CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 265 



produces on their youug and even the youug of other species." Because 

 of its rapid and diffusive contagion, and of the fact that one attack does 

 not protect from another, that both the meat and milk supply are 

 jeopardized thereby, it is probable that its actual losses to food products 

 are greater tlian that of any of these pervasive plagues. Recently J. 

 W. Stickler, M. D., of Orange, N. J., a physician who had become inter- 

 ested in the disease only because of its comparative relations and its 

 partial similarity to certain aphthous diseases of chiklren, procured from 

 Professor Williams, of Edinburgh, some of the virus of the disease, 

 and inoculated some calves therewith. The saliva was taken from a 

 cow affected with the foot-and mouth disease, and i)ut into glycerine 

 tightly corked in a bottle, and immediately forwarded to the doctor. In 

 a recent note to the writer, Dr. Stickler says: 



The history of this case is as follows : Alderney calf, two and one-half weeks old ; 

 before inoculation seemed perfectly well ; visible raucous membranes free from any 

 eruption and discharge ; skin and interdigital spaces normal in appearance. I in- 

 oculated the animal by subcutaneous iujeetion of the virus just posterior to the elbow 

 joint and anterior to the stifle. Nothing at all positive developed till .January 2, 

 when the temperature rose to 104°. 8 Fah. There w^as a discharge of quite tenacious 

 mucus from the nostrils, and at various points upon the mucous membrane of each 

 there were sitiall j)apul;e. The mouth was hot and red, although there were no dis- 

 tinct ulcers or aphtha^. The nearest approach to an ulcer was an apparent thinning 

 of the mucous membrane at one or two points. The saliva seemed to be increased 

 somewhat in quantity. The bowels were loose. A microscopic examination of the 

 blood showed the existence of small round or oval bodies of a faint port- wine color. 

 They had an activity which, I think, was independent of that caused by any motion 

 of the blood plasma. To determine this point, I was careful to place upon the glass 

 slide ouly a drop of blood, adjusting the cover glass with sutlficient firmness to cause 

 an even dispersion of the fluid. I then noticed that these little bodies seemed to have 

 the power to move in various directions. The saliva and nasal discharge contained 

 the monads spoken of in the various works upon " cattle diseases." I aui not aware, 

 however, that attention has been called to the existence of small, active bodies in the 

 blood of animals afl"ected with "foot-and-mouth" disease. The feet now became 

 slightly reddened, but showed no blebs or ulcerations. There was also a little swell- 

 ing just above the hoofs. The condition of the calf remained essentially as just given 

 till .January 10, when the feet became swollen to a marked degree and the redness 

 more pronounced. In the interdigital spaces the skin was found to be loosened from 

 its attachment, although there was no fluid to be seen. There was but little heat of 

 coronets. The back of the animal was arched. The redness of the feet became more 

 intrnse, the hair coming ort, leaving quite large areas of uncovered red integument. 

 The bowels again became loose, the animal feeding iusutificieutly, till, finally, on 

 January 17, it died. 



As seen by us the disease was in its subacute stages. One calf had 

 just died of it. When the vesicles break, the red or scarlet surface 

 becomes covered with a secretion, but shows little tendency to return 

 to its normal condition. The emaciation of animals is rapid, both from 

 the disease itself and the interference with feeding, which it causes. 



We do not know of other experiments with the virus in this country. 

 It is very certain that the most scrupulous vigilance should be exercised 

 as to the disease, and that it should never be allowed to obtain a foot- 

 hold here. There is iio disease against which the veterinary inspector 



