434 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



6. Anthrax. 



This is an infectious disease caused by germs, called the 

 anthrax bacilli, getting into the blood. It affects cattle in all 

 parts of the world, and is only noticed in cattle that are 

 grazing on low, swampy land containing pools of stagnant 

 water. When once the disease gets into a pasture field it will 

 remain there for years, and the only way to get rid of it is to 

 break the field up and drain it. 



Fig. 73. — A Cow Suffering from Anthrax. 



Symptoms. — It more frequently affects young cattle than 

 older ones. The attack is very sudden, and an animal appar- 

 ently well the night before may be found dead in the morning. 

 In some cases as soon as the animal is affected it drops down, 

 goes into convulsions and dies. In other cases it lasts longer, 

 the pulse runs up to from 80 to 100 beats per minute. The 

 animal will not eat, the whole surface of the body, legs and 

 ears are cold, and it is very dull, stupid and weak. In a 

 short time this dullness gives way to uneasiness. It champs, 

 kicks and paws the ground and appears to be in terrible 

 agony. There is very much difficulty in breathing, the nos- 

 trils are enlarged and the mouth open. The lining of the 

 mouth, nostrils, rectum or back bowel and vagina are of a 

 blue color, the manure is first thin and watery looking, then 

 covered with slime and blood. Symptoms gradually get 

 worse, and in a few hours it dies a miserable death. 



