INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF THE HORSE 315 



In several of tlieso localities it is known as western or stable 

 fever. 



The specific cause is not de/inilehj l-nown. The Slrcplo- 

 coccus pyogenes equi (Fig. 110) is very commonly present. This 

 germ grows in the diseased tissues. The disease is spread by 

 direct or indirect contact, as when well or susceptible animals 

 are placed in the same stable with an animal affected with the 

 disease, or in stalls which have recently held diseased animals. 



The period of iricuhation is from fonr to ten days following 

 exposure. 



21ie symptoms are tliose commonly seen at the beginning 

 of an attack of simple pneumonia and pleurisy. They consist 

 of chills, high fever, cough, depression, difficult and labored 

 breathing and loss of appetite. The disease usually runs a 

 course of from one to three weeks. The death-rate is thirty per 

 cent or more. 



The treatment is mainly preventive. Stables where horses 

 having pleuropneumonia have been kept should be cleaned and 

 disinfected by spraying the floors, stalls and walls with a four 

 per cent water solution of a cresol disinfectant. It is advisable 

 to subject all newly-purchased animals to a short quarantine 

 period before allowing them to mix with the other animals in the 

 stable. Exposed animals may be given a protective serum. 



The curative treatment is the same as recommended for the 

 treatment of simple pneumonia and pleurisy. 



QUESTIONS 



1. \Miat is tlie specific cause of distemper? Give the symptoms and treat- 



ment. 



2. WTiat are the different methods of spreading influenza? Give the 



symptoms and treatment. 



3. Give the cause and methods of controlling glanders. 



4. Give the cause and treatment of contagious pleuropneumonia. 



