140 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



people imagine. Recently an exporter of high grade cattle, or, 

 pure blooded cattle, to Argentina, required us, on account of the 

 laws of Argentina to test these cattle that he was to ship. He 

 bought those cattle subject to the test, and in every instance they 

 were out of fine herds, and 50 per cent of these cattle reacted with 

 the tuberculin test. To use his own words, the best cattle reacted. 

 In recent work among dairy herds we found 18 per cent of the 

 cows affected. In some instances this amounted to 100 per cent ; in 

 others, none, and in some very low, but the average per cent was 18. 

 These dairy men had their cattle tested under an agreement with 

 the department, that they would, in consideration of the free test, 

 if they reacted but didn't present any visible signs, or physical 

 signs, either segregate them and pasteurize the milk from them, in 

 the event of their having calves, the calves to be immediately re- 

 moved, and those that showed physical signs of tuberculosis were to 

 be slaughtered; that was one of the provisions. They did this of 

 their own accord to rid themselves of the disease, and because they 

 did not want to sell milk from such cattle to people. 



There has been quite an effort or agitation recently among a num- 

 ber of breeders of high bred cattle, to establish free herds ; that is, 

 herds that were absolutely known to be free from tuberculosis and 

 guaranteed as such. I trust that such measures may be started, 

 because it is only right, that any one who is selling high grade stock 

 to go into a herd of some other man, it should be healthy. 



This disease has been underestimated ; it is one which has not 

 developed very rapidly, as a rule, and the outward signs, for a long 

 time are so slight, or often do not exist at all, so that unless one is 

 very careful, animals may be diseased, and one not be aware of it 

 In addition to this, we have been devoting a great deal of attention 

 to the enforcement of the 28-hour law — that is the ordinary name 

 for the law, although its provision allow an extension for 36 hours 

 upon written request of the shipper. A number of convictions have 

 been had under this law, and other prosecutions are to follow. It 

 is thought, that by vigorous enforcement of this law, railroads 

 would give better service in transporting to market. I believe it 

 has improved the situation some, but has not accomplished what was 

 expected, and it may be it would be better if a minimum rate of 

 speed be required by the railroads in transporting live stock. This 

 certainly would be a very humane thing. In long shipments the 

 stock has to be loaded too often in reaching the markets. 



We have a great deal of work which would be of interest to you, 

 directly, in the way of the live stock industry. Our quarantine 

 measures require careful inspection. 



