343 
ON EPIZOOTIC DISEASES. 
By Mr. You att. 
[Continued from p. 251.] 
Cattle. 
A few pages from the elaborate “ Dictionnaire” of Hurtrel 
D’Arboval will complete our review of the knowledge and treat* 
ment of the epizootic diseases to which cattle are subject on the 
other side of the Channel. 
By the term epizootic diseases, are meant those, to a greater 
or less degree of a fatal character, that develop themselves in- 
distinctly and suddenly over a great number of animals of the 
same or of different species, in a greater or less extent of coun- 
try, and during a longer or shorter period of time. They are sup- 
posed to be attributable to one common cause — more or less 
generally prevalent — sometimes quite unknown, or, at least, 
imperceptible to our vision, or appreciable only by its results, 
and spreading with fearful rapidity from one individual to an- 
other. They generally present themselves under the same as- 
pect — they follow an analogous course — they occasionally offer 
similar anomalies, which are not appreciated as they deserve, or 
which are uselessly and erroneously divided into particular spe- 
cies. Their termination is too often fatal, especially when they 
are badly treated, and which is always a far worse circumstance 
than not treating them at all. 
In despite of the researches and the labours of many well- 
informed men, the epizootics have, in most of their works, been 
badly observed, badly known, and badly described. We need 
not to be surprised at this ; for veterinary medicine, although it 
has made some progress, is yet much in the rear. It languishes 
ignobly in its course — it is the victim of prejudice, empiricism, 
ridiculous routine, and shameful abuse. The maladies are not 
well classed, and the nomenclature is vicious and barbarous. 
The doctrine of epizootics, although some general conception may 
be formed of it, wants much to place it on a solid basis ; and 
the collection of numerous cases is desirable, illustrating the 
character of the disease, and the appearances presented after 
death. 
Epizootic diseases, the ravages of which it is so difficult to 
control, generally owe their origin to some prevailing cause or 
causes, which it is the paramount duty of the veterinary surgeon 
to discover and duly appreciate. These are, atmospheric influ- 
