INFECTIOUS DISEASES IS I 



an extensive outbreak of rabies occurs, hogs as well 

 as other animals are reported as dying of the 

 disease. 



Rabies is a very widespread disease. It is very 

 common in most European countries, and is known 

 to exist in nearly every part of the United States. 

 Australia is the only country in which the disease, 

 as far as known, does not exist. England is said 

 to be -comparatively free from it. The freedom from 

 the disease in the latter countries is due tO the con- 

 trol that the authorities have over the disease, by the 

 rigid enforcement of the quarantine regulations 

 against dogs (Australia), and the enforcement of 

 the proper regulations against dogs running at 

 large. The disease is no doubt on the increase 

 in this country. 



Causes. — Rabies is caused by a specific micro- 

 organism that is known to exist in the brain, 

 spinal cord, and saliva of the affected animal. 

 So far, investigators have not been able to isolate 

 and study the specific factor, but its presence in 

 the above tissues is an accepted fact. 



The disease is spread by inoculation, usually by 

 the bite of a rabid dog. Wild, as well as domesti- 

 cated carnivorous animals, when rabid, may spread 

 the disease by biting other animals. It is claimed 

 by some that the specific factor of rabies is not 

 present in the saliva of animals other than the 

 carnivorous. At least, it is true that they are 

 prone to bite and have a good opportunity to at- 

 tack people and farm animals when affected, hence 



