212 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



industry in large sections of the country. And -with every disease there are equally 

 important points still to be investigated. 



The laboratory and experiment station which have been fitted up during the past 

 summer under the direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, for investigating con- 

 tagious diseases, make it possible to attempt the solution of questions which were 

 formerly beyond our reach. The laboratory contains the most improved apparatus 

 lor such investigations, much of which was constructed according to new designs, es- 

 pecially for this work, and it is safe to say that the facilities here are now equal to 

 those possessed by investigators of similar diseases in any country, and in some re- 

 spects they greatly surpass them. 



In conclusion, I would say there is not a department of original research or of agri- 

 cultural investigation in regard to which there is more pressing need for development 

 than this, and none which promises to effect a greater saving. Our losses are now 

 heavy, but they must increase as our animal population increases, as new diseases are 

 introduced, and fresh areas are infected. But it is not alone a question of dollars; the 

 investigation of animal contagia must throw new light on those human plagues which 

 in our country alone sweep a quarter of a million of human lives out of existence each 

 year. Some of these animal diseases are communicable to man, and have a greater 

 influence over our health and lives than is generally supposed, and any means of con- 

 trolling them cannot fail to have an important influence on human health as well. 



ENZOOTICS OF EEGOTISM. 



Early in March, 1884, a disease among the cattle of Coffey County, 

 Kansas, which was supposed by certain veterinarians to be foot-and- 

 mouth disease in a most virulent form, was brought to the attention of 

 the officers of that State ; and such exaggerated accounts were sent to 

 the press from day to day as to cause a feeling of insecurity and alarm 

 among all engaged in the live-stock industry of the West. The 3d of 

 March, Dr. Wilhite visited the farm of Mr. Daniel Keith, located in Cof- 

 fey County, 4 miles northwest of Neosho Falls, and pronounced the 

 trouble among his cattle to be foot-and-mouth disease. The same day 

 Governor Glick telegraphed as follows : 



Topeka, Kans., March 3, 1884. 



Hon. Geo. B. Loring, 



Commissioner of Agriculture : 

 A very malignant disease has broken out among the cattle in Neosho County, this 

 State. It is supposed to be the foot-and-mouth disease. The feet become sore and 

 soon rot off. The disease sometimes extends to the knees. Over a hundred animals 

 have been attacked in a few days. Great consternation among the cattle owners. 

 Can your Department send here a competent veterinary surgeon ? No one here can 

 advise what to do. 



G. W. GLICK, Governor of Kansas. 

 Two days later the following dispatch was received : 



Topeka, Kans.* March 5, 1884. 



Hon. Geo. B. Lorixg, 



Commissioner of Agriculture : 

 Veterinary surgeon reports disease of which I advised you to be foot-and-mouth dis- 

 ease. 



G. W. GLICK, Governor of Kansas. 



On the receipt of this dispatch, and similar representations by the 

 Senators from Kansas, Dr. M. E. Trumbower, a veterinarian whose pre- 

 vious reports of various diseases had led us to put great confidence in 

 his knowledge and judgment, was directed to proceed at once to Neosho 

 Falls, and make an early report in regard to the nature of the disease 

 among cattle which was' said to exist at that place. He started on the 

 6th, but could not reach the affected farms until the 9th of March. 



In the mean time, at the request of the governor, General Augur de- 

 tailed Dr. Holcombe, of the army veterinary service, to make an im- 



