Annual report of the Commissioner of Animal Industry

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FIRST ANNUAL EEPOET

Commissioner of Animal Industry.

1912.

For the Year ending November 30, 1912.

BOSTON:
WEIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
18 Post Office Square.
1913.

Approved by
The State Board of Publication.

®l)e ^ommontucaltt) of iMa06acl)ii6ett0.

Department of Aximal Industry,
Boston, Jan. 8, 1913.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives : —

In accordance with the provisions of section 4, chapter
608, Acts of 1912, which act is entitled " An Act to abolish
the Cattle Bureau of the State Board of Agriculture, and to
create a Department of Animal Industry," I have the honor
to present to the General Court the first report of the work
accomplished by the new department for the balance of the
fiscal year, viz., June 16 to November 30, inclusive, and also
the figures showing the work done from Dec. 1, 1911, to June
15, 1912, under the old Cattle Bureau.

Before entering upon a classified review of that work, I
deem it proper to introduce this initial report with a pref-
atory statement of a somewhat general nature that shall serve
to acquaint the members of your honorable bodies with the
scope and aims of the department, the results already secured
by the policy established, and the ultimate objects believed
by me to be possible of attainment.

On May 20, 1912, the bill establishing the Department
of Animal Industry was signed by His Excellency the Gov-
ernor, and on May 22, 1912, His Excellency the Governor
nominated, and, under a suspension of its rules, the Honor-
able Council unanimously confirmed, Fred Freeland Walker
of Burlington, who for nearly two years had been Chief of
the Cattle Bureau, to be commissioner of the newly estab-
lished Department of Animal Industry.

Eor the first time in the history of the State the animal
industry was by statute distinctly recognized as a factor in
the material prosperity of the Commonwealth. Eor the
first time the Massachusetts department was placed on the
plane established and maintained by the leading States in
the Union. By the establishment of this act, which central-

4 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

ized authority and responsibility, supplemented by the ap-
pointment of a commissioner who would proceed along
practical rather than theoretical lines, breeders of and dealers
in cattle and horses, dairymen and farmers were assured of
an opportunity to conduct their legitimate business without
being needlessly and unreasonably persecuted.

The department is endeavoring, while rigidly enforcing
the law, to exemplify the policy of " live and let live," to
treat the average man as honest, to educate rather than coerce,
to suggest rather than command; in short, to substitute
instruction and persuasion for persecution and prosecution
whenever possible.

The power granted to this department in relation to en-
forcing sanitary conditions in barns, stables or other build-
ings wherein cattle are housed has been exercised with dis-
cretion. In a large majority of cases reported, a suggestion
has proved to be all that was necessary to secure correction
and improvement. The response on the part of owners has
been most gratifying to me, so satisfactory in fact that I feel
the question of unsanitary farm buildings, where cattle are
housed and milk is produced, is being rapidly solved. In
my opinion there is no necessity for the several bills that
are regularly presented to the Legislature year after year
calling for special control of buildings where milk is pro-
duced. The work of inspecting such premises is required of
this department by law. The department is clothed with full
and unmistakable authority to act, and is daily exercising
such authority. Unsanitary conditions in all bams are under
constant surveillance, and the measures referred to, if en-
acted into law, would necessitate a duplication of inspectiouj
all of which is in my opinion a division of responsibility, to be
avoided whenever possible, and uncalled for.

Having been a dairyman for many years, I speak from
the vantage ground of practical experience, and I know that
the milk raiser of Massachusetts has been the victim of over-
inspection in the past, that he has become embittered and
despondent, and in many instances has been forced out of
business. The diminished herds in Massachusetts and the
increased importation of milk tell the story all too well, and

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 5

should serve as arguments against increasing the burden of
the producer. I believe that the policy now in operation
will restore confidence, add to the wealth of the State, and
improve the quality of milk, and thus contribute to the public
health.

To systematize the work of inspection, not only of cattle
but of the buildings in which they were being housed, and to
secure uniformity of methods, I caused the State to be di-
vided into nine districts, for each of which an inspector is
assigned from headquarters. The district agents control the
work in their respective districts through the inspectors ap-
pointed by local authorities, subject to approval by me. The
district agents are directly responsible to this department
for faithful discharge of duty. The local men, who cover
the entire State, are closely and constantly supersased by the
district agents, who are instructed to hold their subordinates
to a strict accountability for conditions in their respective
localities. These district men are almost without exception
veterinarians by profession, and men of scientific equipment
supplemented by wide practical experience. They are doing
their duty in a most satisfactory manner.

To promote a wider acquaintance with duties expected of
them, and with existing conditions, and to formulate action
that shall be uniform and in harmony with the policy of the
department, I have from time to time called meetings of the
district agents and local inspectors at central points in the
several districts, for consultation, instruction and interchange
of ideas. These district schools of instruction have proved
most profitable, and have established an esprit de corps that
is yielding returns, and must eventuate in an intelligent per-
formance of duty and a betterment of conditions all over the
State. The attendance at these meetings has been surpris-
ingly large, the suggestions ofl:'ered by the head of the depart-
ment have been received with eager appreciation, and the
discussion evoked has evidenced a widespread interest, and
has brought results that have more than met expectations.
The department throughout is working with a unity of pur-
pose that is full of cheer and encouragement.

The' Department of Animal Industry, an infant of a few

6

ANIMAL INDUSTRY.

[Jan.

months, is yet in its experimental stage, but it is, I am con-
vinced, facing the sunrise. Already the beneficial results of
the departmental policy are tangible. I am confident that
with encouragement and support, which must follow a cam-
paign of education, it will be able to work out the problem
of restoring the industry it is charged to defend and protect
to its old-time prestige. I look with confidence to see cattle
raising in Massachusetts again become a profitable industry;
and Massachusetts farm lands, enriched at low cost with fer-
tilizing material, yielding bountiful harvests of garden prod-
ucts and sweet-scented hay. I can see, if the present policy
of friendly suggestion, backed by State authority, is followed,
a plentiful supply of nutritious milk produced within State
lines, and sent out from barns properly ventilated and lighted,
and where the stock is comfortably and healthily housed ; and
when that time comes, not through algebraic formula of the
theoretical bacteriologist, but by the application of 'New Eng-
land common sense, the animal industry of the State will
enter upon an era of prosperity. To that end the department
is working with all its energies and resources.

Appended will be found comprehensive tabulated data of
the daily work of the department's agents, as carefully com-
piled by the assistants in the office. The figures comprise
the work for the entire year, including that done by the
Cattle Bureau since its last report was made and prior to
the establishment of the present department.

Kabies.
The following table shows the prevalence of rabies during
the year ending ISTov. 30, 1912 : —

Dogs.

Cattle.

Cats.

Horses.

Goats.

Pigs.

Killed or died with rabies, .
Killed by owners or died in quaran-
tine, not rabid.
Released from quarantine, .
Animals still in quarantine, .

90
47

61
39

6
1

1

1

2

2
1

1
1

7

Totals

237

8

3

3

2

7

Grand total, ....

260 animals.

