CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 63^ 



In 1754 a very extensive epidemy of ergotism prevailed iu France, 

 nearly approaching in its ravages those of the Middle Ages. It began 

 at Sologne, its traditional birthplace, and spread through the Llandes, 

 Flanders, and Artois. The ergot was so abundant that it formed one- 

 third of the rye. The animals fed on it contracted the same gangrenous 

 diseases as afflicted the human species. (An. PL I, p. 384.) 



The next outbreak referred to is described as follows : 



Au epidemy of ergotism was also reported as occurring in niauy northern countries 

 caused by the wheat, rye, and corn having been diseased. It lasted during this and 

 the next year, and amnials seem to have sutiered. Wagner described it as it appeared 

 iu the marshy districts of Saxony, the circle of Schlieben, and on the banks of the 

 Elster: "A light frost destroyed the blossom on the vine and the rye iu 18131. Each 

 partially withered blossom of the rye crop, instead of a healthy seed, brought forth 

 a spur of ergot about three-fonrths of au inch long. . * * * In some houses, where 

 the disease raged most violently, grain was found consisting of two parts of diseased 

 and one of bitter rye, vetch and a variety of other seeds. * » * Pigs ate ergo- 

 tized rye (Mutterkorn), and suffered from its effects. Dogs, however, instinctively, 

 avoided it; but when compelled by hunger to eat it, they exhibited 8ymi>toms of 

 madness ( ToJlwiith). I believe that such food was partaken of here and there by dogs, 

 and that it assisted iu producing uuidness, as dogs and cats were so affected that no 

 man ever remembers seeing so many mad as during the existence of the ergotism 

 {Kriebelkraitkheit) among the people. This unhealthy grain may have had something 

 to do with the sickness among the lower animals which prevailed at this time, and 

 which was ascribed to the choleraic influence, though its share must have been small." 

 (An. PI. II, p. 172.) 



Raphania iu pigs was witnessed by Dr. Helm : 



Twelve pigs of various ages were fed with rye which contained mucli ergot. A 

 few hours afterwards convulsions set in, with foaming at the mouth ; the aniuuils 

 grunted and groaned most piteousljs became paralyzed iu the hinder extremities, 

 and expressed their agony iu the strangest contortions. At first I pi"esumed the dis- 

 ease arose from the bite of a mad dog, but on opening the first animal that died I 

 discoveied the nature of the malady by finding in the stomach much ergoted rye. 

 The jaws were so tightly closed that with great difficulty a purge of white liellebore 

 was introduced, and that w.as followed by a dose of viuegar and buttermilk and re- 

 peated douches of very cold water. By these means seveu of the animals were saved. 

 The other five died iu the course of a few days. (An. PI. II, p. 197.) 



In our own country we have no compilation of the references to animal 

 <liseases which may liave been made from time to time, and hence it is 

 impossible for me to give a history of ergotism in this countrj-. My at- 

 tention, however, has been called to the following article in the Farmers* 

 Cabinet, Vol. Ill (1838-';«>), p. IGl, which shows not only that the dis- 

 ease has occarred heretofore, but that its cause was recognized : 



I have just seen a number of the "Farmer and (iardener'" of l?;iltimore, dated lUtli 

 June hist, which contains an artich; on the "Hoof-ail" of cattle, andcDpiod from tin- 

 Genesee Farmer, upon which I will iii.-ikc a few rciiiai l<s. 



The writer of tlie article, John 15. Howcrs, dates from Lcdynrd, and ascriht's th(» 

 loss of the hoofs iu three cows to their having been fed fur cightor nine d.-iys on 

 spear grass (I suppose our green grass, poa riridiM) ■.iiU-rtvil willi ergot. Tlic con- 

 jecture is well founded, as you may be assured by referring to the lil'th vohmic of (lie 



