206 THE SHEPHERD'S MANUAL. 



Nitrate of Potash 1 dram. 



Sulphate of Soda 1 ounce. 



Ginger 1 dram. 



If the animal is in low condition, the sulphate of soda may be re- 

 placed by the following, viz. : 



Linseed-oil 2 ounces. 



ENZOOTIC DISEASES. 



Influenza. This disease being due to causes which occur over 

 an extended locality, is liable to affect a large number of animals 

 at the same time. It is erroneously supposed to be infectious. It 

 consists of inflammation of the nasal and bronchial passages, con- 

 siderable fever, and great prostration, with general disturbance of 

 the system. There is redness and weeping of the eyes, running at 

 the nose, cough, great weakness, loss of appetite, indigestion, with 

 impaction and sometimes hoven, or distension of the rumen. It 

 is prevalent after continued cold and damp weather, and is most 

 severe where the ground is low and undrained, or in river bottoms 

 or valleys, where morning and evening mists abound. When 

 Ihese conditions occur, the flock should be kept on high, dry 

 ground, or in dry, sheltered yards, and carefully protected. Their 

 food should be somewhat improved, linseed-oil-cake or corn-meal, 

 buckwheat, oats, or rye, being added. A dose of the mixed salt 

 and sulphur, (1 quart of salt with 4 oz. of sulphur), should be given, 

 and any ailing sheep should be well nursed and treated to warm 

 gruel. These precautions will generally prevent a serious attack. 



The treatment, when the disease becomes severe, is to give a 

 light dose of some saline purgative, such as 



Epsom Salts /a ounce. 



Ginger 1 dram. 



in a quarter of a pint of water, or mixed with molasses or honey. 

 For a large flock the medicine may be mixed in bulk in proper 

 proportions, and a quarter of a pint given to each sheep by means 

 of a horn. Those more seriously affected should receive the fol- 

 lowing, viz : 



Tincture of Aconite 10 drops. 



Solution of Acetate of Ammonia 1 ounce. 



To be given every four to six hours, decreasing the aconite at each 

 dose until five drops only are given, when it may be suspended, 

 and only repeated in an emergency 

 L If the eyes are much inflamed, they should be washed with a 



