ANNUAL RKrORT 



OF THE 



COMMISSIONEKS ON CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 



AMONG CATTLE. 



The Commissioners arc able to report that no disease of a 

 contagious character has visited cattle of the State durins: 

 the current year, ^hmy cases of hmg disease have occurred, 

 creating excitement, and arousing fears of the presence of 

 the dreaded hing plague ; but examination proved in each 

 case that it was common pneumonia, or lung inflammation. 

 There has been more disease than usual amonjj our swine, 

 and probably in consequence of the prevalence of hog 

 cholera in some adjoining States great fear existed that it 

 had found its way to our stock. The newspapers reported 

 cases of the disease and severe losses thereby, but in every 

 case reported to the Board and examined, it was found that 

 the trouble was occasioned by other causes. Town or city 

 officers have reported to us thirty supposed cases of glanders, 

 and some cases have come to our knowledge where town 

 officers have neglected to notify the Commissioners, and 

 have themselves destroyed the diseased animals. Of those 

 coming under our control, we have condemned and ordered 

 killing in twenty-two. Owners of horses have quite gener- 

 ally become convinced that a glandered animal is dangerous, 

 and when told by a veterinarian that one of their stock is 

 thus diseased, they frequently destroy it, without notifying 

 the authorities, and they would still oftener, were it not for 

 the expectation that by notification they may obtain pay for 

 the animal, or at least for killing and burying it ; but as it 

 is, it lessens somewhat the cases placed in our care, and 

 shows the disease to be more prevalent than is indicated by 

 the number we have condemned and killed. In the month 

 of July the circus of O'Brien, from Philadelphia, commenced 



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