376 The Care of Animals 



common salt, seems to give good results. A small 

 handful is given to each pregnant cow two or three times 

 a week. Cows should be kept in fair flesh and in a 

 good, vigorous condition. 



FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE 



Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious dis- 

 order, attacking cattle principall}-, but easilj^ trans- 

 mitted to sheep, goats, pigs, and other domestic animals. 

 Man frequently contracts the disease from infected 

 animals. It is generally considered to be a germ dis- 

 disease, although the specific organism has not been 

 discovered. This disease has been known for many 

 years in Europe, and immense losses have followed its 

 ravages, some parts of Europe rarely being free from 

 it, and in other parts outbreaks occurring at irregular 

 intervals. One attack of the disease does not confer 

 immunity, as an animal may have it several times. 



Foot-and-mouth disease varies in virulence. In 

 some outbreaks many animals die, but in most cases the 

 mortality is not high, the greatest loss resulting from a 

 falling off in flesh and general deterioration resulting 

 from the disease, and the necessarj^ restriction of the 

 live-stock trade which follows. The disease is trans- 

 mitted by direct contact, and through the medium of 

 infected food, litter, watering places, stables, cars and 

 attendants. It is possible that the contagion may be 

 carried short distances in the air. The milk of an 

 affected animal is highly dangerous. The period of 

 incubation, or the time that elapses between exposure 



