XXIX. 



EPIZOOTIC AND ENZOOTIC DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



An epizootic disease is one that spreads rapidly, attacking large 

 numbers of animals in a short space of time, and destroying 

 many. An enzootic disease is one peculiar to certain districts, 

 and results from local conditions. An epizootic disease originates 

 independently of contagion or infection. An epizootic disease is 

 sometimes conveyed, however, from one locality to another by 

 animals which are or have lately been suffering from it. 



INFLUENZA. 



Influenza is an epizootic, febrile disease, attended with early 

 and great prostration of strength and inflammation of the nasal, 

 laryngeal, and tracheal mucous membrane. It is known by a 

 number of names, as la grippe, epidemic catarrh, catarrhal fever, 

 etc. 



The history of the disease extends far back into ancient days. 

 Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived four hundred years 

 before Christ, and who was styled the ''Father of Medicine," 

 mentions the disease as occurring in the human at that age. Since 

 the year 1299 the disease has had many outbreaks in this and 

 foreign countries. To trace its early history and point out the 

 dates of the different outbreaks is beyond the purpose of this 

 book. 



Causes. — The causes are predisposing and exciting. The pre- 

 disposing causes are sudden change in the temperature and badly 

 ventilated stables. The disease is usually seen during the spring 

 months, and occurs more frequently in low, swampy situations. 

 Usually the first symptom noticed is dullness; rigors are present, 

 the coat is rough, and a cough is present. The appetite fails, 

 the mouth becomes hot and dry, the temperature runs up, cough- 



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