourne, Boxford, Braintree, . Brewster, . Bridgewater, Brimfield, . Brockton, . Brookfield, Brookline, . Burlington, Cambridge,- Canton, Charlemont, Charlton, . Chatham, . Chelmsford, Chelsea, Cheshire, . Chicopee, . Clinton, Cohasset, . Concord, . Dalton, Dana, Herds inoculated. Inoculations. Serum and Virus. 301 52 158 15 76 96 0 22 9 27 33 26 121 35 41 6 1,101 19 15 25 85 59 572 7 11 0 9 217 1 750 60 25 641 0 28 16 15 2 36 0 9 361 26 19 219 167 10 Serum only. 397 4 91 206 3 25 3 25 4 668 43 27 47 3 1,333 9 0 26 36 39 868 0 20 10 6 46 12 798 27 21 548 26 29 0 0 0 108 20 0 137 30 36 154 111 15 Total. 56 226 23 167 302 3 47 12 52 37 694 164 62 88 9 2,434 28 15 51 121 98 1,440 7 31 10 15 263 13 1,548 87 46 1,189 26 57 16 15 2 144 20 9 498 56 55 373 278 25 34 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. City ok Town. Herds inoculated. Dan vers, . Dedham, . Deerfield, . Dighton, . Dover, Dracut, Dudley, Easthampton, . East Longmeadow, Eaiston, E(igartown, Fairhaven, Falmouth, . Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Gardner, . Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Great Barrington, Greenfield, Groton, Groveland, Hadley, Hamilton, . Hampden, . Hancock, . Hanson, Hard wick. Harvard, . Harwich, . Hatfield, . Haverhill, . Hingham, . Hinsdale, . Holbrook, . Holden, Holliston, . Holyoke, . Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, . Huntington, Ipswich, Kingston, . Lakeville, . Lancaster, . Lanesborough, . Lawrence, . Lee, . Lenox, Leominster, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, . Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Maiden, Manchester, Mansfield, . Marblehead, Marion, Marshfield, Mashpee, . Maynard, . Medfield, . Medford, . Medway, . I ■■■ 5 1 8 3 5 15 8 1 7 4 4 62 4 4 32 1 26 27 2 9 3 5 1 4 1 2 1 1 3 11 3 6 8 2 1 3 7 2 18 1 3 1 1 4 7 1 9 2 6 8 10 5 28 10 4 6 9 17 4 8 2 9 3 18 4 3 1 1 2 3 3 Inoculations. Serum and Virus. 335 115 29 9 197 28 14 52 130 3 6 3 45 592 64 85 79 2 421 339 24 16 212 86 2 25 10 28 0 1 16 127 3 2 65 18 2 1 79 31 335 2 65 0 3 121 22 92 61 54 24 52 83 110 2,766 674 300 143 212 307 17 145 12 84 17 270 25 27 10 64 196 57 2 Serum only. 230 99 16 10 268 6 24 5 30 5 0 12 26 476 27 63 142 0 600 234 0 20 306 95 0 0 0 0 2 0 33 73 113 8 38 0 6 0 73 28 490 0 36 20 0 214 0 75 47 0 27 164 3 128 2,887 376 171 92 83 369 16 73 0 55 0 270 16 22 0 5 169 53 4 Total. 565 214 45 19 465 ' 34 38 57 160 8 6 15 71 1,068 81 148 221 2 1,021 573 24 36 518 181 2 25 10 28 2 1 49 200 116 10 103 18 8 1 152 59 825 2 101 20 3 335 22 167 108 54 51 216 86 238 5,653 1,050 471 235 295 676 33 218 12 139 17 540 41 49 10 69 365 110 6 1920.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 35 City ob Town. Melrose, Mendon, Merrimac, . Methuen, . Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, . Milton, Monson, Montague, . Monterey, . Nantucket, Natick, Needham, . New Bedford, . Newbury, . Newburyport, . New Marlborough, Newton, Norfolk, . North Adams, . Northampton, . North Andover, North Attleborough Northbridge, North Brookfield, Northfield, North Reading, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, . Orange, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, . Pepperell, . Pittsfield, . Plymouth, Provincetown, . Randolph, Reading, . Rehoboth, Revere, Richmond, Rockport, . Rowley, Russell, Rutland, . Salem, Salisbury, . Sandwich, . Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, . Sharon, Shelburne, Sherborn, . Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerville, Southborough, . Southbridge, South Hadley, . Springfield, Stoneham, Stoughton, Sudbury, . Sunderland, Sutton, Swampscott, Swansea, . Taunton, . Herds inoculated. 4 1 1 11 4 3 11 7 4 2 1 7 9 4 15 1 6 28 2 5 2 6 20 5 8 4 1 4 1 2 1 5 2 3 2 19 3 45 9 34 1 1 2 4 1 8 1 1 4 9 1 3 14 2 71 1 2 6 1 3 3 1 13 15 49 4 14 2 5 8 1 6 16 Inoculations. Serum and Virus. Serum only. 1 4 14 82 80 11 35 108 180 35 15 1^1 739 38 27 100 3 219 77 318 439 11 56 112 5 135 79 33 2 28 19 50 14 416 22 1,252 234 43 2 302 120 653 6 142 8 14 117 422 4 17 123 13 514 27 25 176 92 226 13 1 26 327 1,571 140 68 9 27 10 0 267 35 58 322 84 0 47 4 120 721 29 52 46 0 145 111 318 271 7 141 176 10 329 114 24 0 81 22 38 41 422 8 909 324 61 4 487 265 1,368 0 212 1 8 26 790 10 9 182 29 371 17 0 71 159 607 28 13 39 186 1,122 348 176 100 0 12 5 133 Total. 7 4 15 141 178 15 43 166 502 170 6 82 19 301 1,460 67 79 146 3 364 188 636 710 18 197 288 15 464 193 57 2 109 41 88 55 838 30 2,161 558 104 6 789 385 2,021 6 354 9 22 143 1,212 14 26 305 42 885 44 25 247 251 833 41 14 65 513 2,693 488 244 109 27 22 5 400 134 36 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. City ob Town. Templeton, Tewksbury, Tisbury, Topsfield, . Townsend, Tyngsborough, . Upton, Uxbridge, . Wakefield, . Wales, Walpole, Waltham , . Ware, . Wareham, . Warren, Watertown, Webster, Wellesley, . Wen ham, . Westborough, Westfield, . Westford, . Westminster, Weston, Westport, . West Springfield, West Stockbridg( Westwood, Weymouth, Whately, . Whitman, . Wilbraham, Williamsburg, . Williamstown, . Wilmington, Winchendon, Woburn, Worcester, . Wrentham, Totals, Herds inoculated. 24 1,589 Inoculations. Serum and Virus. 80 229 13 0 51 63 4 4 73 0 16 1,504 6 18 11 453 19 9 23 235 187 18 2 40 141 75 0 203 163 2 14 36 7 13 12 31 139 3,450 44 33,355 Serum only. 69 92 45 16 23 87 20 3 63 1 35 1,730 0 44 11 386 47 82 54 232 171 11 3 84 121 77 6 147 170 0 8 12 2 5 22 34 94 3,466 139 34,720 Total. 149 321 58 16 74 150 24 7 136 1 51 3,234 6 62 22 839 66 91 77 467 358 29 5 124 262 152 6 350 333 2 22 48 9 18 34 65 233 6,916 183 68,075 The preceding table shows that w^ork has been done in 232 cities and to\vns this year, 14 more than during 1918, and necessitating 2,545 visits by one or more inspectors. In addi- tion there were 89 visits made to places where the swdne w^ere not treated for the following reasons: the animals in some in- stances had no chance of recovery; in others the trouble was found to be some non-contagious infection; again in some of the cases proper sanitary conditions necessary to successful work could not be established; and in a few cases the owners did not desire to have the animals treated. The chart on the opposite page show^s in a general way the increase in hog cholera prevention work from the time of its inception to the present, and comparative statistics in detail are shown in tables which follow^ it. 