556 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Of this number, 341 were either condemned as diseased, 

 or killed at the request of the owner. 



The statistics show an increase in the disease in the State 

 the past year; but this fact is probably practically due to a 

 better understanding of the law relating to it rather than to 

 any absolute increase in the number of cases. Formerly 

 many cases were handled by veterinarians or l)y owners, and 

 killed without any report being made. As the public has 

 liecome aware of the requirement of the statute, that all such 

 cases must be reported to this Board, the list of cases has 

 steadily increased. 



In the opinion of the Board, it is quite practicable to 

 largely reduce the prevalence of this disease, as local in- 

 spectors and J^oards of health become better acquainted with 

 their duties, and come to a full appreciation of the impor- 

 tance of active observance of the law in regard to the re- 

 porting of cases. Much can also be done to restrict the 

 disease, if reasonable precautions are observed by owners. 

 The watering of horses at public troughs, the hitching to 

 public posts and stabling in places of doul)tful safety are all 

 ready means for transmitting infection. 



Rabies. 



On or about Dec. 10, 1895, there were reports of the ap- 

 pearance of several dogs apparently affected with rabies in 

 the vicinity of Boston. Careful investigation was made of 

 the reported cases, and, it appearing that there was reason 

 to fear an extension of* the trouble unless prompt measures 

 were taken, the Board issued the following order of quar- 

 antine : — 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Board of Cattle Commissioxees, 

 52 Village Street, Boston, Jan. 23, 1896. 



To the Cities and Toivns of Newton, Cambridge, Watertoivn, Belmont, 

 Somerville, Arlington, Medford, Maiden, Everett, Chelsea and Bevere, 

 the Boards of Health within the Same and All Persons whom it may 

 concern : — 



Wliereas, Rabies, a contagious disease under section 37 of 

 chapter 491 of the Acts of the j-ear 1894, has appeared among cer- 

 tain domestic animals, to wit, dogs, in certain portions of this 

 Commonwealth ; and 



