CHAPTER III. 
ANTHRAX. 
Before considering the disease as it occurs in elephants, it will 
be advisable to discuss it as it affects some other animals. From 
numerous records of the disease and the heavy mortality reported 
therefrom, as weW as its infectious character, we have learnt 
to consider it one of the most formidable diseases we have to 
encounter. 
Definition. — A virulent infective fever caused by the entrance 
into the blood and tissues and multiplication therein of a micro- 
organism known as the bacillus anthracis." 
The organism — Is a large rod-shaped bacillus, smooth in outline, 
with square cut ends and easily stained by the basic aniline dyes. 
It forms spores only when exposed to the atmospheric air, i.e.^ after 
the death of the animal. The spores are extremely resistant bodies, 
much more so than the bacillus, and are capable of producing the 
disease when they are taken into the system of an animal, he^ice the 
importance of not cutting open animals dead from this disease. 
Incubation (that is, period which elapses between the time of 
entry of the organism into the system and the appearance of its first 
symptom). — In naturally acquired anthrax in elephants the incuba- 
tion period is indefinite, as it is impossible to tell when the animal 
was exposed to the contagion. After the exhibition of symptoms 
of illness some die within an hour and others may live a week or 
more. 
Prevalence, — Certain localities are peculiarly adapted to the 
development of the disease which recurs in them repeatedly, notably 
low-lying swampy districts subject to inundation, especially in hot 
and damp climates, with clay and loamy soils ; some areas in these 
localities, particular pastures, are specially notorious for frequent 
outbreaks. From these localities the disease may be carried in 
various ways and infect extensive areas constituting epidemics. 
Season. — 'Outbreaks in Burma generally occur during April, May, 
and early part of June, i.e., the advent of the rains, and September 
and October, the close of the rains. At these times there are heavy 
thunderstorms, often followed by intense heat. 
Altitude. — It is rarely met with on any elevated well-drained 
land. 
