NINETEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART VIII 461 



THE ERADICATION OF TUBERCULOSIS. 



The eradication of animal tuberculosis is one of the greatest needs of 

 the live-stock industry, both in the state and nation. It is estimated that 

 the annual loss from this disease is at least $25,000,000.00. Not only is 

 it taking a large amount of wealth from the country, but it is a very 

 serious menace to the health of our people. 



On account of this great loss, which is increasing every year, the U. S. 

 Government is taking active steps to try and eradicate this disease, but^ 

 in order to carry this out properly, they must have the active co-operation 

 of the state and the individual owner also., 



In states where the percentage of tuberculosis is very low, rapid prog- 

 ress is being made with this work, and some few states where the disease 

 runs four or five per cent have made good progress by co-operation of the 

 state and Bureau of Animal Industry in applying the test and in reim- 

 bursing owners for the diseased cattle found. 



It is now an absolute necessity for this state to legislate for an appro- 

 priation to indemnify owners for tuberculous cattle, if any progress is to 

 be made in the eradication of this disease. 



In some herds that are badly affected, the disease may run as high as 

 25 per cent, therefore it will readily be seen that the owners of such herds 

 should have some indemnity in order to induce them to clean up. 



The U. S. Government has appropriated money to carry on this work in 

 states that agree to co-operate, and will place equally as many men in the 

 field to apply the test and will also pay indemnity where states will also 

 agree to indemnify owners. 



The State of Iowa has the distinction of having MORE PURE BRED 

 CATTLE than any other state in the union. 



The State of Iowa raises MORE THAN TWICE AS MANY HOGS as 

 any other state in the union. 



Consequently, Iowa is the wealthiest live-stock state, but it is estimated 

 that 23 per cent of Iowa hogs are also affected with tuberculosis, and, as 

 hogs get their infection almost entirely from cattle, this proves con- 

 clusively that tuberculosis is quite prevalent among cattle. 



The U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry will co-operate with any state 

 which wishes to eradicate tuberculosis from its live stock, and place the 

 pure-bred herds on the Tuberculosis-Free Accredited Herd List, which is 

 a "herd that has passed two annual or three semi-annual clean tests. 



The states bordering Iowa on the north and west are very anxious to 

 get cattle for breeding purposes from this state, and as these states have 

 sixty and ninety day re-test regulations, it is to the interest of every 

 breeder to have cattle that are free from the disease. 



Breeders are becoming educated along these lines and it is only natural 

 that prospective buyers will give the accredited herd the preference. 



It is merely a business proposition for breeders to clean up, as their 

 reputation depends upon the quality of goods delivered. 



