378 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



variety of ways, both direct and indirect. It is said to be present in 

 the various excreta of the diseased, such as the discharges from the 

 nose, and the saliva, the urine, and the manure. It retains its vitality 

 outside of the body in a moist state for months, and the disease is 

 reported to hav ^ developed after feeding hay a year after it has lain 

 in an infected si-xble. Hence manure and the fodder and bedding 

 soiled with the discharges may convey the disease. Persons may 

 carry the virus on their shoes, clothing, and implements. Even small 

 animals, such as cats and rats, which frequent barns and stables have 

 been looked upon as carriers of the virus. 



Cattle are very susceptible to the disease, and in its virulent type 

 all those exposed are said to become infected. Buffaloes, sheep, and 

 goats are likewise susceptible, but in a less degree. 



It is also claimed that animals after having passed through one 

 attack are able to resist successfully future attacks. Inoculation with 

 virus is said to produce immunity, but the process of inoculation itself 

 is followed by death in many cases. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of rinderpest are not very characteristic, 

 and hence the diagnosis of a suspected case in the beginning of an 

 invasion is attended with difficulties. Certain appearances which are 

 characteristic of one epizootic may be absent in another. Different 

 observers are not quite agreed as to the most constant and important. 



The period of incubation, i. e., the time elapsing between the expo- 

 sure to infection and the earliest outward symptoms, varies from three 

 to nine days. Then the first sign is a very high fever temperature, which 

 may reach 107° P. The heat of the skin varies in different parts of 

 the body, and may be felt at the base of the ears and horns. Repeated 

 chills are frequently observed. The pulse reaches 50 to 60 beats per 

 minute, and may rise to 90 or 100 in very severe attacks. 



The animal manifests great debility. The head droops and rests 

 on some object of support. One or both ears may droop. The coat 

 is staring and the muzzle dry. The secretion of milk diminishes very 

 rapidly. Within twelve to twenty hours the usual quantity may have 

 become reduced one-half or two-thirds. The back is arched, and the 

 four limbs are brought together under the body. 



As the disease progresses, symptoms with reference to the digestive 

 and respiratory organs become prominent. The mucous membrane 

 of the mouth and the nose, as well as that of the rectum and vagina, 

 becomes reddened, either in patches or diffusely, and assumes a scarlet 

 hue. The discharges, at first firm, become softer, and soon diarrhea 

 sets in. This is said to be one of the most constant symptoms. The 

 rectum may become everted and paralyzed, and the bowels move 

 spontaneously. Tim discharges become fetid, viscid, and 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 



