io6 



Anthrax. 



[may, 



animal, though it may affect a number of swine at the same 

 time if they have been fed on flesh affected with anthrax. 



Symptoms. — A beast, which a short time before appeared to be 

 well, is found dead or in a dying condition ; frequently blood 

 oozes from the nostrils and the anus. In cattle there are no typical 

 symptoms, but in horses and pigs the region of the throat is 

 often found to be swollen. 



Post-mortem appearances of tJie Disease. — The carcase is 

 swollen. Blood is often found around the nostrils and anus. 

 The muscles may be infiltrated with blood at certain points. 

 The lungs and glands are congested. The spleen is very much 

 enlarged ; it is softer and darker than normal, and its substance 

 usually resembles tar. 



In most parts of this country the enlargement of the spleen in 

 cattle is of great diagnostic importance, but in those districts 

 where Red-water exists, enlargement of the spleen may also be 

 due to this disease. In this case, however, the spleen substance 

 has not the same fluid tarry appearance. The flesh is dangerous 

 to animals and human beings. 



Difficulty of recognizing the Disease. — One of the greatest 

 difficulties which present themselves in dealing with this 

 disease is that the symptoms during life are not such as to 

 lead a person who is unacquainted with anthrax to suspect 

 its nature or character. Moreover, the death of the animal 

 attacked often occurs when the owner or attendant is absent. It 

 frequently happens that an animal which has sickened is killed, 

 or the carcase of an animal dead of anthrax is cut up, and the 

 blood, which is the main source of danger, is freely spilt about 

 the premises or on the soil. The disease is in this indirect 

 manner spread to other animals, and in some cases the persons 

 who have handled the carcase contract the disease. In every 

 case of sudden and unaccountable death amongst stock the 

 owner of the animal should await a skilled opinion before 

 disposing of the carcase. 



Anthrax or Suspected Anthrax to he Reported. — Every person 

 having or having had in his possession or under his charge an 

 animal affected with or suspected of anthrax is required by law 

 to give notice of the fact with all practicable speed to the police. 

 Failure to give such notice renders a person liable to a fine of 



