No. 4.] CATTLE COMMISSIONERS. 473 



compensation of owners, provided " such person shall not have, 

 prior thereto, in the judgment of the Cattle Commissioners, by 

 wilful act or neglect contributed to the spread of tuberculosis." 

 If after suitable notice an owner introduces diseased animals into 

 his herd, or fails to thoroughly disinfect his premises, he con- 

 tributes to the spread of tuberculosis by neglecting to take reason- 

 able precaution against the spread of the disease, and lays himself 

 liable to forfeit his right to compensation. 



The regulations issued by the Board bearing on this sub- 

 ject are as follows : — 



Regulations of Massachusetts Board op Cattle Commission- 

 ers FOR CLEANSING AND DISINFECTING BaRNS. 



[These must be complied with by owners of cattle which the State pays for.] 



In attempting to get rid of tuberculosis in a herd of cattle, it 

 should be remembered that not only is it necessary that all the dis- 

 eased animals be picked out and either isolated or destroyed, but 

 that no new animals should be introduced unless they have been 

 tested and are known to be free from disease. 



The barns should also undergo a thorough renovation, and be 

 properly cleansed and disinfected before they are again occupied. 



In renovating or remodelling barns, the great importance of sun- 

 light, thorough ventilation and good drainage should always be 

 borne in mind. 



Disinfection of the barns is always necessary to destroy any 

 infectious material that may have been left after the removal of 

 diseased cattle. The best disinfectant we know is sunlight. 

 Germs of disease will live but a short time when exposed to the 

 direct rays of the sun ; and for this reason, if for no other, a south- 

 erly exposure and plenty of windows in the barn are to be desired. 



In proceeding to disinfect a barn, the first and perhaps the most 

 important step to be taken is to collect all rubbish, have the walls, 

 ceilings and floors thoroughly swept and cleansed of all litter, dust, 

 cobwebs and the like. The floors^ mangers, feeding troughs and 

 stanchions should be carefully scraped and cleaned, special care 

 being taken with the corners, and all of the rubbish collected and 

 burned. 



All odds and ends of boards and old broken mangers and par- 

 titions should also be removed and burned, and, when occasion 

 requires it, new plank floors should be laid in place of old ones. 



After cleansing thoroughly with hoe and broom, and hose if 

 running water is convenient, and, if the barn contains a boiler, 

 with scalding water or live steam, applied with a hose, or, failing 



