W.T. Dunlap Loses 10 Head Cattle to TB, Reimbursed by Government, May 2, 1923

W.T. Dunlap Loses 10 Head Cattle. . . Tubercullin Test Made by State Veterinarians Shows They Were Infected—Post Morten Examination Held

The importance of eradication of tuberculosis in cattle was impressively demonstrated on Thursday of last week on the farm of W.T. Dunlap in Beaver Island township, Stokes county. Post mortem examinations were conducted by the veterinarians engaged in this work upon 10 of the 13 animals which recently reacted to the tuberculin test and the plainly apparent ravages of the disease which were exhibited in the internal organs of these animals will long be remembered by those citizens who were present to witness the examinations.

It is indeed fortunate that the milk from these badly infected animals had not been used by Mr. Dunlap’s family and that the tuberculin test was applied in time to prevent the infection of any of the members of the family.

For several years Mr. Dunlap has been making an effort to produce a better grade of cattle on his farm, and with this object in view he and two of his neighbors purchased an imported bull three or four years ago which was kept on Mr. Dunlap’s farm. The bull died during December of last year and had never received a tuberculin test, but it is supposed that this animal brought the infection to the premises which was eventually to destroy the entire herd, and possibly spread the infection to other parts of the county.

At the time Mr. Dunlap’s herd was tested it contained 16 animals and all but three of them reacted to the test, and it is doubtful whether or not these three will remain healthy after having associated with those which were in the advanced stages of the disease.

The wisdom of the Stokes county commissioners is to be commended in providing county funds sufficient to secure the aid of the State Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Bureau of Animal Industry in this work, as these departments will reimburse the owner for those animals which are condemned for tuberculosis. Every county in the state should follow the example of Stokes and the 21 other counties which are now actively engaged in this work, as it is only through the complete eradication of tuberculosis that cattle raising can be placed on a sound basis and a safe built supply secured for our children.

From the front page of the Danbury Reporter, May 2, 1923