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 37 CVJ 05 o CD z o CD ir: r~ O OQ V qO 3 o o Z 1 O CO C35 \ 1 ^ <^ 1— O < —1 o zr. o o X \<^ \ V en \ \ \ CD ^ \ cn oo , CD \ CD > ^ C3 o o o U-3 C3 o ca <=3 o O g c it: o o c o c c: LO ci: o O C3 O o 38 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. CO O !I3 g o rji ■* »o 05 CD lO 00 ■ ^ en T-H rH O iO N co" i-T Tj<" © (M >o t> C5 O lO CO -* TfH CO CO t^ LO lO 05 lij (N rH CO eo iM 1-1 lo O ■ CD O) tc ^ ^' ^ 'i CO ^ (M 03 rr^ N 00 lO "* Tt< (M ^ ^ lO t^ 00 (M I^ (M-,- ^ lO '* '"' lO" o" '-' O CO o o ,_, LO lO ^ Oi Tt< 1> "* CO c» cq_ • co_ o> V ^ CO* oo" "O o C^ • (M ui r-( iH , -73 ft '% G 0 -M c3 -t^ ,^ o O -fj 0 CO 0 G 0 0 S o CS- o3 G a -^ 'S .s a o ■*-' G 0 a -a ^H m 0 0 -d S . cS ti '^ si u m ^ -2 0 0 to S 3 o 0 -tJ 0 o G 0 a a s ■a«S h o3 0 0 -£ .£3 C 03 'a S 0 -53 73 c3 1 0 c3 0 to (u ^ dmini eous herds 3 a cj a T) ts 3 "+;^ c-j 0-3 0 G m 0 0 ■^ ^S^ p "3 "^ 03 'S to a c S c ^ S ^ :; O Sb 43 o fH 03 0 a includi multan( serum c These t. the si] ed in in o a > o3 bO 0 G 03 0 0 G 13 0 o 3 0 to reatments, oung for si ollowing " .tments. treatmen following dminister 2 0 CO rG 0 0 (5 "S S'" ^ 03 o r^l J2 .G to ti 0 nG •^ -P !>i^ £ og ^ ^^ O G O o o -2 1 only" ose too cholera Number of simultaneous t parently healthy at time Mortality from hog chole: herds (per cent). ^ Total number of treatment .2 « £^ 0 p 0 -2 fH 0 o ft 0 It CO 03 0 G "V ^^ 0 O Sh 0 G rM 'O 0 -G 0-C -^ 0 T3 0 o 0 Co ber of "serum imals and to th ality from hog . — 1 o a^ — c 0 3 a 3 as a 3 a at, 3 03 O ^G o ^ ^ ^ H 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 39 <0 o 1> (M lO •* ^^ !>. ^. I> o i-T CO CO oo" CO o TfH 00 CO i> lO CO (N I> t^ i-H •^ Th CO o o CO 0^ t^ r^ (M ^ CO o" CO I> o l:^ "O '^ i-H CD o CO' CO lO CO i-H Oi - 02 CO CO 00 co- iM o I-H o co r-l m 1 .2 "i) tq r5 '3 o o •p ^ J s s, o £? a .« ^ o -S ^ ^ a >. s 8 ^ > -a 0) J2 ,a 1% -d i 13 "O XI 8 2 ^ 3 ^ -s -a >1 1^ 0) o 1 o t3 ^2 ^ ^ ^ 0) 3 03 g c3 ffl § 2 I •-§ -S "H "S 'm — ' O 03 -C ^ -d 0) o fe <5 § J c fe C3 !;5 " § a ^ -S ^ ■a !3 Ts o -5 :S 2 a c3 o 'g S .a ^ -Q ^ d t3 t3 •a M ' -f -d -3 S3 & S O^^^-SoOfl ^ "S >--5 S '^ S 2 "S oT . ft a ^ 1-3 O O IH !j ft CO -4J o HJ o c3 ri bC a; 2 fl 2 1 . £ => o 1 S ^ >"^ 40 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. The preceding table shows that nearly 12,000 more treat- ments have been given to swine this year than in 1918 and in 157 more herds. With this greater number of animals treated, either in prevention or cure of hog cholera, it is significant that the number of herds found to be already infected at the time of treatment is 48 less than last year. This fact indicates the trend of the whole situation toward the desired objective of control of the disease. In explanation of the increasing mortality rate both in in- fected herds and in those apparently healthy, it should be said that it is due to the prevalence of hemorrhagic septicemia (re- ferred to later in this report), which disease has caused the deaths of many animals, and which deaths are, in accordance with our custom, recorded in the mortality table of animals at any time treated in prevention or cure of hog cholera. During the past yea,r we have continued the practice, first advised in 1918, of treating animals in herds where the infec- tion was found to be extensive to a degree which we formerly thought rendered treatment inadvisable. If the infection is of an acute character, and the animals are not showing symptoms of a chronic type of the disease or of a secondary infection, we now treat the animals, finding that even under unfavorable con- ditions we can generally save enough of them to offset those which succumb, and thereby reduce by a considerable amount the money loss which the owner would sustain if none of the animals were treated because of doubtful chance of success. It is satisfactory to note a rapidly increasing number of swine owners who realize that the better thing for them to do is to have their swine treated before infection appears among them and prevent hog cholera rather than attempt to cure it. In the one case the outlay (for serum and virus only) is small and not to be compared with the probable loss which would sooner or later occur in a herd not immunized against hog cholera. On the whole, the sanitary conditions under which swine are kept are being gradually improved, as the swine owners are convinced, either by our strict regulations when service is re- quested or by actual experience, that proper sanitary conditions of piggeries not only limit the prevalence of contagious disease but influence the growth of the animals. While it is nearly 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 41 impossible to obtain perfect sanitary conditions in piggeries, especially where garbage is fed, much can be done in this direc- tion by systematic attention to detail. Swine are to-day probably receiving more particular attention on the part of experienced and specially trained individuals than ever before, with the result that much intensive study is being given the subject of their diseases. Some of these either formerly did not prevail or were not recognized as specific infections. For the past two years, however, some of them have prevailed to such an extent in Massachusetts as to demand our particular attention. Their prevalence as primary causes of swine sickness and their relation to hog cholera are being studied in