BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



77 



eradrcation work can be used for operating expenses, the remaining 

 two-thirds being allotted for the payment of indemnities. A re- 

 versal of the ratio, making available two-thirds for operating ex- 

 penses, would increase greatly the progress of the Avork. Necessarily 

 the diseased animals must be found before indemnity can be paid, 

 and when only a few animals in a large herd react to the test the op- 

 erating expenses exceed the Federal share of indemnity. Yet, find- 

 ing those lew^ reactors promptly before the disease spreads is essen- 

 tial to maintain the herd in a "healthy condition. 



The bureau noAv conducts tuberculosis-eradication work coopera- 

 tively with the officials of 43 States, and negotiations are in progress 

 to extend the work to others. The District of Columbia is an ex- 

 cellent example showiri'^- that the disease is vulnerable to a definite 

 campaign of eradication. In 1907 tuberculin testing in the District 

 was undertaken, and more than 18 per cent of the cattle were found 

 to be tuberculous. Tests made in 1919 on all cattle in the District 

 showed a percentage of only 0.63 of 1 per cent affected. This is 

 lower thrxU in any previous year, and the disposal of the last reactors 

 makes the District practically a tubcrculosis-frec area. 



SECOND ACCREDITED LIST ISSUED. 



During the year the bureau issued Herd List No. 2 of cattle offi- 

 cially accredited as free from tuberculosis and containing also a list 

 of herds that successfully passed one test with a view^ to certifica- 

 tion. Compared with list No. 1, dated July 1, 1918, the second list 

 shows noteworthy progress as follows: 



AccrciUtcd-hcrd li.st summary. 



List. 



List No. 1, July 1, 1918.. 

 List No. 2, April 1, 1919 



From April 1 to the end of the fiscal year further progress was 

 made, and the work is receiving hearty suppoi-t from live-stock 

 owners and officials. 



CONSTRUCTIVE SIDE OF REGULATORY WORK. 



Disease eradication is the basis of ample production and in final 

 analysis of liberal consumption and proper nutrition. If the live- 

 stock men of the country had to contend with pleuropneumonia, 

 foot-and-mouth disease, surra, rinderpest, and other animal scourges 

 on top of their present problems, production certainly would fall 

 and consumption would be curtailed by reason of high prices neces- 

 sary to cover the risks of production. Fortunately, this list of dis- 

 eases may be considered a problem already solved. They do not 

 exist in this country and the bureau is on the alert to keep them out. 



