STATE HYGIENE 625 



other places. The organism sporulates, and the spores are 

 destroyed with difficulty. 



Infection in the horse generally occurs through injuries 

 of the feet, but it is not uncommon after wounds, surgical 

 or otherwise, and especially after castration. 



The tetanus bacillus does not penetrate into the blood 

 and tissues, but lives locally in the wound where it manu- 

 factures its toxin, the latter produces the characteristic 

 symptoms of the disease. 



The thorough disinfection of a place occupied by a tetanus 

 patient is imperative, in the light of our recent knowledge. 

 It is said that stable walls and surgical instruments may 

 retain their infection for some months ; we do not think 

 this is in complete accord with clinical experience, but as a 

 preventive measure it is most desirable nothing should be 

 left to chance, and thorough disinfection should be practised. 

 The complete disinfection of the part in all neglected 

 injuries especially those of the feet is essential. A solu- 

 tion of iodine is said to kill the spores in a few minutes, 

 and might be used for this purpose. 



EPIZOOTIC LYMPHANGITIS. 



This disease, new to British Veterinary Surgeons, has 

 been known in Southern Europe for some time, and is also 

 met with in the East, Egypt, India, and China. The late 

 war in South Africa was the means of affecting Great 

 Britain through horses sent home after the campaign. 



The organism on which it depends is a cryptococcus, 

 readily found in the discharge from the ulcers. A long 

 period of incubation, probably seldom less than two months, 

 is a very serious hygienic feature. 



On the occurrence of the disease the most rigid pre- 

 cautionary measures should be adopted ; the affected if not 

 destroyed must be isolated, and bearing in mind that every 

 droplet of discharge is loaded with the specific organism, 

 the greatest care should be taken to avoid the patient being 

 a focus for further infection. 



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