4 DISEASE AMONG SWINE AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



intensity of heat in other localities, render farm-stock liable to the at- 

 tacks and ravaj^es of almost every disease known in the history of do- 

 mestic animals. So general and fatal have many of these maladies grown 

 that stock breeding and rearing has, to some extent, become a i)recarion8 

 calling instead of the profitable business of former years. This would 

 seem to be especially true as it relates to swine. Year by year new 

 diseases, heretofore unknown in our country, make their appearance 

 among this class of farm animals, while older ones become ])ermanently 

 localized and much more fatal in their results. Farmers, as a general 

 thing, are neglectful of their stock, and i)ay but little attention to spo- 

 radic cases of sickness among their flocks an<l herds. It is only when 

 diseases become general, and consequently of an epidemic and conta- 

 gious character, that active measures are taken for the relief of the 

 animals alflicted. It is then generally too late, as remedies have ceased 

 to have their usual beneficial effects, and the disease is only stayed 

 when it has no more victims to prey upon. 



This interest is too great to be longer neglected by the general gov- 

 ernment. ;Not only the health of its citizens, but one of the greatest 

 sources of our wealth, demands that it should furnish the means for a 

 most searching and thorough investigation into the causes of all diseases 

 affecting live stock. 



While a large number of the diseases to which farm-animals are sub- 

 ject are familiar to skilled veterinary surgeons, it should be borne in 

 mind that but few sections of the country are blessed with professors 

 in this science, as reference to the letters herewith transmitted will 

 abundantly show. In most cases the stock-breeder himself assumes the 

 important functions and responsibilities of the surgeon, and without the 

 least knowledge of veterinary science he proceeds to diagnose the dis- 

 ease and dose the animal with a drug of which he is ignorant, or of the 

 effects of which he is unable to judge until the animal has })assed be- 

 yond the hope of recovery. Where such is the practice it is not strange 

 that nine cases out often prove fatal. 



It may be urged that works on veterinary surgery describe most of 

 the diseases to which farm-animals are subject, and point out the best- 

 known remedies for the same. Admit this, and yet the desired relief is 

 not afforded thereby. These works are expensive and but few farmers 

 can afford to purchase them ; a still less nnmber possess the qualifica- 

 tions necessary to comprehend them. What would then seem the wisest 

 policy is that which may result from an investigation of tiie character 

 proposed, and the results disseminated gratuitously through means of 

 cheap annual reports from this department. By such means farmers 

 and stock-breeders would soon become familiar with the general symp- 

 toms of the more prevalent diseases, and also be enabled to apply intelli- 

 gently such remedies as science has or may point out. 



Some very interesting investigations in this matter have been com- 

 menced, and are now being prosecuted with such vigor as is possible 

 with the very insufficient appropriation that can be devoted to the pur- 

 pose. 



The correspondence herewith transmitted contains information which, 

 if heeded by the fanners and stock-growers of the country, will result 

 in a better sanitary condition, and a consequent diminution of disease 

 among all classes of domesticated animals. 



I have the honor to remain, very respectfullv, vour obedient servant, 



\VM. G. LE DUC, 



Commissio7ier. 



The President of the United States. 



