EDITORIAL. 
389 
the most important point in the prosecution of their work they 
come almost to a standstill for want of funds, and not only is 
there a loss of valuable time, but much that has been gained can¬ 
not be kept, simply from a lack of sufficient force to maintain the 
position. 
The duty of the different States in this matter is so plain that 
no mistake can be made unless it be intentional. Able veterin¬ 
arians should have charge of the measures that are to be enforced, 
and they must not be rendered inefficient by presumptions 
officials who know nothing whatever of diseases or the means by 
which they are to be controlled ; while sufficient funds are to be 
supplied by the people’s representatives. Congress cannot be 
ignorant of the importance which the question presents for their 
consideration, and the people expect and are entitled to some ac¬ 
tion from this body which shall look to the protection of their 
endangered interests. The recent petition of the United States 
Veterinary Medical Association, we believe, indicates the direc¬ 
tion which their efforts should take, and the establishing of a 
National Veterinary Sanitary Bureau of the ablest veterinarians 
to be found, is a matter that should not be delayed. Until some 
such measures are taken by the General Government or by every 
State, the independent action of one State alone can result in but 
little good, and the time must soon come when contagious pleuro¬ 
pneumonia will be as common and insusceptible of eradication as 
it is in some European countries. 
DIPHTHERIA IN PIGS. 
Prof. Axe of the London Veterinary College, in the Decem¬ 
ber number of the Veterinarian , reports an outbreak of diphtheria 
in a herd of pigs during the month of September, from which 
one died, while another was killed for purpose of examination. 
Regarding the cause of the disease in this instance, none could 
be determined by the investigations instituted by Prof. Axe. 
No fresh stock had been introduced, nor had the pigs come 
in contact with others, so that infection from immediate contact 
was not admissible, and the question as to whether the disease 
