Fig. 1. Tick-infested steer.
Fig. 2. Dipping cattle to kill ticks.
Plate L. Facsimile of poster used to show the difference between cattle of similar breeding raised on a tick-free farm in one case and on a ticky farm in the other.
In consequence of the enforcement of these quarantine regulations, Texas fever has been practically prevented in the noninfected districts for several years, and little or no hardship has been caused to stockmen handling cattle from the infected areas. Prior to the adoption of these regulations the tick-infested district was rapidly extending northward, but since the quarantine line was established and rational regulations enforced it has gradually been moved farther south. This problem of still further reducing the infested area is of the greatest importance to the cattlemen of the South—in fact, to those on both sides of the line—and one which is receiving special consideration by this department as well as by many of the interested States.
TICK ERADICATION.
Systematic cooperative work by the Federal Government and the affected States for the eradication of the cattle ticks which transmit Texas fever was begun in the summer of 1906 under authority given by Congress in the appropriation act for the Department of Agriculture. The first Federal appropriation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1907, was $82,500, and for the fiscal year 1908 an appropriation of $150,000 was made, then for several years $250,000, and this has been increased to $660,000 for 1922. Funds have also been provided by States and counties.
The original infected area amounted to 728,543 square miles. Of this territory there has been released from quarantine as a result of the work above mentioned 523,837 square miles (up to July 1, 1922). In other words, 72 per cent of the area has been freed from ticks in 16 years.
Great improvement has resulted from this work in the released territory. More cattle are being raised, and a better grade of breeding stock is being introduced; calves grow faster, and cattle put on flesh more rapidly during the grazing season and go into the winter in better condition because of the absence of the ticks; they can be marketed without quarantine restrictions, and higher prices are being obtained; dairy cows give a larger yield of milk; and values of farm lands are enhanced.