296 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE- 



some of these cattle tested, and the result was that out of 471 

 cattle tested, 71 were found to be diseased during the year 1909 

 or 15%, which shows that the Aroostook farmer did not com- 

 mence any too soon. 



There has been very little done in Knox, Lincoln, Washing- 

 ton and Hancock counties. The other counties have had more 

 or less done, some more than others. 



Forty-four thousand two hundred seventy-four grade cattle 

 have been tested during the two years, and 2,786 condemned, 

 or 6.3%. This includes those in good and bad sections. 



Five thousand eight hundred forty-six pure blood animals 

 have been tested during the two years and 146 condemned, or 

 2^%. This is a decrease of 2^/2% over the previous two 

 years, and shows the percentage of disease in the State. 



The new law requires the testing of all animals that are to 

 be shown at the State Fairs. Also many herds containing part 

 grades and part pure bloods have been tested for the first time, 

 owing to the favorable aspect of the new law as regards com- 

 pensation for diseased animals and the free test by the State 

 where disease is found. The old law only required a test 

 where the animal was to be transferred. 



The law provides that the State shall pay for the testing of 

 cattle where the evidence of disease is such as to satisfy the 

 Commissioners that a test is necessary. Our rule is that when- 

 ever a case is found in a herd, it is necessary to test the balance 

 of the herd ; that when a herd is found badly diseased and a 

 number condemned, it is necessary to test the herd again, with- 

 in six months or thereabouts. 



In the testing of herds where no disease is found, the owner 

 must pay for the test, to the extent of $10.00, which usually 

 pays the bill ; but if the cost exceeds this amount, the State 

 will pay the balance. 



The law provides for a free test, where disease or suspicion 

 of disease exists. Dairymen cannot afford to carry disease in 

 their herds when the State pays a fair market valuation for 

 the animal, pays for the test where disease is found, and pays 

 for the disinfection and making the premises safe for sound 

 animals. 



Some may say that the Commissioners are condemning too 

 nianv cattle, and it is a fact that the Commissioners sometimes 