field and laboratory in many parts of the world by a large number of workers. In the meantime such practical methods of control as have already been proved to be effective are being applied. Of these diseases, hemorrhagic septicemia and necrotic en- teritis are the ones at present recognized as being of the most importance in this State. The clinical symptoms of hemorrhagic septicemia often so closely resemble those of hog cholera as to make a differential diagnosis in the field very difficult and sometimes impossible. They are frequently determined to be coexistent, and decision often cannot be made as to which one is the primary causative factor and which the secondary. We consequently in many in- stances treat two different infections in the same animal. As far as saving the animals goes the results are generally satis- factory if the preventive treatments, found to be effective when used singly, are applied simultaneously. Immunization to hog cholera is always advised, either by single or double treatment as the conditions may warrant, and treatment of the other infections in addition thereto, as may seem advisable. During the year 16,180 treatments have been administered to swine in prevention or cure of hemorrhagic septicemia, a very large increase of this work over that done in 1918. The value of the work is without question. In many instances we have seen an outbreak of this disease checked in twenty-four hours. The probability is that there will be an increased demand for 42 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. service by our department inspectors in control of swine dis- eases the coming year. The work seems to be a popular one among those interested in swine production, as shown by their constantly increasing requests for this service, and, if the ratio of yearly increase in the number of swine is maintained, our present force will be taxed to the utmost to perform it in a satisfactory manner. Miscellaneous Diseases, Anthrax. — This disease, existing in many different parts of the world and causing an annual loss of many thousands of animals, has never prevailed to a serious extent in Massachu- setts. Every year, however, a few of our animals lose their lives by it, and prompt attention to any outbreak reported is necessary to limit its extension. While nearly all species of domesticated animals are susceptible to the infection, we find that cattle and sheep are the ones most commonly affected. The disease is communicable to the human subject, the mode of transmission generally being by the handhng of carcasses, raw^ hides or wool of animals which have died of the disease. The Department is therefore concerned not only with the dan- ger of this disease to our live stock but also with the danger of its transmission to the human subject. All reported cases of an outbreak among animals are immedi- ately investigated and subsequent action is taken as deemed advisable by the facts disclosed. Positive diagnosis is first necessary, and, as the animals generally either are found dead or die before arrival of a veterinarian or Department inspector, a post-mortem examination would ordinarily be depended upon to confirm the suspicions of anthrax. As post-mortem appear- ances in this disease are often not sufficiently characteristic to justify a positive diagnosis, and as the opening of a carcass allows the body fiuids to escape and possibly spread the in- fection, it is advised that the suspected carcass be not opened, but that a specimen of blood be drawn from the cadaver on to a piece of glass and then allowed to dry in the air. If this specimen is not badly contaminated by careless preparation, and is promptly forwarded to a laboratory, there is no diffi- culty in determining whether or not anthrax bacilli are present. 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 43 A field diagnosis or suspicion of anthrax having been con- firmed, preventive measures at once follow. They consist of proper disposal of diseased carcasses, disinfection of premises, and preventive inoculation of susceptible and exposed animals. To prevent infection spreading from a carcass it should be burned or deeply buried, covered with quicklime. Anthrax organisms or their spores if not destroyed may continue to infect soil for a long time; in many instances such infection has beeh found to exist for a number of years. We recom- mend that any contaminated ground be burned over and the surface area above the buried carcass be fenced and burned over yearly. Any contaminated portions of buildings if wooden should be torn out and burned, and if concrete should be thor- oughly disinfected. The remaining animals of the herd should be at once removed to other buildings or areas, and the apparently healthy ones inoculated in prevention of the disease. Animals already affected are sometimes successfully treated, but ordinarily the disease runs such a rapid course that death takes place before the animal is noticed to be seriously sick. Consequently our efforts are generally limited to protection of the animals not showing symptoms. Although a certain percentage of deaths may reasonably be expected to occur among the inoculated animals, we find in actual experience that fatalities are very few. Preventive inoculation is supposed to confer immunity for a period of at least twelve months. At premises where an out- break has occurred and there is reason to fear permanent in- fection, it is advised that all suspectible animals be given a preventive inoculation each succeeding year for a certain period. During the past year the disease has occurred only in cattle, 9 head on 5 different premises having been found to be affected. Of these 9 animals, 4 were in the town of Conway, 2 in the town of Lancaster, 1 in Egremont, 1 in Gardner, and 1 in Sheffield. The preventive inoculation has been apphed to 128 head of cattle on 8 different premises located