PART IX 



Report of the State Veterinary Department for the 

 Biennial Period Ending June 30, 1916 



J. I. GIBSON, State Veterinary Surgeon 



During- the biennial period ending June 30th, 1916, this depart- 

 ment has answered seven hundred and fifteen official calls. The 

 principal diseases found to exist were hog cholera, tuberculosis, 

 forage poisoning, hemorrhagic septicaemia, coital exanthema, rabies 

 and scabies. 



We are pleased to report that none of these diseases exist to any 

 alarming extent, although, as the state develops and the live stock 

 industry increases, the demands upon this department become more 

 numerous. The increase in the value of live stock calls for greater 

 efforts on the part of this department to protect against the dis- 

 eases that tend to depreciate or destroy our domestic stock. 



For many years, hog cholera was the cause of great loss to the 

 Iowa farmer, but with a preventive serum treatment, and an or- 

 ganized effort along educational and regulatory lines, the losses 

 from this disease have been reduced to a minimum as compared to 

 former times, and with more complete organization and persistent 

 efforts, the time is at hand when cholera should be controlled and 

 eradicated. 



Tuberculosis is now the most serious menace confronting the 

 cattle and swine industry of the state. This disease is causing 

 greater losses to the Iowa farmer today than hog cholera and it is 

 high time that we should have legislation with sufficient appropria- 

 tions to control and eradicate tuberculosis. 



This disease is found to exist in cattle, and is being transmitted to 

 hogs that run with the cattle, to an alarming extent. It is costing 

 about $5,000,000.00 annually, to run the hogs with the cattle in 

 Iowa, If tuberculosis could be eradicated from our bovine herds 

 this loss could be prevented. 



To accomplish such results the Animal Health Commission and 

 the Veterinary Department of the State must necessarily be en- 

 dowed with largely increased appropriations. 