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 7

There has been a decrease in the number of cases of rabies
from that of last year. The greater number of cases occurred
again this year in the IMerrimac River valley, there being 51
cases out of a total of 100 which occurred in towns lying
wholly or in part in this valley. Owing to this fact, muzzling
orders were issued in Haverhill, Lawrence and Andover,
where the principal outbreaks seem to have occurred, in an
endeavor to prevent the further spread of the disease. A
slight outbreak occurred in Swansea, having been caused by
a dog which came over the line from Rhode Island.

During the year Dr. Langdon Frothingham has examined
the brains of 45 dogs and 1 cow, of which 29 dogs and the
cow proved to be positive cases of rabies, and 14 proved to
be negative. Two heads of dogs suspected of being rabid
were sent in for microscopical examination, one of which was
in such bad condition that no diagnosis could be made, and
in the other case the diagnosis was questionable.

The records show that no less than 32 persons were bitten
by rabid animals, or so exposed by handling the same that it
was deemed advisable to recommend the Pasteur treatment.

Although the number of cases has been somewhat smaller
this year than last, the seriousness of this disease should be
realized, and all dogs or other animals suspected of having
the disease, or of having been exposed to an animal affected
with rabies, should be immediately restrained or quarantined,
and notice sent at once to this department.

In connection with this work the following Order 'No. 4
was issued during the year : —

Order No. 4. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Department of Animal Industry,

State House, Boston, July 31, 1912.

To All Persons whom it may concern: —

Cattle Bureau Order No. 14 is hereby revoked.

Whereas the disease known as rabies, which is a contagious dis-
ease and is so recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth,
prevails among dogs in certain sections of this Commonwealth, and
whereas it has become necessary to adopt measures for the pre-
vention of the spread of said contagious disease,

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority

8 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

vested in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws
and chapter 608 of the Acts of 1912, and all acts in amendment
thereof and addition thereto, and all other authority me hereto
enabling, I do hereby make the following order and regulation : —

Section 1. In any city or town within the limits of this Common-
wealth where, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Animal
Industry, there is danger of an outbreak of rabies, if the local author-
ity, after being notified of such danger and advised by the Commis-
sioner of Animal Industry to order all dogs in such city or town
properly and securely muzzled or restrained from running at large,
under the authority given by section 158 of 'chapter 102 of the Re-
vised Laws, refuses or neglects to do so for seven days after such
notice, all dogs in any such city or town shall be securely muzzled
or restrained from running at large for a period of three months
from the date of notice to the local authority.

Section 2. Dogs running at large unmuzzled contrary to the
provisions of this order shall be killed.

Section 3. All dogs and cats known to have been bitten by a
dog known to have had rabies, after this order takes effect, shall be
killed.

Section 4. All persons are forbidden to tamper with or disfignire
any notice posted by order of the Commissioner of Animal Industry,
subject to the penalty of the law.

Fred Freeland Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edward F. Hamlin,
Executive Secretary.

In September the following circular letter was issued for
general distribution, it being similar to one previously issued
by tbe Cattle Bureau : —

The Commonwealth of MASSACHtrsETi s,
Department of Animal Indtjstet,
State House, Boston, Sept.JilS, 1912.

To the Mayors and Aldermen of Cities, Selectmen of Towns, Boards
of Health, Physicians, Veterinarians, Inspectors of Animals,
and Others whom it may concern: —
Owing to the alarming prevalence of rabies, you are hereby no-
tified to strictly adhere to the following rules in dealing with sus-
pected cases of this disease : —

1913.1 PUBLIC document — No. qs.

1, Dogs should not be killed.
If a person has been bitten by a dog and desires to ascertain
whether or not it is rabid, do not kill the dog (unless his extreme
violence absolutely necessitates it), but confine him, so that he cannot
possibly escape (in a box stall or room, for example). Give him
food and water, and notify the Department of Animal Industry
immediately. Keep confined for ten days. If during this period of
time no symptoms of rabies appear in the animal, there is no danger
of the one bitten having been infected; but should characteristic
symptoms develop, the person bitten should begin the Pasteur pre-
ventive treatment at once. On the contrary, if the dog is killed
before symptoms of rabies are evident, the microscopic examination
may prove negative or doubtful, and inoculations must be made to
prove the existence or nonexistence of rabies. It may take several
weeks or months before the result of such inoculations is known;
thus much valuable time is lost, and persons bitten must remain in
anxious doubt.

2. Bites.
Bites of dogs or other animals suspected of being rabid should be
treated as soon as possible with strong, fuming nitric acid. The best
way to apply the acid is with a capillary glass pipette, which should
be inserted to the bottom of all wounds. (If no pipette is at hand,
use a wooden toothpick.) In case of severe wounds upon the head
or face, it is weU to etherize the patient, that the acid may be ap-
plied with the utmost thoroughness and care. Experiments have
demonstrated that no other cauterization, not even actual cautery,
is as efficacious as nitric acid. It causes no serious local injury, and
should be applied even if a day has elapsed since the bite was in-
flicted.

3. Destruction of Supposed Rabid Animals.
Do not shoot an animal in the head with a shotgun at close range.
By so doing the brain will undoubtedly be ruined, and a careful
microscopic examination cannot be made. Moreover, a brain thus
injured quickly putrefies, especially in warm weather, so that inocu-
lations are also impossible. If an animal must be shot, it should be
done with a pistol, and the bullet should enter the forward part of
the brain, otherwise important regions for examination will be de-
stroyed. It is better still, when possible, to shoot the dog through
the heart; but where it can be done, chloroforming is preferable to
shooting.

10 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

4. Shippiistg.

If a post-mortem diagnosis of an animal supposed to have been
rabid is desired, out off the head, keep it cold, wrap it in cloth, pack
in a box or pail with plenty of sawdust and ice, and send it to the
Department of Animal Industry, State House, Boston, Mass. Ice
is most essential in warm weather, and especially in cases where the
skull has been fractured and the brain exposed or severely injured,
as putrefaction will quickly occur, preventing inoculations should
they be necessary. Sawdust, excelsior or waste should be used to
prevent the leakage of blood, etc.

Avoid shipping so that the head will reach Boston on a Saturday
afternoon or the afternoon before a holiday, as it will not be delivered
until Monday morning or the morning after the holiday, and much
putrefaction will have occurred as the result of remaining so long
in a warm express office. If practicable, the head should be kept at
a cold-storage plant until shipped.

Feed F. Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Glanders.

Glanders still exists to an alarming extent in the State.
Twelve hundred and ninety-two horses and mules have been
reported as suspected of having glanders or farcy, including
those dealt with in stable tests. Of these, 831 were killed or
died, and were found to be affected with this disease; 376
were released after examination, and 41 were held for further
observation. Of the 44 cases held over from last year, 10
were killed or died, and the remaining 34 were released as
free from disease, making a total of 841 cases of glanders
during the year. Of this number, 395 were reported from the
city of Boston.

The " complement-fixation " test for the detection of glan-
ders has been used quite extensively during the past year, 778
samples of blood having been taken from- 682 horses. Of
this number, 129 horses were killed, 6 died, 521 were released
and 26 were held over for further test. This test has been
found to be very efficient for the quick diagnosis of question-
able cases of this disease.

