SOME COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 



361 



Cause. — The Bacillus mallei is the cause of glanders (Fig. 

 91) . This organism gains entrance to the body through wounds 

 of the skin. The secretions and excretions of diseased animals 

 are the source of infection. The mode of transmission is by con- 

 taminated mangers or feed, drinking utensils or water, harness 

 or halter, curry comb or brush. 



Symptoms. — The subacute or chronic form of the disease is 

 oftenest seen in the horse. It is evidenced by a sticky nasal 



Fig. 92. — Glanders or farcy of the skin. The lesions of farcy here shown are 

 found only in advanced cases. (U. S. Department of Agriculture.) 



discharge, congestion of the nasal mucosa, cough, intermittent 

 fever, rapid loss of condition, and swelling of the submaxillary 

 lymph-glands, which become hard and sensitive. Farcy buds 

 occur in advanced cases in the skin of the inner side of the hind 

 leg, shoulder, neck, and breast (Fig. 92). These quickly suppu- 

 rate and leave discharging ulcers. Ulcers also appear in the 

 nose; when they heal, characteristic star-shaped scars are left 

 to mark their location. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