in 5 towns. Reports of the existence of anthrax on 4 premises in 4 dift'er- ent towns proved upon investigation to be unfounded. In another case the animals recovered. On the cases reported from 3 of the 4 premises in 3 of the 4 towns laboratory diag- 44 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. nosis was negative. The specimens submitted from one town were too decomposed for a proper examination, and the trouble was diagnosed as forage poison. Blackleg. — This disease is very prevalent in many different parts of the world, and if not controlled causes severe losses on account of its high death rate. A disease affecting young cattle only and readily prevented by a yearly inoculation just before turning to pasture in the spring, its prevalence should be limited in this State and the fatalities few, and this no doubt would be the case if cattle owners would avail themselves of the free service of the Department of Animal Industry in pre- vention of the disease. On many farms in different parts of the State it has been found by actual experience that if the young cattle are not given preventive inoculation a certain number of deaths are liable to occur during the pastiue season, which fact indicates that a permanent or continuous infection of the soil exists, constituting a danger to all susceptible animals. The security which the Department's prevention work affords cattle owners in infected districts is so apparent that a steady increase in the number of applications for treatment received is noted from year to year. During 1919 we have administered preventive inoculation to 1,202 young cattle on 148 farms located in 47 towns, as tabulated below: — Adams, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ashfield, Premises. . 1 . 4 . 10 . 1 Athol, 3 Brimfield, 4 Chester, 5 Gardner, 1 Granville, 2 Great Barrington, . . .5 Greenwich, .... 2 Hadley, . . . . .1 Harvard, 4 Holyoke, 3 Huntington, .... 1 Lee, . . . . .13 Leicester, 1 Leverett, Littleton, . Lunenburg, Montague, . New Bedford, New Marlborouj North Adams, Northampton, Orange, Peru, . Pittsfield, Prescott, Princeton, Rowe, . Royalston, Rutland, Sandisfield, gh, Premises. 1. 2 1 1 1 3 3 6 13 1 3 5 1 8 1 1 4 1920. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 45 Premises. Premises. Shelburne, . . . 6 Wendell, . 1 Southampton, . 2 Westhampton, . . 1 South Hadlej^, . 1 Westminster, 1 Sterling, 2 Williamstown, . . 2 Townsend, . 7 Winchendon, 1 Tyringham, 2 Windsor, 1 Warwick, . 5 The records show that 27 deaths from blackleg on 13 differ- ent premises have been reported during the year, an increase of 10 over the year 1918, and that we have inoculated 11 per cent more animals this year than in 1918. The increase in this branch of the Department's work is un- doubtedly due to the fact that cattle owners are more gen- erally informed that their young stock can be successfully pro- tected against the disease without in any way interfering with their health or growth. The same general recommendations regarding disposal of infected carcasses by burning or deep bm'ial, followed by dis- infection of contaminated areas or buildings, are applicable as in cases of anthrax and referred to in the remarks on that dis- ease. The immediate removal of stock from the pastures where an outbreak occurs is also recommended. Actinomycosis. — Very few cases of this disease have been reported this year. Our customary action is to apply quaran- tine to animals reported as affected, while allowing owners to fatten them for slaughter if desired. Our attention has been called to 10 cases only during the year: 1 each in Hardwick, Kingston, Northfield, Taunton, Townsend and Wareham, and 4 in the town of Grafton. Of the 10 cases reported, 4 were released as not affected; 2 were released after treatment, the animals having recovered; and 4 Vv'ere condemned and slaughtered under proper meat inspection. Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Cattle. — ■ This is a disease which seems to be gradually increasing in prevalence each succeeding year. Our records for this year show that 9 more fatal cases have been reported than during 1918. Thirty-one head of cattle have died from the disease, these fatal cases occurring on 14 different premises in 10 dift'erent towns, namely, Buckland, 46 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Deerfield, Fitchburg, Groton, Lancaster, Rowe, Southwick, Wellesley, Wendell and Worcester, Its prevalence among swine is referred to on page 41 in con- nection with our work in prevention of hog cholera, for the reason that our field men engaged in inoculating swine against cholera have their attention directed to cases of hemorrhagic septicemia among them, and the record of both diseases is made at one time. The symptoms of hemorrhagic septicemia affecting cattle very closely resemble those of anthrax in many instances, and a differential diagnosis between these two diseases has frequently been possible only as a result of a laboratory examination of specimens from the carcasses of the animals. Preventive treatment has recently been developed to such a degree that it has been found possible to protect the remaining healthy animals, in herds where cases of the disease have occurred, by inoculation of biological preparations manufac- tured for the purpose. We have applied this preventive in- oculation to 52 head of cattle during the past year. It is generally found that removal of the herd from the pasture or premises where a fatal case has developed results in preventing further extension of the disease. This experience indicates that one source of the infection is located in the soil, and that contagion does not spread rapidly from animal to animal. The experience of many other States, where a wide- spread prevalence of this disease has been caused by shipments of cattle to the farms from public stockyards, has not occurred in Massachusetts. