xvin PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS 345 



(14) Animal Tuberculosis and Public Health. 



While the members recognise that the subject with which this 

 Commission is primarily intended to deal is the control and eradi- 

 cation of tuberculosis among animals as an economic problem, 

 they cannot feel satisfied without declaring their recognition of 

 the fact that tuberculosis among animals is also an important 

 public health problem. Considered as such, the eradication of 

 tuberculosis among animals should have the approval and support 

 of all those persons who are interested in curtailing human suffer- 

 ing and prolonging human life. 



(15) General Statement. 



The members of the Commission wish it to be clearly under- 

 stood that they recognise the limitations of a report necessarily 

 based on actual and not on theoretical conditions. They fully 

 realise that ia the event of the policy of which their recommenda- 

 tions form the framework being anywhere adopted even in its 

 entirety, much greater benefit will be derived, at least for some 

 time, from its educative than from its executive features. 



The control, to say nothing of the eradication, of bovine 

 tuberculosis, is impossible of achievement, without the hearty 

 co-operation of the men who are actually engaged in the cattle 

 industry. In order to secure this co-operation, it will doubtless 

 be necessary, in most communities, to carry on an active and pro- 

 longed educational campaign. 



It is apparent that in the dissemination of practical and re- 

 liable information regarding the disease, it will be possible to 

 employ a very large variety of methods. Many of these methods, 

 such as bulletins, lectures, and actual demonstrations of disease, 

 having already been found valuable, will doubtless continue to be 

 largely used. 



It must not be forgotten, however, that in this, as in any 

 other educative process, a measure of disciplinary control is essen- 

 tial to success. Needless to say, such control can be secured only 

 by the passage of legislation which, while clear and comprehen- 

 sive, must, at the same time, be sufficiently conservative to avoid 

 exciting alarm or arousing antagonism on the part of owners 

 especially of valuable herds. 



The best law ever framed can be made an utter failure by 

 stupid or injudicious administration, while, on the other hand, the 

 most drastic legislation can be rendered acceptable if enforced 

 with reasonable tact and diplomacy. Provided, therefore, that 

 these qualities, combined with integrity, thoroughness, and deter- 

 mination, are available for administrative purposes, the members 



