BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 91 



\var. and n.s a result tliere lias been an increasL- and some of them 

 have become widesi)read. One of the most infectious and destruc- 

 tive (jf these pla<rues is foot-and-mouth disease. Enjrland has been 

 fighting it during the last 18 months; Holland has been unable to 

 keep it under control e\en with the ai)plication of the most drastic 

 measures: ^nnd discouraging- reports have reached the bureau fiom 

 France, Italy. South America, and other foreign countries. 



The e.xistence of foot-and-mouth disease in foreign countries has 

 been a constant menace to the livestock industry of our country, 

 owing to the leadiness with which the virus may be carried in the 

 bodies of animals, in hides, and in other livestock products; but our 

 danger has become greater of late on account of the increased preva- 

 lence and virulence of the disease in Europe. 



Although the United States has been free from foot-and-mouth 

 disease since early in 1!)1G and 'every reasonable precaution is being 

 taken to pi event its introduction, we should be prepared in every 

 w^ay possible promptly and effectually to eradicate an outbreak should 

 it occur. The various States have been urged repeatedly to provide 

 funds and to perfect organizations to cooperate with the bureau 

 should the disease reappear in this country. 



The progress of our foot-and-mouth disease eradication work in 

 the past outbreaks has been hampered through a lack of sufficient 

 funds to fulfill promptly our responsibility. The necessity for 

 prompt action in eradicating centers of infection indicates the need 

 for an adequate reserve fund available for immediate use. 



For several years past each Congress provided $1,000,000 specific- 

 ally for combating foot-and-mouth disease. As there were no out- 

 breaks, the appropriation reverted to the Treasury at the end of each 

 fiscal year. This appropriation was reduced by the last Congress to 

 $50,000, wdiich is insignificant for cof^^ing Avith a serious outbreak. 

 A more liberal sum is needed as an insurance fund to be used in case 

 of emergency. In view of the immense value of our livestock, the 

 related interests' involved, and the prevalence of the disease in foreign 

 countries with Avhicli we carry on an extensive commerce, the bureau 

 should be provided with an innnediately available fund of at least 

 $1,500,000 for use in suppressing foot-and-mouth disease should we be 

 so unfortunate as to have another outbreak. 



IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIVESTOCK. 



Tlie importance of a better quality of livestock has become evident 

 in connection with high costs of feed, labor, and other production 

 factors. That there is widespread public interest in livestock im- 

 provement is shown by the support which such activities as cow- 

 testing associations, poultry culling, and the " Better Sires — Better 

 Stock " movement are receiving. On June 30, 1920, cow-testing asso- 

 ciations in the United States numbered 467, a gain of 85 over the cor- 

 responding date in 1919. Bull associations increased in number dur- 

 ing the same period from 78 to 120. 



The "Better Sires — Better Stock" campaign, planned to bring 

 about improvement in the average quality of all classes of livestock, 

 has been well received. On June 30. 1920. 2.078 persons, owning 

 a]-)i")roximately 232.322 head of stock liad pledired themselves to use 



