MICROBIAL DISEASES OF MAN AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS 789 



Elimination of this virus from the body occurs chiefly in the various 

 discharges, and especially in the manure and also in general decomposi- 

 tion of the carcass. Dissemination of this disease is chiefly if not ex- 

 clusively by diseased carcasses and parts of carcasses and by the dis- 

 charges. Contaminated soil plays a very important part in the 

 prevalence of this disease. It appears probable that the specific 

 bacillus may even multiply in the soil. 



Carcasses should be burned if possible; otherwise very deeply bifried 

 and covered with lime. Contaminated grounds, or stable floors must 

 be thoroughly disinfected, for the infection is very persistent and difficult 

 to eradicate except by most vigorous effort since the spores are very 

 resistant to heat and drying. Preventive inoculation after the method 

 of Arloing and Kitt is very satisfactory. Their vaccine consists of 

 specially treated muscular tissues from the diseased part. 



Tetanus* 

 Bacillus tetani 



This disease is found throughout the world but more frequently in 

 warmer than in colder cHmates. Certain localities are particularly 

 affected. Man and domestic animals are susceptible. 



The incubation period varies from a few hours in experimental in- 

 oculation of small animals, to several days or weeks in cases of natural 

 infection in man. 



The disease follows a wound of a punctured type with contamination 

 by earth, especially in injuries of hands and feet. 



It is characterized by tonic spasms of the voluntary musculature 

 usually beginning in some one group of muscles and finally becoming 

 general. The parts first affected are, in cases artificially produced, 

 those at the site of inoculation, but in natural infections in man i^ is 

 more common for the disease to manifest itself by stiffening of the 

 muscles of the neck and face/producing what is ordinarily termed "lock- 

 jaw.", In less severe infections in man local pain and stiffness are the 

 first indications. The spasms occur in paroxysms which are spon- 

 taneous or excited by effort. They are more or less prolonged and ex- 

 hausting and are accompanied by greater or less pain. Death results 



• Prepared by Edward Fidlar. 