During the early part of the year samples of blood were

1913.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT -^ No. 98.

11

sent for examination to the United States Bureau of Animal
Industry at Washington, but on account of the necessary
delay in getting reports on the same, it was found more prac-
ticable to have the test performed by Dr. Langdon Frothing-
ham at the Harvard Medical School. By this method a posi-
tive diagnosis can be obtained within twenty-four hours of
the time of taking the blood sample.

The use of mallein has been restricted to those cases in
which the diagnosis was still doubtful, and therefore has not
been used as extensively as in the past few years.

The reports of rendering companies, as required by section
111 of chapter 75 of the Revised Laws, as amended by chap-
ter 243 of the Acts of 1907, continue to be of much value in
furnishing information of cases of glanders or farcy, which
would not otherwise be brought to the attention of the depart-
ment, as the following table illustrates: —

Beports of Rendering Comp

cmies.

Number

Rendbbing Companies.

Number

of
Reports.

Number

of

Cases.

Number

in
Boston.

Number
out of
Boston.

outside
of Boston
not pre-
viously
reported.

William S. Higgins, Saugus,

2

2

-

2

-

Home Soap Company, Millbury,

2

.3

-

3

-

Lowell Rendering Company,

1

1

1

-

James E. McGovern, Andover, .

2

4

-

4

-

Muller Brothers, Cambridge,

14

44

3

41

5

New Bedford Extractor Company,

4

4

-

4

1

New England Rendering Company,
Brighton.

Parmenter & Polsey Fertilizer Com-
pany, Peabody.

N. Roy, Jr., Fall River,

15

2
15

40
3

22

16

24

3

22

17
6

N. Ward Company, South Boston, .

24

214

195

19

5

Whitman & Pratt Rendering Company,

North Chelmsford.
Worcester Rendering Company, .

1
4

2
5

~

2
5

2

Totals

86

344

214

130

36

Perhaps the most important feature of the provisions of
chapter 608 of the Acts of 1912 Avas the transfer of authority
with reference to the control of glanders and rabies in the

12 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

city of Boston to the State Department of Animal Industry,
the above-mentioned diseases having been under the control
of the local health department of that city since 1898. This
transfer of authority materially increased the responsibility
of the department.

Immediately upon being installed as Commissioner of
Animal Industry I realized the importance of the glanders
work. I held a conference with the members of the Boston
board of health and learned from them, much to my satisfac-
tion, that they were willing to co-operate with the State de-
partment in an effort to control contagious diseases within
the city limits. I then decided that the wisest course to pur-
sue was to let the matter of the detail of operation rest for
the time being with the Boston board of health, they assuring
me that they would continue the work on practically the same
lines on which it had been conducted in the recent past. This
policy was continued until a comparatively recent date, when
it became apparent that the most effective work could be done
by placing Boston in practically the same position with refer-
ence to the department as are all the other cities and towns of
the State. I have since that time conducted a very careful
study of the situation, and am at this time convinced that,
with the highly satisfactory diagnostic agents at the disposal
of the State, together with the advanced knowledge of the
control of glanders gained through the wide experience of the
eminently qualified corps of veterinarians associated with the
department, there will be no more extensive spread of this
disease ; and that through the stimulant of a bill to compen-
sate owners for horses killed on account of glanders we may
reasonably look for a material decrease in the number of
horses affected with glanders in this State.

After a thorough study of conditions from the standpoint
of glanders control, it appears that the act of 1912, creating
a law that is uniform in its application, was well justified.
The policy in vogue at the present time places the Department
of Animal Industry'' in close touch with all cases of animal
diseases in all parts of the State. In Boston the work should
be particularly effective because of the fact that the men

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 13

performing the function of local inspector of animals are
skilled veterinarians, trained in the work of detecting dis-
eases among animals. All cases discovered by these men are
immediately reported to the State department, as are those
found in other cities and towns. To further expedite the
control of an outbreak, an agreement has been reached be-
tween the authorities of the State and the city of Boston
whereby the Commissioner of Animal Industry may authorize
these veterinarians to act as agents of the State department
in such cases as he may wish to delegate to them. These city
veterinarians for Boston are now furnished with the litera-
ture issued by the Department of Animal Industry, such as
orders, rules and regulations, etc. They now proceed backed
by the law of the Commonwealth direct, which makes their
position unchallenged from a legal standpoint; and, best of
all, this united effort on the part of all authorities establishes
a feeling of confidence on the part of the public.

During the year the following orders, 'Nos. 1 and 2, re-
lating to this branch of the work, were issued by the depart-
ment : —

Obder No. 1. The Commonwealth of Massachttsetts,

Department of Animal Industry,

State House, Boston, July 30, 1912.

To All Persons whom> it may concern: —

Cattle Bureau Order No, 31 is hereby revoked.

Whereas the disease known as glanders and farcy, which is a con-
tagious disease and is so recognized under the laws of this Common-
wealth, prevails extensively among horses and mules in certain
sections of this Commonwealth; and whereas it has become necessary
to adopt measures for the prevention of the spread of said contagious
disease,

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws and chap-
ter 608 of the Acts of 1912, and all acts in amendment thereof and
addition thereto, and all other authority me hereto enabling, I do
hereby make the following order and regulation : —

Section 1. Horses or mules kept in stables or upon premises
in this Commonwealth may be subjected to such treatment or tests
for the detection and diagnosis of glanders as the Commissioner of
Animal Industry may deem necessary. Animals reacting to any such

14 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

test or treatment may be held in quarantine, and the owners are for-
bidden to sell or dispose of such animals until they are released
from quarantine by order of the Commissioner of Animal Industry;
but said eom.missioner may give permission to use animals which do
not show physical symptoms of glanders or farcy. Animals which
develop physical symptoms of glanders or farcy will be killed; ani-
mals ceasing to react will be released as soon as, in the opinion of
said commissioner, the public safety will permit.

Section 2. When an animal affected with glanders or farcy has
died, or is killed by order of the Commissioner of Animal Industry,
or with the consent of the owner, the stable, shed or inclosure
formerly occupied by said animal shall be thoroughly disinfected in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of
Animal Industry.

Section 3. Except with the approval of the Commissioner of
Animal Industry, no horses or mules shall be introduced into, sold
from or in any manner removed from any stable where animals
suspected of being affected with glanders or farcy are under test,
or held under observation by order of said commissioner, or into or
from any stable the owner or occupant of which has been notified
that said stable is infected with glanders or farcy, until said com-
missioner has declared said premises free from infection.

Section 4. Blacksmiths shall keep their shops free from infec-
tion, and, when directed by the Commissioner of Animal Industry
or his authorized agent, shall disinfect said shop in accordance with
the instructions of said commissioner or his agent.

Section 5. In instances where, in the opinion of the Commis-
sioner of Animal Industry, the circumstances require it, the proper
authorities are hereby ordered to close the public watering troughs
when directed to do so by said commissioner, the same to remain
closed until he gives permission to reopen them. Public watering
troughs in cities or towns where cases of glanders or farcy occur
shall be cleansed by the proper authorities of said city or town at
least once a week during the summer months.

