IMPORTANCE OF THE TUBERCULIN TEST.

The public has become aroused and general interest is being manifested especially in measures for reducing the mortality from tuberculosis in human beings. This is shown by the formation of societies throughout the country for furthering these measures and by the general campaign of education which is now under way. It has been shown beyond question that human tuberculosis and animal tuberculosis are communicable between persons and animals, and that a considerable proportion of the cases of human tuberculosis are caused by infection from animal sources. The eradication of tuberculosis from dairy cows is therefore very desirable as a protection to human health.

The tuberculin test is recognized by sanitarians as an agency of the greatest value for detecting tuberculosis in dairy herds and for controlling and eradicating the disease. Without its assistance but a small percentage of the cases could be detected in the live animals. It is remarkably accurate, the records of thousands of cases in which the animals have afterwards been slaughtered showing a correct diagnosis in 97 per cent.

Unfortunately, in the early attempts to control tuberculosis in some States, measures were adopted which were so radical that they aroused the antagonism of the dairymen and cattle owners generally, and little was accomplished in the way of either benefiting the cattle owners or removing the dangers of the disease to the public. It is time that those interested in the dairy and live-stock industries of the country should give their support to all measures tending to check this widespread disease and to prevent the serious losses which it causes. It is to their interest to do so purely as a business proposition, regardless of any benefit to the public health.

A practice which is largely instrumental in the spread of tuberculosis is the sale of animals known to be diseased without transmitting this knowledge to the buyer. This is done not only in private sales, but at public auctions as well. This practice should be stopped. Where the tuberculin test is used under the direction of a board of health, the animals as a rule are properly marked (usually by placing metal disks in the ears), showing whether they are tuberculous or healthy. This plan is to be commended, as it renders difficult the deception of a purchaser.

While some States have laws prohibiting the importation of cattle without the certificate of a veterinarian showing that they have passed the test, other States have no such laws, and the transfer of animals from one State to another goes on without molestation. This shows the necessity of the Federal Government taking some action in the near future to prevent the interstate shipment of diseased animals. The work of the Government might also be extended still further in a cooperative way, so that, when the disease is discovered, the information will be communicated both to the owners of the animals and to the proper State authorities.

The Bureau of Animal Industry furnishes tuberculin free of charge to public officials for making tests under certain conditions.