254 VETERINARY HYGIENE 



this connection it should be observed that the bacilli in the carcase 

 not only do not sporulate owing to the fact that free oxygen is 

 necessary for this to occur and that for the greater part of the 

 year the temperature is too low, but also that they rapidly disappear 

 with the onset of putrefaction. Hides of anthrax carcases must on 

 no account be slashed or cut in any way (compare foot-and-mouth 

 disease and swine fever). 



The method to be adopted in dealing with an anthrax infected 

 carcase depends upon the locality and circumstances under which 

 it is found. In all instances the carcase must be strictly isolated 

 and prompt measures taken to prevent the spread of the infective 

 material, such as pulmonary discharge or exudations from the anus, 

 vagina, &c., and to prevent access to it of dogs, vermin and, if 

 possible, flies until such time as the grave or crematorium is ready 

 for its reception. Should the animal be one of a number of cattle 

 in a byre, those adjacent should be immediately removed and 

 placed by themselves, not only to prevent them becoming contamin- 

 ated, but also to keep them under observation. If obtainable, 

 some absorbent 'such as peatmoss, sawdust, &c., should be scattered 

 thickly on any discharges to prevent them running down the fseces 

 channel or across the stall. Dung recently passed should be 

 collected from the channel and placed alongside the carcase until 

 it can be dealt with. The channel behind the stall should then be 

 well soaked with carbolic acid or other strong disinfectant. Pre- 

 caution should be taken to prevent infected dung from being thrown 

 out as manure, and at the same time infected material must be 

 prevented from travelling down the channel to the danger of other 

 cows in the byre. The carcase should then be covered with old 

 sacking soaked in some disinfectant to prevent flies as far as pos- 

 sible from feeding off the infective material. It is better to leave 

 the carcase in the byre until it can be definitely disposed of than 

 to drag it outside, where it would be more exposed to attacks by 

 vermin and dogs. Should the carcase be in a field, temporary 

 fencing of hurdles stuffed with furze will keep off dogs and foxes 

 during the night. The removal of the carcase to the grave must 

 be done with the greatest care. The rectum, vagina, nostrils and 

 mouth must be stopped with wool or tow soaked in crude carbolic 

 acid or other suitable disinfectant. This is not easily done, but 

 neglect to take every precaution to prevent discharges from soiling 

 the ground during transit of the carcase is a serious matter. The 

 carcase should be handled as little as possible ; farm labourers are 

 not able to appreciate the grave risks run from manual contact with 

 the blood-stained quarters or head, and the veterinary inspector 



