SANITARY CONDITIONS OF DAIRY FARMS. 
SANITARY CONDITIONS OF DAIRY FARMS. 
By J. M. Parker, D.V.M. 
A paper read before the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. 
In a paper read before the American Medical Association in 
1891 on “The Treatment of Chronic Pulmonary Consumption,’’ 
the essayist remarks that “our surroundings make us what we 
are. If our treatment could begin with the birth of the patient, 
in 99 per cent, of cases we should not have any tuberculosis to 
treat. No matter about the family history” This remark applies 
equally well to the dairy cow. Their surroundings make them 
what they are. And I venture to assert that, if the sanitary and 
hygienic conditions were what they should be, we would have 
little or no bovine tuberculosis in our dairy herds. It is the 
common every-day life a person leads that governs his health; 
and it is the common every-day life the dairy cow leads that 
governs its health and vitality. Their surroundings make them 
what they are. 
Sanitary science has made vast strides in the last twenty 
years, yet our dairy farms are in practically the same condition 
they were in fifty or one hundred years ago. In fact, no effort 
is made on the average farm to conform to any sanitary laws or 
regulations whatsoever. The old barbarous practice of confin¬ 
ing the cattle in stanchions is still in use; and the old barn and 
barn-yard, with its strong, odorous and slimy filth, is still in 
existence. 
Sanitary science is advancing every year. Our cities are 
well drained; our drinking-water is carefully guarded; houses 
and schools must have sufficient light and air; our young men 
and children must have exercise; but yet our dairy cattle are 
expected to retain their health and strength and to maintain 
their vitality, shut up for months in close barns, without ventila¬ 
tion or fresh air, and with little light. Compelled to stand in 
their tracks unable to move—unable to turn round even to lick 
their sides. 
It seems strange that the entire question of the sanitary 
