1909.] Amakebe: A Disease of Cali'es in Uganda. 257 



cows brought to Mengo from Aukole invariably contract the disease, which 

 woukl go to show that in some parts of Ankole the disease does not occur. 

 Mr. R. J. Stordy, the chief veterinary officer, British East Africa, states that 

 Amakebe is found at every altitude in that Protectorate. Dr. A. Theiler, 

 C.M.G., the chief veterinary bacteriologist, Transvaal, who lately visited 

 Uganda, writes that Dr. Lichtenfeld, the principal veterinary officer, 

 German East Africa, told him that a disease similar to Amakebe exists 

 in Ruanda, on the western shores of Victoria Nyanza and adjoining Ankole. 



It is evident, then, tliat this disease is widely prevalent in Central 

 Africa, and most disastrous in its effects. 



Nomenclature. 



In Uganda the disease is known as " kebe," " makebe," or " amakebe," and 

 means calves' swollen glands, or mumps. At Ngora, to the west of Moimt 

 Elgon, the natives call the disease " angarwe." In Unyoro, " masugu." In 

 Ankole, " amashuyu " or " amashui." 



Symptovis. 



The chief symptom of this disease is the swelling of the lymphatic glands, 

 especially those in the region of the ear, in front of the shoulder, and in 

 front of the hip. The glands frequently reach a large size, those in front of 

 the shoulder often being three or four inches in length. They are soft to the 

 touch, giving the impression of an elastic body under the skin. The hair is 

 rough and staring, the head hangs, the ears droop, and there is frequently a 

 watery discharge from the eyes and nose. During the illness the temperature 

 runs high, often reaching 107° F. or more. The calf becomes rapidly 

 emaciated, and often a dry, scabby eruption of the skin is seen. Diarrhoea 

 is frequent, and tlie dung is often dark in colour, with an evil odour. The 

 urine never shows any trace of blood, as in redwater. 



The duration of the disease is usually about a fortnight, but sometimes 

 the calves get over it in three or four days. The fever goes, they pick up 

 condition, and the swelling of the glands subsides. The glands, however, 

 never regain their normal size, but remain permanently enlarged throughout 

 life. 



When a calf has recovered from Amakebe it is no longer susceptible to the 

 disease. It is immune for the rest of its life. 



The following cases illustrate the course of the disease : — 



Experiment 1387. — To study Amakebe in the Calf. 

 July 26, 1909. — Animal received from Sir Apolo Kagwa, K.C.M.G., Kampala. 

 July 29. — The prescapular glands are the size of a walnut. The calf looks fairly well, is 

 thin, and hair slightly rough. 



