138 CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 



It is said that an accidental inoculation of the human skin 

 with the juices of an animal which had died of rinderpest has 

 caused the formation of a pustule similar to that of variola 

 vaccinae. — (See Appendix to the Third Eeport of the Commis- 

 sioners appointed to inquire into the origin, nature, &c. of the 

 Cattle Plague, page 79.) 



PATHOLOGY AND SYMPTOMS. 



The specific contagium absorbed into the blood gives rise to 

 primary fever. This fever, as indicated by a rise in the 

 temperature, precedes all other symptoms, and occurs in a 

 period ranging from thirty-six to forty-eight hours after an 

 animal has been inoculated. The elevation of temperature 

 varies to some extent. As an average of the normal tempera- 

 ture of the healthy ox during different periods of the day, 

 101° may be accepted. During rumination it may be as high 

 as 103°, and may then fall to 100°, or even lower. Taking 

 101° as the standard average, it has been found that the tem- 

 perature may rise 2°, or even 3", in from thirty-six to forty-eight 

 hours after inoculation, namely, to 103° or 104°; this elevation of 

 temperature occurring when the animal appears to be otherwise 

 perfectly well. From this we learn that the true period of in- 

 cubation — latency — is very short indeed, and that although 

 there are no symptoms visible to the ordinary observer, the 

 disease has actual existence. 



Two days after the perceptible rise of temperature has begun, 

 an eruption on, and a peculiar appearance and condition of the 

 mucous membrane of the mouth is seen, having some resem- 

 blance at first sight to the appearance of that found in the foot- 

 and-mouth disease. In some rare instances, however, this 

 characteristic symptom has been absent. I have seen it in every 

 case of the j)lague but one which has fallen under my own 

 observation, and usually veterinary surgeons have been able to 

 diagnose the disease by its presence. Almost simultaneously 

 with this appearance of the mouth, the mucous membrane of the 

 vagina of the cow becomes peculiarly altered. One or other of 

 these signs is rarely absent ; so that when they are taken in 

 connection with the elevation of the temperature, the diagnosis 

 of the disease can be made with certainty. 



