INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CATTLE. 391 



is said to be one of the most constant symptoms. The rectum may 

 become everted and paralyzed, and the bowels move spontaneously. 

 The discharges may be streaked with blood. Coughing is a common 

 symptom, and by some considered characteristic. It is associated with 

 discharges from the nose and vagina, and dribbling of saliva from the 

 mouth. The eyes also are affected. There is an increased formation 

 of a viscid secretion which flows down the face. 



Another series of changes prominent in some epizootics and mild or 

 absent in others are the ulcers or so-called erosions in the mouth. 

 These begin as red patches and streaks. The mucous membrane in such 

 localities is converted into a grayish-white slough, which, when shed, 

 leaves a small erosion or ulcer. At the same time similar changes may 

 go on in the skin of the thighs, the udder, or the scrotum, and about 

 the vagina, which lead to small sloughs. 



In severe cases, which are the most common in the susceptible cattle 

 of western Europe, death ensues four to seven days after the first 

 appearance of the disease, and is preceded by great emaciation and 

 debility, fetid, purulent discharges from nose and mouth, and the 

 relaxed rectum and vagina. 



After death, if the animal be opened and the organs carefully exam- 

 ined, the chief changes will be found in the digestive organs. The 

 lining membrane of the mouth and pharynx is covered with mucus, is 

 reddened in spots, and shows superficial yellowish gray, cheesy patches, 

 which represent dead tissue and when removed expose ulcerated depres- 

 sions. The same reddening in spots and the yellowish gray, clicesy 

 deposits or patches are found in the fourth stomach, the small intes- 

 tines, and more rarely in the crecum, while the third stomach or many- 

 plies is more or less impacted with dry, hard food. Similar changes 

 may be found on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the uterus, 

 vagina, and rectum. In addition to these lesions are others with refer- 

 ence to the heart, liver, and other vital organs, which need not concern 

 us here. 



Neither treatment nor inoculation is permitted in European countries. 



FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 



This disease is also known as epizootic aphtha, aphthous fever, eczema 

 epizootica, and may be defined as an acuto, highly contagious fever of a 

 specific nature, characterized by the eruption of vesicles or blisters 

 in the mouth, around the coronets of the feet, and between the toes. It 

 is not restricted to cattle, but attacks swine with equal facility. Sheep 

 and goats are less susceptible. Horses, dogs, cats, and fowls are rarely 

 attacked. Human beings may become infected by drinking the unboiled 

 milk from animals suffering with the disease. In such cases the symp- 

 toms resemble those observed in animals. There is fever and diOieulty in 

 swallowing, followed by an eruption of blisters in the mouth and very 

 rarely by similar ones on the lingers. The disease is very seldom fatal. 



