Wildfire in Sheep. 



387 



stood a lengthened test and been attended with results that 

 compare favourably with all others, and which appears worth 

 trying generally. The treatment referred to is the injection 

 through the teats into the mammary gland of a solution whose 

 basis is a preparation of iodine, followed by a further introduc- 

 tion of an abundant supply of air, the operation being supple- 

 mented by careful and judicious massage of the udder. By this 

 method the percentage of recoveries has been much increased, 

 and if promptly and properly applied a satisfactory result in 

 quite 80 per cent, of the cases treated may be expected. 



As the application of this treatment requires special knowledge 

 and skill with delicate manipulation, it is not advisable that any 

 but a veterinary surgeon should undertake it ; but under such 

 conditions it should certainly be adopted.* 



Wildfire in Sheep. 



The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have received in- 

 formation of the appearance in some of the western counties of 

 England of a disease known as "wildfire" in sheep. This 

 disease affects the mouths and feet of sheep, and from its general 

 appearance it is sometimes mistaken for foot and mouth disease. 

 Wildfire is, however, quite distinct in its nature from foot 

 and mouth disease. It is confined entirely to sheep, whereas 

 not only sheep but also cattle and swine are affected by foot 

 and mouth disease. Further, in the case of the latter, vesicles 

 or bladders containing a watery fluid form inside the mouth, 

 and usually on the tongue, of affected animals, but they are not 

 present in the disease known as wildfire. 



The lesions of wildfire are confined to the skin. It generally 

 commences around the hoof and extends sometimes as high as 

 the knee and hock. It may at the same time be found to exist 

 in the same animals on the skin around the margin of the lips, 

 and over the sides of the face as far up as the eyes. It is 

 apparently of a contagious nature, as it almost always passes 

 through the whole flock. 



* Copies of this article may be obtained free of charge and post free on application 

 to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, 

 S.W. 



