FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. 
235 
sary to give any other tonics than properly prepared and 
nutritious food. 
Preventive Measures considered in reference to 
the Origin of the Disease, and its Rapid Pro- 
gress among Animals exposed to the Infection. 
Sanitary regulations of the most stringent character are 
necessary in respect of mouth and foot complaint, in conse- 
quence of the short period which elapses between the time 
of infection and the declaration of the disease, which allows 
but little oportunity for the action of prophylactics. The 
means which are available for the purpose of arresting the 
spread of the affection have reference to the introduction of 
diseased animals either from the Continent or from any part 
where the affection may prevail, and the regulation of the 
movement of such animals; with the establishment of a 
system of isolation and disinfection. It is obvious that the 
first essential is the separation of diseased or infected animals 
on the premises where the affection exists. Considerations 
of convenience or profit have no place whatever in a discus- 
sion of the sanitary aspect of the question, and it is idle to 
attempt to reconcile things which in their nature are opposed. 
It may be true, at least need not be disputed, that restrictions 
upon the free movement of animals are inimical to the 
interests of commerce ; it is, on the other hand, absolutely 
and demonstrably true that free movement of infected 
animals means unlimited extension of disease. The present 
inquiry does not refer to the best means of extending the 
cattle trade, but to the most certain method of preventing 
disease, and the argument cannot conveniently be encum- 
bered with collaterial considerations, which are foreign to the 
main issue. Isolation of all diseased and infected animals in 
the locality where the disease is detected is the first necessary 
precaution, in the neglect of which all others are ineffectual. 
This measure involves detention of all infected cargoes at the 
landing-places, and of all animals in fairs and markets, where 
an outbreak occurs. Movement in any direction along roads, 
rivers, or railways, for any purpose, must be associated with 
the propagation of the infection to a greater or less extent, 
depending upon the precautions which are used. The 
practical difficulty in the case of eczema arises from the sud- 
denness of the attack. Animals which leave the premises of 
their owner in perfect health may, in two days from that time, 
be the subjects of the disease ; and if they are store stock, it 
will entail considerable loss upon the owner to cause them to 
