34G STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



In only two cases were calves found to be tuberculous soon after birth. Both of these 

 had been associated witli tiieir niotiiers from the time tliey were dropped until tested. 

 Wlien a calf was born to tlie other cows, it was alsvays removed immediately, thus 

 avoiding as nmch danger from infection as possible. 



In looking over these records, there will be found some of the ofTspring of these 

 tuberculous animals contracting tuberculosis, but this usually happens after they are a 

 year or two or even several years old. This therefore demonstrates that tne infection 

 does not come from the mother, but from some outside source. We may safely con- 

 clude, therefore, as others have concluded before us, that the young may be raised 

 from tuberculous animals without much danger of their contracting the disease. 



Taking into consideration the post-mortem examinations and then referring to a 

 previous table, wherein are found data concerning the s])utum, milk, urine and feces, 

 we note a relationship between advanced tulierculosis and the dissemination of this 

 disease through the nostrils, milk or excreta. In the case of Mysie 44 and Poly'a 

 Blossom we find nearly all of the danger, if examinations may be used as our basis of 

 judgment, and that there is little possibility of disseminating the disease when it is in 

 its incipient stages. This, however, does not eliminate the danger to any degree, but on 

 the contrary demonstrates that most of the tuberculous virus radiates from few centers- 

 It is possible for one animal to infect a herd of a hundred animals or more and it 

 illustrates also how essential it is to know whether such a breeding center is present 

 in a herd. 



The work thus far shows how easy it is to practically eradicate the disease if proper 

 measures are adopted. The first test was made in the spring of 1896, when there were 

 numerous reactions, and the last test was made in 1899, when there was a single 

 reaction, and that was doubtful. The same is true of others following this system. 



This leads us to the consideration of the management of this disease. 



MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS. 



No subject otters so numj^ difficulties as this and none opens more fully the way for 

 criticism. The reasons for this state are to be found in our ignorance of the many 

 details of tuberculosis. We may feel as though we were well acquainted with tliisv 

 disease after such prolonged study, extending over fifteen years, yet when we approach 

 a discussion of the applicability of our scientific knowledge, we waver somewhat, because 

 of an insecure feeling in our convictions. Tuberculosis is present with us, is a drastie 

 disease, it affects man and beast alike, it demands attention, consequently some means 

 are called for in its management. Whatever method is in vogue at the present time 

 or may even be suggested in the near future, must be looked upon as not necessarily 

 permanent, but the best that may be recommended under present conditions. 



Every country has already adopted methods of fighting this disease or is preparing to^ 

 adopt some method which will control it. Commission after commission has been 

 appointed to review the subject and to determine upon the best plans. When we cast 

 our eyes over the various methods employed or suggested, there is a marked unity of 

 thought, although the execution may diflfer widely. To approach a fair understanding 

 of what is involved in such a subject as this, the mind must be made free from 

 prejudice and cant, and must endeavor to seek only the truth as it is presented and 

 apply it in honesty. Individual fears or suspicions should have no weight when deter- 

 mining a course to pursue. I desire to treat this matter, first, as a private individual 

 having stock, and second, to regard the disease as subject to the control of the State. 



Let us assume that we have a large herd of well bred stock or even a native herd 

 of considerable value, located in Michigan at the present time. We may or we may not 

 suspect tuberculosis, but we know that tuberculosis exists quite commonly in the 

 State. Regardless of what the law says, let us consider what our duty, as a private 

 individual, is toward the herd concerned. 



We know that if tuberculosis is present in the herd, the disease will sooner or later 

 be scattered and will affect other members of the herd which are now sound. In the 

 next place, if no tuberculosis is present, it will be possible to so manage the herd as to 

 keep it out. Either reason, it seems to me, is of sufficient consequence to warrant the 

 testing. In testing, it may be desirable to do it quietly and not necessarily make it the 

 property of the whole community or of the State, for publicity does not help the matter 

 in any way. It is very desirable to secure a man who has had considerable experience, 

 because he will be able to interpret results to better advantage than the man who has 

 had no experience. The mechanical act is not difficult if once learned thoroughly, but 

 beware lest some failure in performance creep in. Before the fly season appears in 

 the spring time, the test may be conducted with greater ease and better success. 



