444 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



be accompanied with a thorough disinfection of all contaminated 

 yards and buildings ; and, in order to prevent its spread by 

 traveling, they should, whenever practicable, be isolated upon 

 the premises where the disease first appears. 



It is believed that no occasion exists for the slaughter and burial 

 of animals affected by the so-called "Foot and Mouth" disease, 

 inasmuch as it is rarely fatal ; the losses arising from it being due 

 chiefly to the prostration of sti'cngth, loss of flesh, diminution and 

 poisoning of the milk, and the time and care required in nursing. 

 You are accordingly cautioned against incurring unnecessary ex- 

 pense by adopting measures which might be needful for the extir- 

 pation of a more fatal disease, but would not be called for by the 

 prevalence of "Foot and Mouth" disease. 



The municipal authorities of all cities and towns situated on the 

 borders of the State are recommended to exert all the powers pos- 

 sessed by them, either as conservators of the public safety, or by 

 virtue of Sections 4 and 5 of the above named Statute, or by any 

 other enactment, to prevent the entrance of cattle from without the 

 borders of the State so long as the present danger exists. 



All common carriers, drovers, and all other persons are hereby 

 prohibited, under penaltj^ of law, from transporting or driving from 

 place to place within the State, any cattle afiected by, or which 

 may have been exposed to infection from the so-called "Foot and 

 Mouth" disease, until this prohibition be rescinded. 



While the Commissioners deprecate anything approaching a 

 panic, they believe that the facts justify serious apprehension, and 

 the utmost caution. At the same time, they trust that, by being 

 forewarned and informed regarding this dangerous and insidious 

 disease, it may either be wholly kept out, or, by prompt, energetic, 

 united action on the part of municipal authorities, seconded bj'' the 

 hearty cooperation of the people, that it may be extirpated before 

 inflicting serious losses. 



The cattle husbandry of Maine is the most prominent feature of 

 its agriculture, and whatever seriously threatens its prosperity, 

 thereby endangering a supply of wholesome meat and milk for the 

 food of its inhabitants is matter of primary public importance. 



S. L. GOOD ALE, ) Stale Commissioners 

 JOSEPH PERCIVAL, }■ on Contagious Diseases 

 J AS. C. WESTON, ) in Cattle. 



State op Maixe, ) 



Augusta, Jan. 13, 18T1. j 



