Hog Cholera Outbreak in Snohomish County Sparks Call for State Action
A Pullman farmer warns that hog cholera has appeared in Snohomish County and urges the legislature to fund measures to contain the disease before it devastates Washington's livestock industry.
Pullman, Wash., Jan. 6, 1899. Editor Ranch and Range: I see by a recent copy of your paper that hog cholera has made its appearance in Snohomish County. Farmers in this county are now using Eastern meat and lard, there not being enough hogs to supply the country demand, let alone our cities and towns. Should this disease gain a foothold in the state the loss cannot be estimated. Prompt action should be taken to hold the dreaded disease in check, not only by individual farmers and stockmen, but by the state authorities also. I have written to several of our state senators and representatives urging them to enact stringent laws and provide the necessary funds to enforce them, that farmers and stockraisers, with the assistance of the state veterinarian, may hold in check contagious diseases. I think it is the duty of the farmers and stockmen of the state to see that the livestock industry is protected, and not let the present legislature overlook this important matter. J. S. Klemgard.
“Should this disease gain a foothold in the state the loss cannot be estimated.”
In 1899, a hog cholera outbreak in Snohomish County prompted calls for state intervention to protect farmers. Today, Washington's agricultural industry still faces threats from emerging diseases, and the debate over government's role in regulating and supporting farming continues.
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