Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1908 [PAGE 523]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1908]

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

495

Two facts we well know: One is that tuberculosis is not transmissible except by infection; the other is that healthy progeny can be secured from reacting cows; This indicates that the sensible course is to isolate all affected animals, destroying only those that appear to be yielding to the disease, thus spreading the infection, and continue breeding operations, resorting frequently to the test, and in this way free the herd from the disease without sacrificing the results of long continued and successful breeding. Many herds have been "cleaned up" in this way and this course we are pursuing here. Upon this point there is really no room for difference of opinion. Public Health.—The more serious question and the one calling for recommendation and action arises out of considerations of public health. Our best authorities tell us that one-seventh of the human race die of tuberculosis. The disease is so widespread that it is called "The great white plague." Much is said and written about its prevention and cure and the precautions necessary to prevent its spreading. Prominent men in bacteriology say that bovine tuberculosis is not transmissible to man, while others of equally high authority, both in medicine and bacteriology, believe that a large part of human infection comes through the milk supply. The matter of a pure milk supply, particularly for infants and invalids, who are especially susceptible to disease, is therefore a question of vital importance, and if it be true that bovine tuberculosis is transmissible to man, it makes the question a serious one to consider, for we know that a large number of our dairy herds are badly infected. I believe that at the present time there is no subject in the University of greater importance, affecting, as it does, human life The question of the State's duty and responsibility in this particular matter, should certainly come up before the legislature in the immediate future, and it is upon us to be able to furnish at the proper time both definite and trustworthy information upon the subject. Some states have very stringent laws in regard to tuberculously infected herds, not allowing animals to enter their state without a certificate showing that they have successfully passed the tuberculin test. These laws have unquestionably already seriously affected the dairy interests of Illinois, and there is danger of the future results being even more serious if some action is not taken soon, because there is good evidence that neglected and diseased animals are shipped into our state and sold to our dairymen, who almost universally resort to purchase to keep up their herds. It is exceedingly significant that out of ten cows purchased from herds of Illinois for experimental purposes nine reacted. Our herd affords a great opportunity for a most thorough investigation of the subject. This work requires the best man obtainable either in this country or Europe, whose entire time should be devoted to this research. Bacteriological examination should be made to determine the extent to which the milk and excrement may be infected, both with the University herd and herds throughout the State. Experiments should be "conducted upon hogs and guinea pigs; veterinary examinations shorld be made of each cow to determine if any external symptoms of the disease can be found; and if possible determinations should be made as to whether* and to what extent bovine tuberculosis is transmissible to man. The whole subject opens up a vast field for scientific research. The problems are many and difficult, and cannot be solved in a day or a year, but will require long and patient work, as well as large sums of money to carry forward the investigation. Anything but the best scientific labor is absolutely worthless in an investigation of this kind, and every effort should be made to secure the best talent obtainable. Since tuberculosis is receiving such widespread attention at the present time, and so many institutions and sanitariums for the study and care of the disease are being established, and an international congress upon the subject of tuberculosis is to be held in Washington this autumn, and since there are so many vital questions in dispute, it would seem that this is an opportune time for the University to take hold of this question and so thoroughly investigate it as to be considered and recognized as one of the best authorities upon the subject in the United States, if not in the world; indeed, I believe it is not only our opportunity but our duty. In view of the facts mentioned, I believe it is of the utmost importance that the plans of the Department of Dairy Husbandry be changed to a certain ex-