XI 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND 

 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND 



(veterinary branch) 



EPIZOOTIC LYMPHANGITIS 



1 . There has recently been introduced into Ireland 

 a contagious disease known as epizootic lymphangitis, 

 which affects horses, asses, and mules. It has for many 

 years existed among horses in Italy, and in several other 

 countries in Europe; it is also prevalent in India and 

 in some parts of South Africa. 



2. The characteristic symptom of the disease con- 

 sists of a swollen condition of the lymphatics of the skin 

 on the inside of the hind legs, but the same condition 

 may also be present on the side of the neck, or on the 

 body. In most cases small nodules, varying in size 

 from a pea to a hazel nut, will be found, which eventually 

 burst and discharge a small quantity of purulent material 

 containing an organism — the cryptococcus — which is the 

 cause of the disease. 



3. The cryptococcus when microscopically examined 

 presents itself as an ovid body, with a distinct double- 

 contoured envelope and highly refractile contents. 

 Owing to its considerable size and its characteristic form 

 it is readily detected under a magnification of 400, and to 

 this end it is not necessary to use any stain. The 

 organism is easily transferred from the wound of a 

 diseased horse to a wound on another horse not affected 

 with this disease, and the most common means of such 

 transfer is no doubt by the agency of sponges, rubbers, 

 brushes, or other stable utensils, which have been used 

 about diseased horses, or possibly by the hands of the 

 attendant. 