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that much of the restocking of herds in Massachusetts is by the addition of cattle shipped directly from farms of near-by States and not often through any public stockyard. At the principal Massachusetts stockyards, located at Brighton, this disease has not appeared, and it therefore seems that Massa- chusetts herds are at present safe from the extension of the disease through the channels by which it has been spread in many other sections of the country. Mange. — This very troublesome disease seems to have been much less prevalent than usual in Massachusetts during the past year. Our records show a smaller number of animals to have been affected with it than during the years 1916, 1917 or 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 47 1918. In 1916, 85 head of cattle were reported as affected; during the past year 76 head have been so reported. Thirteen horses on 9 premises have also been reported as showing posi- tive symptoms of this disease. The premises on which cattle have been reported are located in Concord, Dartmouth, Graf- ton, Lincoln, Merrimac, Milton, Needham, Northampton and Winchester. The places from which affected horses have been reported are Abington, Concord, Framingham, Medford, New- ton, Revere, Somerville, Taunton, Watertown and Worcester. Successful treatment of this disease is possible if the owner or attendant will faithfully carry out the local application of proper medicinal remedies. The treatment recommended is not expensive, but it is very inconvenient in application. It is our custom to quarantine affected animals if they are kept under conditions which favor the spread of the disease, and particu- larly where owners and attendants are not likely to properly attend to them. Fortunately, however, most of the owners of cattle affected with mange realize that its cure means an in- creased amount of animal products, and they therefore faith- fully follow directions for treatment. Successful treatment of the disease in horses also means increased capacity of the animals for work and less feed necessary to keep them in proper condition. Foot-and-mouth Disease. — This disease has not appeared in Massachusetts during the past three years, although we have received reports of its existence in the towns of Ashland and Lenox. Prompt investigation of these reports proved them to be unfounded. As it has lately prevailed to an alarming extent in many foreign countries, we must consider the possibility of its appearance in this country at any time. We are assured that the Federal authorities are carefully watching the situa- tion, and have formulated plans for the prompt inauguration of forceful control work if the emergency occurs. Locally, all Department veterinarians, inspectors of animals and private veterinarians are requested to be constantly on watch and to promptly report any suspicious cases, in order that measures may be immediately taken to prevent its spread. Diseases of Sheep. — On one of the smaller islands off the southern coast of the State owned by a private individual, a flock of about 750 sheep are maintained. In this flock the 48 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. disease known as "sheep scab" or "scabies" appeared im- mediately after the animals were sheared in June, and when reported to this office about 125 animals were aflFected, On a positive diagnosis being established by consultation of the veterinarian in attendance with a Department agent, arrange- ments for "dipping" the animals were soon made and carried into execution under supervision of the attending veterinarian. All the animals were twice subjected to the lime and sulphur dip, in accordance with a plan found effective by this De- partment in its experience with control of an outbreak of the disease on Nantucket Island in 1915. At the annual round-up of the animals the coming spring further attention to control measures will be given and further dipping be made if the same is found necessary. It seems probable that the disease was brought to this flock by the shearers, as its first appearance occurred soon after their work there and it had not existed in the flock previously. A few cases of nodular disease have been reported from the towns of Freetown, Salisbury and Uxbridge. This disease is due to an intestinal parasite which causes more or less loss by death of young lambs, and also by retarding the proper de- velopment of others which are harboring it. A case of forage poisoning occurred in the town of Orange. Infectious Abortion. ■ — The prevalence of infectious abortion in Massachusetts herds of cattle during the past year has been of the same great concern as has been referred to in previous reports. Its ravages are well known to every one engaged in the production of milk or in the breeding of thoroughbred cattle, and the losses occasioned by its attendant results are estimated to be second only to those caused by bovine tuber- culosis. As much of the loss caused by this disease is occasioned by resulting sterility, either permanent or temporary, which condition should properly be the subject of investigation by the herd owner's private veterinarian, followed by such treat- ment as he may recommend, it would seem that the function of this Department in connection with the situation should be limited to the giving of advice as to the general management of infected lierds, and as to the carrying out of sanitary measures recognized as essential to any progress in controlling the preva- lence of the infection. In other words, it does not seem feasible 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 49 for this Department at this time to enter the field of specific treatment of herds in which the infection prevails, or of in- dividual animals suffering from any one of the many different pathological conditions concurrent with the infection. Such