1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 4. 407 



restrained, that it would seem wise, if possible, to secure some 

 previous action by which the liability to cases of rabies may be 

 lessened, and their existence more readily detected. We are not 

 quite certain that the desired action comes within the authority of 

 the Cattle Commissioners ; but whatever can be done should be 

 done throughout the State, and, if not ordered, at least recom- 

 mended, by the Commissioners. 



If agreeable, this Board would respectfully request a conference 

 at such time and place as may be determined by your Board. 



The Board of Health, 



Samuel II. Durgin, 



Chairman. 



Veterinary Department, Harvard University, 



50 Village Street, Boston, Dec. 1, 1890. 



Dr. S. H. Durgin, Board of Health, City of Boston. 



Dear Sir : — There is no doubt whatever that rabies has been 

 existing in this community certainly since some time in February, 

 1SS8. During the whole of this period a large number of dogs 

 have been brought to the veterinary hospital, that we have looked 

 upon as showing the symptoms of rabies, and that have died rabid. 

 The assertion that the dogs have died rabid is not made here upon 

 the foundation of the symptoms shown and results of post-mortem 

 examinations alone, but upon the additional fact that, in a number 

 of the instances, carefully and thoroughly conducted laboratory 

 work has proved its existence without doubt. 



In connection with the existence of rabies among the dogs, and 

 to some extent the other animals, there have been every now and 

 then distressing occurrences among the people, coming from the 

 bites of rabid animals, and ending too often in the death of the 

 victim, accompanied always by a long-continued agonizing fear 

 in the minds of the bitten ones and their families. 



It seems to me that it is time that some properly organized effort 

 to end this epizootic should be made. There is no doubt that the 

 means of spread is very largely to be found in the existence with 

 us of a class of semi-ownerless animals ; for, if a dog that has 

 rabies has also the interest and kindly care of his owner, he is 

 seen to be ill before the dangerous period arrives, and so the 

 chances of his being allowed to run "a muck" are reduced to 

 almost nothing. 



Perfect control of the spread of rabies is to be attained in our 

 community only as a result of well-organized and carefully main- 

 tained State action. This action should take the form of com- 