Fred Feeeland Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edward F. Hamlin,
Executive Secretary.

Order No. 2. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Department of Animal Indtjstry,

State House, Boston, July 31, 1912.

To All Persons whom it may concern: —

Whereas the disease known as glanders and farcy, which is a
contagious disease and is so recognized under the laws of this Com-

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 15

monwealth, prevails extensively among horses and mules in certain
sections in this Commonwealth; and whereas it has become neces-
sary to adopt measures for the prevention of the spread of said
contagious disease,

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws and chap-
ter 608 of the Acts of 1912, and all acts in amendment thereof and
addition thereto, and all other authority me hereto enabling, 1 do
hereby make the following order and regulation : —

Barns, stables, pastures, yards and all other places where horses,
asses or mules are kept shall be maintained in such sanitary condi-
tion as the Commissioner of Animal Industry may deem necessary
to prevent the spread of contagious diseases among such animals.

Fred Feeeland Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edv^ard F. Hamlin",
Executive Secretary.

Annual Inspection of ISTeat Cattt-e, Fakm Animals,
AND Premises upon which the Former are kept.

A radical change was made in the form in which the
records of the annual inspection were returned to this depart-
ment. In January a copy of the following circular letter was
sent to each inspector of animals in the cities and towns of
the State, together with blank books in which to record the
results of their work : —

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Cattle Bureau of the State Board of Agriculture,

Room 138, State House, Boston, Jan. 20, 1912.

Directions to Inspectors of Animals,
In accordance with section 17, chapter 90 of the Revised Laws,
inspectors of animals are hereby directed to make a general inspec-
tion of all neat cattle, sheep and swine found within the limits of
their several cities and towns, such inspection to commence February
1, and to be completed on or before the fifteenth day of March, 1912.
If upon examination the inspectors find such animals to be free
from contagious disease, they will give the owner or person in charge
thereof a certificate of health, as provided for in section 18 of the
law, this certificate being taken from the book of blanks (Form No.
2) furnished for that purpose; but if an inspector has reason to
suspect the presence of any contagious disease among any species

16 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

of domestic animals, he is to quarantine such animal or animals,
and send duplicate copy of such quarantine to the Chief of the
Cattle Bureau.

Contagious diseases, under the provisions of section 28, chapter
90 of the Revised Laws, include glanders, farcy, mange, contagious
pleuro-pneumonia, tuberculosis, Texas fever, foot-and-mouth disease,
rinderpest, hog cholera, rabies, anthrax or anthracoid diseases, sheep
scab and actinomyco^sis.

Books will also be forwarded (Form No. 1) for carrying out the
provisions of sections 17 and 24 of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws.
This book varies radically from that used at the last inspection. The
questions asked may be answered by using a check mark, according
to instructions printed at bottom of each page. Ten questions may
be answered by checking the word " Yes " or " No." That is, if the
answer to question is " Yes," a check mark or cross is to be made on
or through the word " Yes." Four questions may be answered by
cheeking the proper word in question. That is, question No. 8 reads :
"Is stable clean, unclean or filthy?" J£ stable is clean, the word
" clean " is to be checked or crossed ; if stable is unclean, the word
" unclean " is to be checked or crossed, etc. Two questions, Nos. 9
and 16, require the answers to be written out in full; these refer to
disposal of manure and to nature of improvements made in build-
ings or surroundings during the past year.

It is sincerely hoped that the inspection this spring will be a thor-
ough one, and as the questions are more pertinent to the facts which
this office requires in order to get a full understanding of the true
condition of matters relating to the animal industry of Massachusetts,
it is requested that the answers be carefully made.

The books necessary for this inspection will be forwarded at once.
Form No. 1 is to be returned to this office by prepaid express as
soon as inspection is completed. Form No. 2 is not to be returned.

Fred Freeland Walker,
Chief of Cattle Bureau.

The following table embodies a condensed report of the
doings of the inspectors of animals in making the annual
inspection, which complies with the requirements of section
24, chapter 90, Revised Laws : —

Net Besults of Annual Inspection of Animals and Farm Premises.

Number herds inspected, 31,070

Number neat cattle inspected, 233,348

Number cows inspected, ....... 166,510

Number herds kept clean and in good condition, . . . 26,374

1913.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98.

17

Number sheep inspected,
.Number swine inspected,
Number goats inspected,
Number stables inspected, .
Number stables well located.
Number stables well drained,
Number stables well ventilated,
Number stables well lighted,
Number stables kept clean, .
Number stables with good Avater supply.
Number stables improved since last inspection.

25,236

98,836
1,316
32,669
29,733
30,628
29,504
26,865
25,188
27,707
2,068

While in a general way the work of a large per cent, of the
inspectors of animals has been highlj^ satisfactory, still there
is much to be desired in the way of improvement in this class
of work. It can be very truthfulh^ said, however, that in
proportion to the compensation received nearly all inspectors
have performed their work in a creditable manner.

I wish to call your attention especially to the matter of
compensation received by inspectors of animals. In practi-
cally every individual case the amount received is entirely
inadequate for the work demanded of these officials, and there
must be a radical change in the amount of compensation
allowed before we can properly hope for a material improve-
ment in the class of work done; and I earnestly advise that
mayors and aldermen of cities and selectmen of towns provide
for more adequate compensation for inspectors of animals,
and that these officials be chosen with greater care in regard
to their efficiency and adaptability for the work to which they
are assigned.

TrBEECULOSIS.

The work for the eradication and control of bovine tuber-
culosis can, as usual, be grouped under three heads: iirst,
the examination of animals quarantined by the local inspec-
tors on suspicion of being diseased, and the appraisal and
condemnation of those found by the agents to be tuberculous ;
second, the quarantining and testing of cattle intended for
dairy or breeding purposes, brought into Massachusetts from
other States to the stock yards at Brighton, Watertown or

IS

ANIMAL INDUSTRY

[Jan.

Somerville, and those brought in on permits to other points ;
third, testing- cattle with tuberculin for owners who are
desirous of eradicating the disease from their herds.

The following figures show the number of neat cattle quar-
antined by local inspectors, the number for which warrants
were issued, and the disposition made of the animals : —

Total number of cattle quarantined or reported for examina-
tion during the year, 3 449

Massachusetts Cattle.

Number released,

Number condemned, killed and paid for, .
Number condemned and killed, in process of

settlement, ..,.,.
Number permit to kill, paid for,
Number permit to kill, to be paid for, .
Number permit to kill, no award, .
Number died in quarantine, no award, .
Number in quarantine, unsettled,

549
1,758

188
160

1

231

62

5

Cattle from witliout tlie State.

Number released, 5

Number released for slaughter, ... 1

Number condemned and killed, no award, . 473
Number condemned and killed, no lesions

found, paid for, 16

2,954

495

Total,

3.449

Of the above 495 interstate cattle, 364 were tested at
Brighton, 1 of which was released for slaughter and 363 con-
demned; no lesions were found in 8, for which the State
has reimbursed the owners. Of the remaining 131 cattle
(which were tested at other points than Brighton), 8 were
found to show no lesions, for which the State has reimbursed
the owners.