work can probably be attended to more successfully by the private veterinarian who has fitted himself for this branch of expert veterinary practice. Equine Tuberculosis. — Tuberculosis is so rarely found in the equine species that special mention should be made of a horse killed by the Department in the town of Harvard in April of this year, post-mortem examination of which revealed extensive lesions of this disease, involving the major portion of the spleen and both lungs. This horse came from the West nine years ago, had been in the same town practically ever since his arrival, and had been used as a draft horse on two different farm prem- ises. He had apparently been in good health until last winter when he began to lose flesh rapidly, became muscularly weak, and showed a rapid respiration accompanied by a sonorous cough. No history could be obtained of other cases of tuber- culosis having existed on either of the farms where he had spent the major portion of his life. Positive diagnosis of the case was made as a result of laboratorv examination. The Department has frequently been called upon to make examination of animals reported to be affected with a conta- gious disease, and it has been found that the disease with which the animals may have been affected was not of a contagious nature. Among the diseases found in such instances may be mentioned acute indigestion, cancer, foot rot, forage poisoning, lead poisoning, keratitis, non-nutrition, pericarditis, pneumonia and traumatic septicemia. As we are anxious, however, to at all times be thoroughly informed as to the prevalence of contagious disease among our domestic animals, it is our custom to promptly investigate all such reports from whomsoever received. In September it was reported that an unusual number of deaths had occurred among horses pastured in the towns of Hingham, Norwell, Hull and Scituate, in an area about 10 miles square. In all, 10 horses had died or were killed, all exhibiting 60 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. a similar train of symptoms, namely, cerebral congestion, staggering gait, loss of co-ordination, partial paralysis of the hind limbs finally becoming complete, inability to rise, followed by death in thirty-six to forty-eight hours in some of the cases. Specimens were procured from the next case reported, which proved to be the last one, and submitted to laboratory exami- nation. This was, however, unsatisfactory, no specific organ- ism being found. Recorded symptoms all pointed to some form of forage poisoning as responsible for the fatalities, but the specific forage could not be identified. A prominent veterinary bacteriologist suggested the Bacillus hoiulinus as the possible causative organism, the history of the cases being similar to that of a number of cases in which the Bacillus botulinus was found to be present. Laboratory examination, however, did not substantiate this suggestion. The cases were all reported by one veterinarian and no other cases of a similar character were reported from other sections. Laboratory Examinations. We constantly request the submission to this Department of specimens for laboratory examination where contagious disease is suspected, or where for any reason positive diagnosis is neces- sary and cannot be made by other methods. In addition to the brains of 88 animals submitted because suspected of rabies and 125 samples of blood taken from animals in our work of glanders control, there have been 78 other specimens submitted to the laboratory for examination and diagnosis. These may be listed as follows under the name of the disease suspected, together with the finding of the laboratory: — Negative. Actinomycosis, Anthrax, Blackleg, Botulism, Glanders, Hemorrhagic septicemia, Infectious abortion, Malignant lymphoma, . Nodular disease, . Tuberculosis, No diagnosis. 10 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 51 The importance and absolute necessity of laboratory exam- inations in connection with the work of this Department are apparent. These examinations are specially important in con- nection with diseases which are communicable to the human subject, notably rabies, positive diagnosis of which by clinical symptoms of the suspected animal is often impossible for the reason that in many instances the infected animal is killed be- fore positive clinical symptoms have appeared. In case persons have been bitten by such an animal a diagnosis by laboratory examination becomes necessary for the purpose of determining whether or not preventive inoculation should be administered to the persons bitten. Failure to make diagnosis in such in- stances might result in the loss of human life. Laboratory in- vestigation in connection with our control work in other con- tagious diseases is also very necessary to its success and really indispensable at the present day. The laboratory of the State Department of Health has efficiently performed this entire serv- ice for us during the year. Annual Inspection of Farm Animals and Premises. In accordance with sections 14 to 24 of chapter 90 of the Re- vised Laws and pursuant to an order of the Commissioner issued Jan. 17, 1919, to inspectors of animals of all cities and towns of the Commonwealth, an inspection of all cattle, sheep and swine and the premises on which they are kept was duly made, and every inspector submitted to this office a report of his work. The inspector also made a duplicate report of his visit to each individual premises, leaving it with the owner. The complete reports sent to the office of the Department are carefully gone over and the information contained in them is tabulated for reference. They furnish a fairly correct and comprehensive survey of animal health in general and of the sanitary conditions under which Massachusetts live stock is kept, also valuable data for yearly comparison and for con- sideration when formulating