ABSTRACT OF THE ANNUAL ADDRESS 



Professor of Veterinary Science in the Massachusetts Agricultural College, at Amberbt, 



ON TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 



This affection was comparatively unknown to pathologists until within the 

 last ten years ; and though mysterious in many respects, yet it may be defined 

 as a specific fever that is very malignant in this section of the country, and one 

 which is propagated by contagious effluvia. The aivine discharges are the 

 probable source of infection. This disease usually occurs but once in an indi- 

 vidual and only in bovine animals. It is attended with congestion of the liver, 

 spleen, kidneys, and portions of the bowels. The urine is somewhat scanty 

 and high-colored in proportion to the severity of the attack. In fatal cases, 

 the bladder is usually found distended with dark sanguineous fluid when not 

 previously ruptured from the accumulation of bloody water. 



The native haunts of this malady are the tide waters of the Gulf. It never 

 occurs spontaneously in a region of frost, and when carried beyond this limit, 

 in summer, soon dies out on the return of cold weather. In the northern 

 states it is not contagious from one native or acclimated creature to another, 

 and can only be induced by exposure to southern cattle that have not been 

 wintered in our rigorous clime or beyond the line of snow. Hence there is little 

 or no fear of the disease being communicated to our stock by the native cattle 

 from Ohio, Illinois or Kansas, even while sick and dying in the same inclosure. 

 The contagion comes from another source, and that direct from the Plains. 

 This through traffic is the source of all the mischief, and the government should 

 interfere for home protection. The annual loss in western beef-stock is now 

 immense, and it will continue to remain so until the whole matter is under 

 active veterinary inspection. 



The period of incubation in which the disease is awakened into activity has 

 not been accurately determined by experimental cases, but according to our 

 observations last year from ten to forty days may elapse from the time of ex- 

 posure before the creature shows signs of being affected. There is, evidently, 

 a great difference in the susceptibility of our northern cattle. Some may escape 



