296 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
great bearing on them even at the present time, and without conjectur- 
ing what a vast bearing it is to have on them in the future, for, we in 
this country are just beginning to realize what a collosal proposition this 
matter of tuberculosis is becoming in its relation to society generally. 
The subject of the suppression of this disease is a theme which is oc- 
cupying the minds of dairj^men, farmers, physicians, veterinarians and 
legislators very considerably in recent times, and they are finding it a 
most perplexing problem. 
The disease is on the increase perceptibly among our farm animals. 
How can it be otherwise. Here is a highly contagious disease and little 
or nothing being done to prevent its spread. Some states have formulated 
laws looking to the suppression of the disease and the protection of the 
consumer of meats and milk, etc. The United States government is ex- 
pending three million dollars annually in carrying out the provisions of 
the act of congress of June 30, 1906, with reference to meat inspection. 
Under this law I believe it is estimated that about 75 per cent of the 
meat consumed in this country is inspected, as well as all the meat that 
is exported. But, what about the other 25 per cent? Meat inspection 
was first inaugurated in this country not because we thought we should 
have it, but because certain foreign countries said that we must have 
it if we expected to sell them our meats. And the day will come when 
foreign countries will demand the same thing concerning our dairy prod- 
ucts. And then, perhaps, some great system of inspection may be evolved 
which will embrace our entire domestic dairy business. But inspection 
of the products of dairies and meats will not prevent the spread of this 
disease, only indirectly as producers see that they are losing money by 
reason of condemnations, etc. 
Legislation is a good thing, but I agree with Dr. Moore, of New 
York, when he says that you cannot legislate tuberculosis out of this 
country, or words to that effect. We hear much lately about the Bang 
method of eradication. Those who have thought most about the subject 
in this country do not seem to look with much favor on the Bang method 
of eradication. We can not deny, or refute, or gainsay, what Dr. Bang 
has actually accomplished in Denmark. But observation and experience 
shows that what may apply there cannot be called practical here. Ameri- 
can farmers and Danish farmers are different and their farms are also 
quite different. I again agree with Dr. Moore that the suppression of 
this disease here is largely an individual proposition. Every owner of 
cattle must ascertain the condition of his cattle with reference to tubercu- 
losis by the application of the tuberculin test in the hands of some in- 
telligent and careful veterinarian and after discovering the disease once 
he must use his own judgment coupled with the advice of his veterinar- 
ian as to his proceedure. In some cases slaughtering all suspicious and 
reacting animals, in others complete isolation, disinfection, etc., and, of 
course, he must not again introduce it by buying infected animals, but 
demand a certificate of healthfulness, signed by some yeterinary in whom 
he has implicit trust. 
I have heard it asserted over and over again in this vicinity that you 
can not purchase tuberculin test cattle, that farmers who have cattle for 
sale reject the suggestion almost as an impertinence and refuse to sell to 