general policies for disease control work. By reference to them may be gathered information as to existing conditions at any one point where unusual prevalence of disease may appear. These reports also furnish the only correct "census" of farm animals published, and in that connection are of considerable 52 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. interest and value not only to this Department but to other State departments, and to associations and individuals inter- ested in the breeding and raising of live stock, or engaged in any of the many branches of business closely related thereto. In instances where unsatisfactory conditions of animals or premises are found by the local inspectors, the latter make recommendations for improvements and later visit the premises to ascertain if such have been carried out. It frequently hap- pens that owners entirely fail to make the changes recom- mended, and in those instances the district veterinarians of the Department are directed to visit the premises in their re- spective districts and by every means possible to induce owners to bring sanitary conditions up to a reasonable state of per- fection. In pursuance of this plan district veterinarians made 2,097 visits during the year, and the result in a majority of instances was full or partial correction of the unsatisfactory conditions noted by local inspectors. A gross tabulation of annual reports of inspectors follows: — Total number of herds of cattle inspected, 30,155 Number of herds containing not over 5 dair}^ cows, . . . 22,135 Number of neat cattle inspected, 230,191 Number of dairy cows inspected, 150,593 Number of herds found clean and in good condition, . . . 29,048 Number of stables inspected, ' . . 31,123 Number of stables properly drained, 30,780 Number of stables well ventilated, 30,597 Number of stables sufficiently lighted, 30,302 Number of stables foimd clean, 29,806 Number of stables in which improvements were recommended, 976 Number of herds of swine inspected, 17,076 Number of swine inspected, 108,108 Number of herds of swine garbage-fed, . . . . . . 3,547 Number of swine garbage-fed, 55,652 Number of sheep inspected, 17,906 Number of goats inspected, 1,408 The annual inspection from which the above tabulation was made took place during the spring months of 1919, and at that time there was found a decrease in the total number of cattle in the State of 1,216 since the inspection made the previous year, a decrease of about one-half of 1 per cent. The present total is found to be only slightly below the average total for 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 53 the years 1901 to 1919. The number of dairy cows decreased during the year by 1,366, and the present total shows their number to be about 9,400 below the average number for the years mentioned. The above statistics referring to total number of swine are not reliable as showing the actual conditions of the swine- raising industry, for the reason that the numbers increase or decrease rapidly on individual premises according as new litters are farrowed or mature animals are shipped to market. The record of the inspector may be made just before or just after one of these happenings and does not therefore reliably indicate the condition as to numbers. The statistics referring to number of herds are, however, a proper basis for deductions. These show that 4,193 more people engaged in swine raising during the year ending in the spring of 1919 than had so engaged the previous year. The inspectors' records of the number of sheep found on farms show an increase during the year from 16,570 at the 1918 inspection to 17,906 in 1919. On account of the recent increas- ing interest in sheep raising the total number owned in the State will undoubtedly show an increase at the next inspection. In connection with the above reference to reports of the in- spectors of animals of the various towns and cities, attention may very properly be called to the value of the services of in- spectors in other instances. By law they are obliged to carry out any orders given them by the Commissioner of Animal Industry, and it frequently becomes necessary to call upon them for active service in connection with outbreaks of contagious disease or with the arrival of animals shipped interstate. In this way they are a necessary part of our organization, and according as they are alert, conscientious and faithful they render valuable aid and assistance in the execution of our work as a whole. Meetings of inspectors of animals were called at different points in the State as follows: Greenfield, October 28; Pitts- field, October 29; Springfield, October 30; Boston, November 5; Worcester, November 6; Middleborough, November 7. At these meetings there was a total attendance of 188. Much benefit was derived from the discussions of matters of especial interest to the local inspectors, such as general live-stock con- 54 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. ditions, the prevalence of rabies in dogs, of tuberculosis in cattle, and regarding the duties of inspectors in unusual in- stances of various kinds. A question box was instituted at each meeting as a new feature, and this brought forth much addi- tional discussion. Charts showing the Department's work in its various branches for a period of years were shown and ex- plained in detail by Department officials. Reports of Rendering Companies. Section 111 of chapter 75 of the Revised Laws, as amended by chapter 243 of the Acts of 1907, requires rendering com- panies to report to this Department every animal received by them which is found to be infected with a contagious disease, and the information thus furnished is of value in bringing to the attention of the Department occasional cases of these dis- eases which otherwise would not be known. A table of reports of rendering companies follows: — Rendering Companies. o a K o 3 o 6 O §5 Number of Cases of Tuberculosis. sO > g a Q CO g ^53-2 3H a Ayer Rendering Company, 3 - 3 - - Edwin G. Baker & Son, Providence, R. I., 8 - 9 - - L. B. Darling Fertilizer Company, Paw- tucket, R. I. Saul Donais, Southbridge, 1 - 1 - - 1 1 - - - William S. Higgins, Wilmington, 4 4 - - Home Soap Company, Millbury, 7 1 14 - - Lowell Rendering Company, 7 - 10 - - Muller Brothers, Cambridge, 3 4 - - - New England Rendering Company, Brighton. Parmenter & Polsey Fertilizer Company, Peabody. N. Roy & Son, South Attleborough, . 