1. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ANIMAL HEALTH 

 July 1, 1971; - June 30, 1975 



To the Commissioner of Agriculture: 



In accordance with Section 38, Section 129, General Laws, 

 Acts of 1932, I herewith submit the report of the Division of 

 Animal Health for the fiscal year, July 1, 197)4. to June 30, 

 1975 inclusive. 



We are continuing the program of T.B, testing cattle once 

 in three (3) years. The shortage of veterinary staff has hindered 

 the smooth working of this program. Assistance from 03 (per diem) 

 veterinarians was more readily obtainable this year.. More than 

 two and one half times as many were tested by this method than 

 last year. The aid received in testing by Federal veterinarians 

 was increased nearly four fold from 996 in 197lj- to 3,739 in 1975 

 totalling nearly 1/3 more animals tested in 19714- than in 1973. 



One serious infection was discovered through slaughter 

 inspection and trace back of back tag number. This soon resulted 

 in the depopulation of a highly infected large herd. The source 

 of this infection could not be definitely determined. However, 

 it is believed to have originated from a local cow that missed 

 eradication at an earlier date. This herd had not been tested 

 for over four years. If it had been possible to have tested this 

 herd at three years or on an every year basis (since it was a herd 

 where the replacements are purchased) the severity of infection 

 would likely have been much less. 



No Encephalomyelitis was reported in horses this year. The 

 voliintary vaccination program promoted by the Division was success- 

 ful. In fact it was so successful that the State H\aman Health 

 Authority noted the lack of sick horses to signal possible trouble 

 for humans. There were ten (10) cases of Western type (no Eastern) 

 Encephalitis in humans in the 1975 calendar year through June 30. 



No Hog Cholera was discovered in the state this year. Only 

 one outbreak occurred in the country. 



The eradication of Brucellosis in hogs is being pursued with 

 vigor. The present favorable prices for hogs makes it feasible 

 at this time to make rapid strides toward complete eradication of 

 this disease. 



Massachusetts continues to maintain its Certified Brucellosis 

 Free status according to Federal regulations. The recent outbreak 

 in Vermont and the enlargement of infected areas in other parts of 

 the country make it important that our surveillance be increased by 

 testing imports within thirty (30) days of arrival. 



Activity on the enforcement of the law Prohibiting the 

 Administration of Drugs to Horses Participating in Contests at 

 Agricultxiral Pairs was not initiated this year because of lack of 

 funds for testing. If sufficient interest can be generated, a 