In addition to the 3,449 head of cattle disposed of as above,
242 cattle and 66 swine have been reported bv butchers, ren-
derers and boards of health as having been found tuberculous
at the time of slaughter, all of which were rendered.

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 19

The policy of the Department of Animal Industry in re-
gard to the handling of tuberculous cattle is not materially
different from that recently adopted by the Cattle Bureau.
The department's agents are instructed to keep in mind two
things ; in the first place, the control;, and, so far as possible,
the eradication of the disease from the herds with which they
have to deal ; secondly, the increased cost of milch cows to
the dairymen. They urge, and the commissioner instructs,
the several local inspectors of animals to use diligence to de-
tect the existence of the disease in its earlier stages, in order
to prevent, so far as possible, the spread of the disease which
would result from contact of well-advanced cases with healthy
cattle. When this policy becomes sufficiently established by
the exercise of greater diligence on the part of these local
representatives, the quality of work done by the department
will be materially improved.

Under the second group, — the maintenance of a quaran-
tine against other States to prevent the introduction of tuber-
culous cattle from outside sources into Massachusetts, — the
following figures show the number of animals brought in
from without the State, and the disposition made of them : —

Receipts of Stock at the Watertown Stock Yards, from Bee. 1, 1911,
to Nov. 30, 1912.

New Hampshire cattle, 7,430

Vermont cattle, . . . 4,877

Massachusetts cattle, 2,192

Sheep, 2,265

Calves, 25,194

Swine, 9,311

Eeceipts of Stock at the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Com-
pany's Yards at Somerville, from Dec. 1, 1911, to Nov. 30, 1912..

Maine cattle, 538

New Hampshire cattle, 932

Vermont cattle, 6,452

Western cattle, 26,905

Canada cattle, 6,112

Sheep, 488,783

Calves, 43,922

Swine 1,205,325

20 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

Receipts of Stock at Brighton, from Dec. 1, 1911, to Nov. 30, 1912.

Maine cattle, 7,068

New Hampshire cattle, 2,933

Vermont cattle, 3,529

Massacliusetts cattle, 14,370

New York cattle, 24,279

Western cattle, 29,718

Canada cattle, . . . 1,835

Sheep, 18,525

Calves, , . 52,118

Swine, . 75,179

Cattle tested, 13,699

Cattle condemned, 364

Permit to kill, 24

Released after test, ........ 13,311

The cattle upon which a tuberculin test is required are
mostly milch cows to be offered for sale at the Brighton mar-
ket Wednesdays, besides a few bulls and working oxen. Those
animals that come to Watertown or Somerville are taken to
Brighton, and all of the testing is done at the stock barn there.

The special agent in charge of the quarantine stations at
Brighton, Watertown and Somerville has during the past
year further demonstrated his ability to successfully cope
with the many and varied problems that constantly confront
him. It is a well-recogTiized fact that to successfully handle
the work at these quarantine stations, in accordance with the
provisions of law which govern that work, requires extreme
tact and diplomacy. I take great pleasure in saying that,
although the work is arduous, and the conditions which con-
front our representative are many times of the most trying
character, the results attained are most satisfactory, both
from the standpoint of the protection thereby afforded to the
public health, and the degree of satisfaction felt by the drov-
ers and dealers whose business it becomes our duty to regulate.

In July the following order ISTo. 5 was issued by the depart-
ment : —

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 21

Order No. 5. The CoMMO>rwEALTH of Massachusetts,

Department- of Animal Industry,
State House, Boston, July 31, 1912.

To Transportation Companies, the Brighton Stock Yards Company,
and All Persons whom it may concern: —

Cattle Bureau Order No. 28 is hereby revoked.

Whereas, the disease known as tuberculosis, which is a contagious
disease and is so recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth,
prevails extensively among cattle in certain sections of the United
States, the District of Columbia and Canada, and whereas such
localities are, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Animal Industry,
infected districts; and whereas it has become necessary to adopt
measures for the prevention of the spread of said contagious disease.

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws and chap-
ter 608 of the Acts of 1912, and all acts in amendment thereof and
addition thereto, and all other authority me hereto enabling, I do
hereby make the following order and regulation : —

Section 1. No neat cattle brought from any State or territory
of the United States, the District of Columbia, Canada or any other
country without the limits of this Commonwealth shall be brought
within the limits of this Commonwealth, except for delivery directly
to the Union Stock Yards in the town of Watertown, the premises
of the Brighton Stock Yards Company in Brighton, within the city
of Boston, or the premises of the New England Dressed Meat and
Wool Company in the city of Somerville, except upon a permit
signed by the Commissioner of Animal Industry ; and no neat cattle
so brought for delivery at any of said points shall be unloaded, ex-
cept as provided in section 3, at any point other than the said prem-
ises of the Brighton Stock Yards Company in Brighton, the Union
Stock Yards in Watertown, or the premises of the New England
Dressed Meat and Wool Company in Somerville.

Section 2. All neat cattle brought within the limits of this Com-
monwealth from any place designated in section 1 hereof, except
for delivery as provided in the preceding section, must be accom-
panied by a permit issued by the Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Section 3. If, for any cause, any such neat cattle are received
by any of your agents within the limits of this Commonwealth at
any place other than the Union Stock Yards in Watertown, the
premises of the Brighton Stock Yards Company in Brighton, or the
premises of the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company in
Somerville, not accompanied by a permit, as provided in section 2
hereof, you will immediately notify this ofl&ce, giving the place where
said animals were received for shipment, the name of the consignee
and destination of said animals. You Avill not remove said animals

22 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

or permit them to be removed from the car or vehicle in which they
are contained without permission from the Commissioner of Animal
Industry, or one of his agents, except that if, by reason of the
crowded condition of the car, or because of the long confinement of
said animals within the same, or for accident or otherwise, it is
deemed expedient by you or your agent to unload the same, such
animal or animals may be removed by you from said car or vehicle
without permission; but in such case you will notify this office, and
you will not allow said animal or animals to go out of the possession
of your agent or off from your premises where said animals are
unloaded except upon obtaining such permission.

Sectioi^ 4. All neat cattle brought within the limits of the prem-
ises in Brighton, Watertown and Somerville, designated in section
1 hereof, are hereby declared to be quarantined, until released by an
agent of the department.

Section 5. All cattle, except those for immediate slaughter or
calves under six months old, intended to be kept in the State per-
manently, must be tested with tuberculin either prior to shipment
or after arrival at destination.

Certificates of tuberculin test made by qualified veterinarians resid-
ing in other States will be accepted, provided the test is made with
tuberculin furnished or approved by State or federal government,
and provided also that the certificates are approved and endorsed
by the official in charge of live-stock interests in the State from
which the cattle are shipped, or by his deputy.

The Commissioner of Animal Industry may in his discretion re-
test any or all tested cattle brought within the limits of the Com-
monwealth from other States.

