1884.] REPORT ON DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 327 



We agreed, on consultation, to accept the proposition of the as- 

 sessors to appraise but one animal that day, but held to the right to 

 demand the appraisal for slaughter of any or all the animals at any 

 future day. 



Though the ox was not the most clearly marked case, yet he was 

 selected, as the other two animals were thoroughbred Jerseys, and 

 highly prized by the owner. The appraisal was made at seventy 

 dollars, and on slaughtering it proved to be a typical case of con- 

 tagious pleuro-pneumonia. The veterinarians present were Drs. 

 Salmon, Rice, and Parkinson. 



Sept. 17th we were notified by telegram from the selectmen of Sa- 

 lem of a new case of the disease. This case received immediate 

 attention. We found a cow, owned by Mr. Amos Williams, that 

 had pastured adjoining the herd of Mr. H. E. Williams, plainly 

 developing the disease. Mr. Amos Williams met us frankly, and 

 terms for slaughter were easily arranged. Our opinion as to the 

 nature of her disease was confirmed. 



Oct. 15th we again visited the herd of Mr. H. E. Williams, at 

 his call, as he said the stock were perfectly well. We found the 

 Jersey bull in the last stages of the disease, and November 3d we 

 heard that he had killed and buried this bull on the night of 

 Oct. 27th, having given up all hopes of his recovery. 



We visited Salem again Nov. 6th, and examined the herd. 



An examination was again made of the herd Dec. 13th. The 

 remaining animal of the three in the barn was still suffering with 

 the disease; the other three, which had been quarantined in a sep- 

 arate place, appeared in usual health. 



We have been thus particular in giving the history of this case, 

 from the serious nature of the disease and the difficulties which it 

 discloses in carrying out the provisions of the statute for its exter- 

 mination. Fortunately, it has been confined to this one herd and 

 vicinity. The long period which elapses after apparent recovery, in 

 which the disease may be communicated, renders its extermination, 

 except by slaughter of all infected and exposed animals, very pro- 

 tracted, so that all those familiar with its history advise this course, 

 both in the interests of the owner and for the protection of the 

 community. The State assumes the burden and pays two-thirds of 

 the assessed value of the animals to the owner. 



As authority on this question, we append an 