6 1 4 6 1 1 2 3 - 1 N. Roy, Jr., Fall River 8 - 11 - - Springfield Rendering Company, 1 1 - - - N. Ward Company, Boston, .5 9 - 1 - Worcester Rendering Company, 1 1 - - - Totals 60 25 57 1 1 Note. — All the above cases are included in statistics occurring elsewhere in this report. 1920.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 55 Receipts of Live Stock at the Stockyards in Boston and Vicinity foe Twelve Months ending Nov. 30, 1919. For several years, at the request of the United States De- partment of Commerce and Labor, a report of the receipts of all live stock at Boston has been sent to Washington each month. The following table shows the receipts by months for the past year: — Foe Month of— Cattle. Calves. Sheep. Swine. Horses. December, 21,219 19,909 18,899 205,330 985 January, 13,255 14,535 19,610 197,718 984 February, . 9,274 12,502 13,039 196,860 1,236 March, 10,390 19,077 11,510 121,476 1,955 April, . 11,664 35,780 14,966 91,926 2,358 May, . 8,512 27,887 13,530 93,399 1,865 June, . 7,320 18,454 8,902 133,801 1,525 July, . 9,727 17,592 23,304 133,609 1,125 August, 7,948 16,734 23,714 53,700 1.125 September, 9,760 15,519 33,358 55,624 1,126 October, 8,504 11,740 28,735 33,142 1,226 November, . 7,943 7,306 5,016 15,216 823 Totals, 125,516 217,035 214,583 1,331,801 16,333 Financial Statement. Appropriation for the salary of the Commissioner, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919, $3,500 00 Expended during the year for the salary of the Commissioner, . . 3,500 00 Appropriation for personal services of clerks and stenographers, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919, $8,000 00 Expended during the year for the following purposes: — Personal services of clerks and stenographers, . . . $7,045 25 Extra clerical and stenographic service, . . . . 167 13 Total expenditure $7,212 38 Unexpended balance, 787 62 $8,000 00 Appropriation for services other than personal, including printing the annual report, traveling expenses of the Commissioner, and office supphes and equipment, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919 , . . $4,400 00 56 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan. Expended during the year for the following purposes: — Books and maps, $72 35 Express and messenger service, 240 56 Postage, 730 72 Printing report, 145 53 Other printing 1,126 73 Telephone and telegrams, 643 52 Stationery and office supplies, ...... 724 04 Typewriter, 96 75 Expenses of the Commissioner, 515 45 Sundries, 3 45 Total expenditure, $4,299 10 Unexpended balance, 100 90 $4,400 00 Appropriation for personal services of veterinarians and agents engaged in the work of extermination of contagious diseases among domestic animals, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919 $47,000 00 Expended during the year for the following purposes: — Services of regular agents, $33,874 SI Services of per diem agents, 9,756 00 Labor hired, 326 00 Total expenditure, $43,956 81 Unexpended balance, 3,043 19 $47,000 00 Appropriation for the traveling expenses of veterina- rians and agents, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919, . . . $22,500 00 Expended during the year for the following purposes : — Traveling expenses of regular agents, .... $15,634 53 Traveling expenses of per diem agents, .... 5,381 29 Total expenditure $21,015 82 Unexpended balance 1,484 18 $22,500 00 Appropriation for reimbursement of owners of cattle and horses killed, travel, when allowed, of inspectors of animals, incidental expenses of killing and burial, quarantine and emergency services, and for laboratory and veterinary supplies and equip- ment, chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919, . . . $55,000 00 Brought forward from 1918 appropriation, ... 29 24 Total amount appropriated, . . . . . $55,029 24 Expended during the year for the following purposes : — 932 head of cattle condemned and killed on account of tuberculosis in 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, paid for in 1919, $39,135 82 31 horses condemned and killed on account of glanders and farcy in 1918 and 1919, paid for in 1919, . . 1,685 00 Supplies for veterinary inspectors, 1,058 16 Laundry, 523 58 1920.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 57 Antiseptics, biologies and disinfectants, .... $2,257 15 Thermometers, needles, syringes, etc., .... 1,393 50 Ear-tags, punches, chains, etc. 2,387 11 Expenses of killing and burial, 24 50 Expenses of travel allowed inspectors of animals, . . 594 63 Quarantine expenses, 162 18 Rent of quarantine office, 110 00 Sundries, 141 10 Total expenditure $49,472 73 Unexpended balance, 5,556 51 $55,029 24 The average price paid for condemned cattle for the year was $37.83. There has been received during the year from the sale of hides and carcasses of condemned animals $736.20, and for the testing of cattle for non-resident owners $2,271.75, a total amount of $3,007.95. Claims for 79 head of cattle condemned and killed as tuber- culous during the year remain unsettled, to be paid for on proof of claims, the appraised value of which amounts to $2,874. Claims for 2 horses condemned and killed during the year because deemed to be affected with glanders remain unsettled, to be paid for on proof of claims, the allowance for which under the law will amount to $100. Respectfully submitted, LESTER H. HOWARD, Commissio7ier.