All tests made upon cattle after arrival within the limits of the
Commonwealth must be made by agents of the Department of Ani-
mal Industry, with tuberculin furnished by the department. Such
testing will be free of expense to citizens of Massachusetts, and at
cost for other persons.

Cattle brought to the quarantine stations at Watertown, Brighton
and Somerville, upon which a test is required, will be held and
tested by the agent of the Department of Animal Industry in charge
of these stations, unless released by such agent on certificates of test
approved and endorsed, as hereinbefore described.

All cattle upon which a test is required, coming to points outside
the limits of the quarantine stations, are to be held in quarantine
at the risk and expense of the owner imtil released by order of the
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Cattle returning from out-of-State pastures or boarding places,
satisfactory as to sanitary conditions to the Commissioner of Animal
Industry, will not be subjected to a tuberculin test if they have not
been out of the State over six months, provided they bear ear tags

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 23

furnished for this pui-pose by the Massachusetts Department of
Animal Industry, the numbers of which have been forwarded to the
office of the department prior to the cattle being sent out of the
State.

Cattle being returned to Massachusetts from without the State
will not be considered as returning from out-of-State pastures unless
they are returned to the farm of the person who originally sent them
out of the State.

Cattle brought in from foreign countries, which have passed a test
given by an agent of the United States Bureau of Animal Industry,
will be released upon arrival at destination without further test, and
no certificates will be required.

Animals under control of the United States Bureau of Animal
Industry, Department of AgTiculture, intended for export, are not
included in this order.

Animals believed to be diseased will be killed.

Section 6. This order shall be published by sending a copy to
each inspector of animals in the Commonwealth, and by furnishing
a copy to each shipper of cattle into the State upon permits issued
in accordance with the provisions as stated above.

Fred Freeland Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edward F. Hamlin,
Executive Secretary.

During the year the following order '^o. 3 was issued,
printed on large placards and posted on the quarantine
grounds. The purpose of this order, similar to one which
has been issued in previous years, was to prevent the spread
of contagion from any cattle which might be brought from
districts infected with Texas fever during; the summer months.

Obdeb No. 3. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Depaetment of Animal Industry,
State House, Boston, July 31, 1912.

To All Persons whom it may concern: —

Whereas, the disease known as Texas fever, which is a contagious
disease and is so recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth,
prevails among cattle in some of the States and territories of the
United States, and whereas animals infected with or exposed to said
disease are likely to be brought upon the premises of the Butchers'
Slaughtering and Melting Association at Brighton for slaughter.

24 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws and chap-
ter 608 of the Acts of 1912, and all acts in amendment thereof and
addition thereto, and all other authority me hereto enabling, I do
hereby make the following order and regulation : —

The premises of the Butchers' Slaughtering and Melting Associa-
tion at Brighton are hereby quarantined. Neat cattle shall be brought
upon them for immediate slaughter only, between the date when this
order is approved and the first of November, 1912. Cattle brought
upon these premises shall not be removed alive, but shall be slaugh-
tered.

This order shall be published by posting three or more copies upon
the premises of the Butchers' Slaughtering and Melting Association
at Brighton in the city of Boston.

Fred Freeland Walker.,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edward F. Hamlin,
Executive Secretary.

Report of Cattle brought into State during the Tear to Points out-
side of the Quarantine Stations.
For dairy and breeding purposes, tested before shipment, . 1,759
For dairy and breeding purposes, tested after arrival, . . 3,975
For dairy and breeding purposes, awaiting test or approval, . 1

Total, 5,735

Neat cattle on which no test was required, exclusive of cattle

and calves for immediate slaughter, 1,093

The cattle and calves on which no test was required, ex-
clusive of animals for immediate slaughter, were as fol-
lows : —

Returned from out-of-State pastures, ..... 986

Calves under six months old, 94

Died before test could be made, 3

Kept in State for brief periods only, 10

Total, 1,093

The number of cattle and calves brought into the State for
immediate slaughter cannot be given exactly. In round nuni-

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 25

bers there were 10,000 cattle and calves brought to the large
abbatoirs and other points outside the quarantine stations,
intended for immediate slaughter.

JSTearly all of the total number of animals given above were
brought into the State on permits issued by the head of the
department, onlv 573 head having been brought in without
permits, which were reported to the department by railroad
agents, local inspectors or others. Of these, 55 were tested
before shipment, 1 was a calf under six months old, 64 were
slaughtered at once for beef, 266 were returned from pasture,
and the remainder, 187 head, were tested by agents of the
department.

The following figures show the disposition of animals that
were brought into the State to points outside the quarantine
stations at Brighton, Watertown and Somerville, which failed
to pass a satisfactory tuberculin test : —

Condemned on first test, 72

Condemned on second test, . 64

Killed for beef on first test, subject to inspection, ... 4

Total, 140

Of the animals condemned as above, 1 is still awaiting
slaughter ; 14 were found on post-mortem examination to be
free from disease, and either have been or will be paid for by
the State; and 121 were found on post-mortem examination
to be affected with tuberculosis. Of the 4 animals killed for
beef after reacting, 2 were found diseased, and on 2 no report
of result has been received.

There were 972 permits issued, 139 of which were not
used.

Eighteen permits were issued allowing cattle to be brought
into the State for the purpose of exhibition; 7 were issued
for returning cattle from exhibition in other States ; 14 were
issued for pasturing herds in the State during the season;
6 were issued allowing cattle to be unloaded in transit
through the State; and 8 were special permits to persons
living near the border line of the State, allowing cattle to
be kept in the State for brief periods only.

26

ANIMAL INDUSTRY.

[Jan.

For several years, at the request of tlie United States De-
partment of Commerce and Labor, a report of the receipts
of all live stock at the port of Boston has been sent to Wash-
ington each month. The report is made to show weekly
receipts. The following table shows the receipts, by months,
for the past year : —

Receipts of Live Stock at Boston for Twelve Months ending
Nov. 30, 1912.

For Moxth endij?g —

Cattle.

Calves.

Sheep.

Swine.

Horses.

December, . . . .

19,361

8,058

56,320

171,566

1,983

January,

12,203

6,739

31,336

140,047

1,625

February,

7.861

7,473

33,937

126,992

1,675

March,

10,242

12,886

26,595

117,616

2,625

April, .

7,883

10,592

19,531

79,071

2,265

May,

7,633

13,327

25,706

99,448

2,255

June,

9,791

12,846

46,800

, 123,412

2,410

July, .

7,448

8,135

35,461

107,230

1,487

August,

10,543

9,799

54,435

81,081

1.565

September,

12,693

11,315

59,074

83,255

2,299

October,

15,197

9,723

50,248

59,659

1,636

November,

18,315

10,341

70,130

100,438

1,818

Totals,

139,170

121,234

509,573

1,289,815

23,643

The third division of the work consists in testing herds
with tuberculin for owners who desire it, and is known as
voluntary request work. There has been quite an increased
interest shown in this branch of the work during the past
year. Such owners as have petitioned the department for
the testing of their herds by the State have been accorded
this privilege where conditions seemed to justify it.

