REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 51 



shown the great value of this method, and indicate that it will be 

 found much more satisfactory and reliable than the mallein test and 

 other methods heretofore in use, especially in the detection of incip- 

 ient cases. 



As injurious results sometimes follow the feeding of cotton-seed 

 meal, experiments have been under way with a view to determining 

 the cause of this trouble and learning if possible how this valuable 

 feed may be utilized without danger. Laboratory experiments have 

 indicated that cotton-seed meal made from certain varieties of cot- 

 ton, or meal in the manufacture of which a high temperature is 

 applied, may show poisonous properties, while the meal from other 

 varieties and that made in other ways is harmless. Work is in 

 progress on the identification of the specific poisonous principle and 

 the further elucidation of the various problems encountered. 



The number of rabid animals brought to the Department for diag 

 nosis indicates the continued prevalence of rabies in and around the 

 District of Columbia and other regions. During the fiscal year 116 

 cases were examined, consisting of 100 dogs, the remainder being 

 cattle, calves, mules, and sheep. These animals had bitten at least 

 59 persons and 46 animals, so far as known. Seventy-five of the 

 suspected cases w^ere found to be positive. Experience has shown 

 that the muzzling of all dogs for a sufficient period is the best means 

 of reducing and eradicating this dangerous disease. 



BLACKLEG VACCIXE, TUBERCULIN, AND MALLEIN. 



The Bureau of Animal Industry has continued the preparation and 

 distribution of vaccine for the prevention of blackleg in young cattle, 

 and the returns show a still further reduction in the losses from this 

 disease. During the fiscal year about 1,000,000 doses of this vaccine 

 w^ere distributed among stock raisers. 



The activity of various state and municipal veterinary and health 

 officers has resulted in an increased demand for tuberculin, which is 

 supplied by the Department to such officials free of charge for use 

 in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle. About 350,000 doses were 

 prepared and distributed during the fiscal year. Nearly 75,000 doses 

 of mallein for the diagnosis of glanders in horses were also prepared 

 and distributed. 



INSPECTION OF EXPORT ANIMALS. 



The Bureau of Animal Industry made during the fiscal year 328,078 

 inspections of animals for export, including 62,372 inspections of 

 Canadian animals in transit. There w^ere inspected on arrival at 

 British ports by Bureau inspectors stationed there 193,259 animals 

 from the United States and Canada. During the year 443 inspections 



