CHAPTER X. 



ANTHRAX, BLACK LEG, HEMORRHAGIC SEPTI- 

 CEMIA AND CORN STALK DISEASE. 



The disease of anthrax is much more important in 

 Europe than in this country. It is, however, quite com- 

 mon in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Delaware and in 

 many other states, it occurs at irregular intervals. It is 

 a matter of much importance to have the disease break 

 out in a district or on a farm, since it is very difficult to 

 rid an infected area of the disease, if it once becomes 

 established. 



The disease is one which affects primarily sheep, cattle, 

 and horses, although other domestic animals as hogs, 

 dogs, and cats may acquire it. Human beings may be 

 affected with it. The relation of bacteria to disease was 

 first proven in the case of anthrax. The organism can 

 be easily grown in the laboratory on a large number of 

 substances. While the anthrax bacillus can grow in the 

 animal body in the absence of free oxygen, it can not 

 form spores except in contact with the oxygen of the air. 



Channels of infection. The bacteria enter the body- 

 in a number of ways. If the food or water is contam- 

 inated, they enter through the intestinal wall. The dis- 

 ease may be acquired from infected hay or on the pas- 

 ture. The organisms may enter the body by way of the 

 lungs, in the dust of the air, or may be introduced 

 through wounds, especially by the bites of flies that have 

 had access to the carcass or body of an affected animal. 