11 persons made voluntary requests to have their herds tested :

11 herds were tested, comprising .

. 273 cattle

Released,

. 173

Permit to kill, paid for,

. 23

Permit to kill, to be paid for, .

. 17

Permit to kill, no award, .

. 60

273 cattle

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 27

Hog Cholera.

The prevalence of hog cholera has increased to a consider-
able extent during the year. At the close of the year there
was apparently no section of the State in which the disease
has not made its appearance with more or less disastrous
results.

Sixty-five herds of swine, comprising 1,534 head, were
reported to the department and investigated by its agents,
of which nmnber 674 head died with the disease.

This number is in all probability far short of the total
number of herds in which the disease actually occurred,
owing to failure on the part of owners to bring outbreaks of
the disease to the attention of this department.

Unfortunately, medicinal treatment for this disease is
known to be a failure, therefore the department can only
advise the use of seru.m sold by commercial laboratories. In
several cases where this serum has been applied we have re-
ceived reports of its efficiency, but in other cases its use ap-
pears to have been productive of no good results. This un-
doubtedly is due to the fact that the hogs were probably
infected with the disease at the time of the administration
of the serum, and in such cases the serum is worthless, as
it is only a preventive agent and not a curative one. At the
present time the department is considering the advisability
of establishing its own serum plant, with the idea of dis-
pensing the serum at a minimum cost to owners.

Several outbreaks of disease have been reported to the
department as hog cholera which upon investigation proved
to be due to the feeding of frozen swill, unsanitary surround-
ings, or to be some other disease, such as tuberculosis, pneu-
monia, etc.

MiscELLAWEors Diseases.

The Department of Animal Industry is called upon during

the year to deal with other diseases of a contagious nature,

in addition to rabies, glanders, bovine tuberculosis and hog

cholera. Among them are actinomycosis, mange, sympto-

28 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

matic anthrax or blackleg, anthrax, Texas fever, and tuber-
culosis in other animals than cattle.

Twelve cases of actinomycosis have been reported; 9 of
these animals were slaughtered, and 3 were found not to
have this disease.

There has been a decrease in the number of animals re-
ported as suffering from mange, although it now occurs to
quite an extent in some localities. Forty-four places where
the disease was supposed to exist were reported, 6 of which
were found to be free from it. At the remaining 38 places
170 head of cattle and 10 horses were found to be affected.

The application of a mixture of engine oil, phenol, kero-
sene and sulphur has apparently proved most efficacious in
treating this trouble, and has been recommended, with ex-
cellent results, to owners of diseased animals.

The protective inoculation of young cattle where sympto-
matic anthrax or blackleg has occurred has been continued
where owners requested, and has been done under the direc-
tion of Dr. James B. Paige of the Amherst Agricultural
College, with the assistance of his brother, Dr. Henry E.
Paige, an agent of this department. Reports have been re-
ceived from 73 owners, and 481 head of cattle have been
inoculated.

Outbreaks of anthrax have been reported at 12 farms, at
8 of which it was found upon investigation not to have oc-
curred; at the 4 remaining farms, 10 sheep and 124 head
of cattle were inoculated.

In May an outbreak of disease in a herd of cows at West
Boylston was reported to this department, which upon thor-
ough investigation was found to be undoubtedly caused by
forage poison, and was not of a contagious nature.

In addition to the above diseases outbreaks have been re-
ported from various sections of the State from time to time,
which upon investigation have proven to be foot-rot, dis-
temper, food poisoning, etc., diseases not recognized under
the law as contagious.

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 29

Barn Inspection.
I have earlier in this report referred to the provision of law
which authorizes the Department of Animal Industry to
supervise and regulate the conditions under which cattle are
housed in this State. In July the following order 'No. 6
was issued, it being substantially the same as an order pre-
viously issued by the Cattle Bureau : —

Ordeb No. 6. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Department or Animal Industry,
State House, Boston, July 31, 1912.

To All Persons whom it may concern: —

Cattle Bureau Order No. 30 is hereby revoked.

Whereas, the disease known as tuberculosis, which is a contagious
disease and is so recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth,
prevails extensively among cattle in certain sections of this Com-
monwealth, and whereas it has become necessary to adopt measures
for the prevention of the spread of said contagious disease,

Now, therefore, acting under and by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the provisions of chapter 90 of the Revised Laws, chap-
ter 381 of the Acts of 1911, and chapter 608 of the Acts of 1912,
and all acts in amendment thereof and addition thereto, and all other
authority me hereto enabling, I do hereby make the following order
and regulation : —

Section 1. Owners or tenants of barns, stables, pastures, yards
and other places where neat cattle, other ruminants or swine are
kept are required to provide, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner
of Animal Industry or his duly authorized agents, as follows : —

Proper ventilation.

Proper space for stabling,

Sufficient light.

Proper drainage.

Proper disinfection of premises,

Wholesome water supply and proper distribution of same to cattle,

Proper disposal of excrement, and

General cleanliness.

Section 2. This order shall be published by sending a copy to
each inspector of animals in the Commomvealth, and by general dis-
tribution to farmers and cattle owners.

Feed Freeland Walker,
Commissioner of Animal Industry.

Approved in Council, July 31, 1912.

Edward F. Hamlin,
Executive Secretary.

30 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

I wish to explain at greater length at this time the action
and benefit of the above order and law by authority of which
it was issued.

As has been said, the State is divided into nine districts,
presided over by so-called district agents, whose duties com-
prise not only the supervision of barn inspection, but the con-
trol of outbreaks of contagious diseases among animals in
their several sections, the testing of interstate cattle, and at-
tention to all matters of this nature pertaining to the depart-
ment. These agents are employed on salaries, and give their
whole time to the carrying on of the work. Following is a
list of these agents, together with the various territories over
which they have charge : —

Dr. M. L. Miner has the extreme northwestern territory;
Dr. E. L. Hannon the southwestern district; Dr. J. H.
Roberts has the south central district ; Dr. Henry E. Paige
the north central district; Dr. C. H. Paquin the central dis-
trict; Dr. G. W. Bickell the northeastern district; Dr. H.
W. Peirce the central eastern district ; Dr. E. P. Sturges the
southeastern district ; and Mr. Frank C. Marion the extreme
southeastern or Cape district.

The Commonwealth is to be congratulated upon the char-
acter of the men who have been secured to act as district
agents, they being specially fitted by training and experience
to perform the work assigned them. That work requires the
exercise of extreme care and discretion in order to obtain the
best results with minimum opposition on the part of the
o^vners of property. I deem it pertinent at this time to
describe in some detail the technique of the work done in
order to carry out the provisions of chapter 381 of the Acts
of 1911.

