408 Diseases of Swine. 



gradually ; and the special advice is given to feed at regular 

 intervals, and always remove whatever food is left from each 

 meal. 



LEPROSY. 



Under this name the French and English veterinarians 

 have described a disease to which hogs are subject, especially 

 in very hot seasons. Its tendency is fatal, and it is believed 

 to be contagious. Owing to the absurd habit in this country 

 of calling all epidemics among hogs by the name of 

 ^^cholera," and the very superficial way in which the 

 maladies of the animal have been studied, we cannot posi- 

 tively say whether this so-called leprosy has a foothold in the 

 United States or not, but some descriptions have led us to 

 think that it has. 



Causes. — These are want of cleanliness, absence of fresh 

 air and clean water, foul feeding, and general neglect pf the 

 animal's health ; a second cause is contagion from those 

 already suifering. 



Symptoms. — According to a learned French veterinarian, 

 M. Dupray D' Emportes, one of the very earliest symptoms 

 of this complaint is the formation of a small tumor or 

 blister, like a stye, on the edge of the eye. Other such l^listers 

 appear soon, around the mouth, in the throat, under the jaws, 

 and finally over the whole body. Great prostration ac- 

 companies the disease ; the head is held down ; the whole 

 frame inclines toward the ground ; the animal moves un- 

 willingly, and with pain ; food is refused, and loss of flesh 

 is rapid. Death follows, from emaciation and exhaustion. 



Any reader at all versed in medicine will see that these 

 are not the symptoms of leprosy, but rather of some form of 

 malignant pemphigus. But its exact determination we leave 

 to those who have opportunities to observe it. 



