EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION 223 
the county, at least in counties having less than 
15,000 inhabitants outside of the county seat. 
Such an office should be supported at least in part 
by the county. 
Whether such combination be made or not in 
the general health administration of rural dis- 
tricts, it is quite possible, and an evident advan- 
tage, for neighboring cities and villages to em- 
ploy the services of the same veterinarian. Thus 
it would be more easy to have the full time officer, 
who may thus devote his entire attention to pre- 
vention of disease, rather than a part of the time 
of one whose real interest is in another field of 
study. 
The man whose living depends upon his treat- 
ment of either human or animal diseases finds that 
his private business is most urgent, just when his 
official duties are most pressing—during epi- 
demics. Self-interest compels him to neglect his 
public work. 
176. Records. Records of the offices should be 
so kept that at any time those responsible will be 
able to tell the exact condition of affairs under 
their supervision. The local commissioner should 
know just how many cases there may be of infec- 
tious disease in his jurisdiction, and where 
located; and by means of his reports similar infor- 
mation should be obtainable in the state office. 
177. Reports. The outbreak of any infectious 
disease in a locality should be at once announced 
to the state office, those for animal diseases going 
to the state veterinarian. There should, in addi- 
tion be weekly reports showing the number of new 
cases, number recovered, and number deceased. 