Each to^vn and city of the Commonwealth is officially
represented by an inspector of animals (in some places there
are two or more), whose duty it is, whenever ordered by the
Commissioner of Animal Industry, and at least annually, to
make an inspection of all live stock in their respective towns,
and of the buildings in which the same are housed, and return
a report of their doings to the department. These original

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 31

reports are on file at this office. On receipt of said reports
they are carefully gone over by clerks in the office, and snch
places as are reported as being in an unsatisfactory condition
are recorded and assigned to the district agent within whose
territory they lie. That district agent in turn makes an in-
spection of the property referred to, supplementing by his
own report that of the local inspector. Suggestions are made
by this agent to the owner, and instructions given as to the
most desirable way of correcting the objectionable features.
In short, the district agent's duty is primarily one of educa-
tion rather than coercion, and an eifort is made to acquaint
the local representative with the conditions found and the
recommendations made by the district agent. If this local
inspector is of the right sort, he assumes a lively interest in
the carrying out, on the part of the owner, of the suggestions
made. In fact, in many instances it has not been necessary
for the district agent to visit an establishment a second time,
because of the fact that the local representative has been able
to secure the putting into effect the recommendations and
suggestions made by the agent on his first visit. When he is
unable to do so, however, the district agent again visits the
place in question within a comparatively short time, and
makes a second inspection. If the owner fails to appreciate
the seriousness of the situation, or declines to recognize the
authority under which the inspection is made, the matter
is referred to the head of this department, who then takes
the siibject up with the owner direct from headquarters.

Although this department is clothed with unquestioned
and unlimited power to prosecute all cases brought to its
attention where conditions in farm buildings are not up to a
satisfactorily high standard from a sanitary standpoint, the
necessary reforms have been secured in every instance with-
out its being necessary to bring the offending party before
the bar of justice.

There is much to be desired in the way of inspection of
farm buildings. However, I am sure that the policy in vogue
will eventually lead to an elimination of unfavorable criti-
cism on the part of the citizens of this State relative to con-

32 ANIMAL INDUSTRY. [Jan.

ditions of farm buildings within our borders. I am equally
sure that this policy will, if allowed to continue, permanently
silence criticism on the part of producers relative to the
interference of State and local authorities with the conduct
of their business.

In connection with this phase of the situation, it seems
highly important that the Legislature in its wisdom should
clearly define the duties of existing boards and commissions
relative to the control of sanitary conditions in farm build-
ings. There is at present in operation, to a limited extent,
a certain form of duplication of inspection of said buildings.
This duplication of effort results only in a confusion in the
minds of cattle owners as to what board or department is
proceeding under statutory authority in the conduct of its
duties, in so far as they relate to the regulation of the business
of these owners.

I therefore respectfully suggest that the present Legisla-
ture more definitely localize, if possible, the responsibility
in regard to this work, and enact a provision which shall
eliminate from the field any and all agents except those au-
thorized by law to carry on this work. When this has been
done the responsibility for existing conditions can be defi-
nitely placed, and if there is criticism to be made, that
criticism cannot be met by the reply that the effort of the
department against which it is made has been defeated by
interference on the part of another department or board.

In submitting the following table I beg the indulgence of
the Legislature to the extent that they recognize that this
department and the laws under which it is at present oper-
ating are but in their infancy. I can confidently aflSrm,
however, that we are faced in the right direction, and will
predict that, with a continuance of the authority now vested
in the department, it will be able, unassisted, to solve the
many problems embodied in the multitude of bills that an-
nually come before the Legislature, which, if enacted, would
only confuse and complicate the situation.

1913.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98.

33

Meport of District Agents on Barn Inspection for Year ending Nov.

30, 1912.

1

a
o
a
a

d
o

d

6

60

■3
(1,

a

(2

1

i

1

IS

tJ

d

a

W

M

^

w

Ph'

O

H

fe

g

W

0

w

ITJ

fe

"5

Q

a

s

Q

p

U

p

p

^

Stables reported as unsat-
isfactory.
Stables visited,

920
808

899
722

2,381
1,757

1,052
884

852
761

2,761
2,070

450
428

1,317
1,135

1,264
594

11,896
9,159

Stables not yet inspected,

112

177

624

168

91

691

22

182

670

2,737

Stables visited once, all

582

486

853

538

506

679

223

866

208

4,941

necessary improve-
ments made.
Stables visited more than

65

2

260

27

2

297

142

19

20

834

once, all necessary im-
provements made.
Stables visited once, not

92

231

500

302

252

942

12

248

361

2,940

all necessary improve-
ments made.
Stables visited more than

69

3

144

17

1

152

51

2

5

444

pnce, not all necessary
improvements made.

Financial Statement.
At the close of the last fiscal year, Nov. 80, 1911, there was
on hand, as per the twentieth semiannual report : —

Balance of appropriation for salaries

and expenses for 1911, . . . $367 IS

Balance of appropriation for general

work of the Bureau for 1911, . . 29,171 26

Appropriation for salaries and expenses

of 1912, chapter 376, Acts of 1912, . $8,000 00

Appropriation for general work of the

Bureau, chapter 344, Acts of 1912, . 105,000 00

Additional appropriation to cover in-
crease in salary of the head of the de-
partment, 779 16

$29,538 44

113,779 16

Total to be accounted for,

$143,317 60

34

ANIMAL INDUSTRY.

[Jan.

Expended during the year : —
For 205 head of cattle condemned and

killed during the year 1911, paid for

in 1912,

For 1,706 head of cattle condemned and

killed during the year.
For killing and burial, quarantine claims

and arbitration expenses, .

For services of agents (exclusive of
glanders work), accounts of 1911 and
1912,

For expenses of agents (exclusive of
glanders work), accounts of 1911 and
1912,

For expenses of quarantine stations,

For expenses of glanders work, includ
ing services and expenses of agents
laboratory work and killing and
burial,

For laboratory expenses (exclusive of
glanders work), ....

For implements, ear tags, thermometers,
etc.,

For salary of the head of the depart
ment, ......

For salary of clerk.

For salaries of assistant clerks and
stenographers, ....

For office expenses, printing, postage,
stationery, etc., account of 1911,

For offlee expenses, printing, postage
stationery, etc., account of 1912,

For expenses of the head of the de-
partment,

Total expenditures, ....
Balance from all accounts, Nov. 30, 1912,

Total as above, ....

$4,759 02

46,861 90

190 47

$20,400 36

8,573 18
6,335 34

$51,811 39

6,338 52

679 45

407 89

2,579 14
1,074 20

2,357 70

27 79

2,070 34

360 59

51,204 50

. $103,015 89
. 40,301 71

$143,317 60

1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 98. 35

This balance is made up from the following items : —

Balance of appropriation for salaries and expenses,
1911, $339 39

Balance of appropriation for salaries and expenses,
1912, 337 19

Balance of appropriation for general work of the

Bureau, 1911, 23,656 93

Balance of appropriation for general work of the de-
partment, available for unsettled accounts of 1912, . 15,968 20

$40,301 71

The average price paid for condemned cattle for the year
was $2Y.01.

There has been received during the year from the sale of
hides and carcasses of condemned animals, sale of ear tags,
testing cattle for nonresident owners, etc., $5,343.99.

Claims for 188 head of cattle condemned and killed as
tuberculous during the year remain unsettled, to be paid
for on proof of claims, the appraised value of which amounts
to $4,5Y8.T5.

Respectfully submitted,

FEED FREELAND WALKER,

Commissioner of Animal Industry.