134 acriculturk: of maixe. 



Then again, healthy pure bloods mean healthy grades, 

 because diseased pure bloods have been responsible for tuber- 

 culosis in the grade herds. 



At the present time we are handling tuberculosis by four 

 methods. 



First: By tuberculin. Not because we love it, but because 

 it is the best agency known to science to diagnose a case of 

 tuberculosis. 



Second : By carrying on a strict system of disinfection of 

 diseased ])remises, learning by experience that it is just as 

 im])ortant to disinfect the stable as to remove the diseased 

 animal. 



Third: By educating the dairyman in regard to the danger 

 a diseased animal is to the rest of the herd, and that good sani- 

 tary conditions are essential. Xot that they will cure a case 

 of tuberculosis, but they will prevent it many times. 



Fourth : By the use of bovo-vaccine. This method is not 

 very general as yet. There are about one hundred under treat- 

 ment at present and thirty are under the control of the commis- 

 sioners. These young cattle are in three lots and have been 

 under treatment about i8 months, and up to the present time 

 only two have been found tuberculous by the test, which must be 

 considered very good results. 



The Bang method, then, is the only method recognized by 

 other countries which we could adopt to round out and make a 

 complete whole. 



I will say, I believe in the Bang method under certain condi- 

 tions and restrictions. The only question is. as to whether our 

 dair}-men would have the patience to work it out and stand the 

 expense. 



In Denmark the farmer binds himself to keep the diseased 

 animals isolated, separately attended, in different buildings, even 

 the common water pipe cut off from the infected stock and 

 separate pastures and utensils. 



It is not my intention to criticize the methods of other states 

 or countries in controlling tuberculosis, not being acquainted 

 with their conditions, yet I do not know of any state that 

 adheres so strictly to the results of the tuberculin test as Maine. 

 Som.e states do not condemn and destroy cattle by the test 



