RABIES 
By UR. GEO. H. GLOVER, Head of Veterin.ry Dept, and DR. B. F. KAIJPP, Patholo¬ 
gist, Veterinary Dept. 
DEFINITION: Rabies is an acute infectious disease, usually 
transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. It effects the cerebro-spinal 
system, and is accompanied by extreme nervous excitability. 
History of Rabies in Other Countries. 
Rabies was recognized as a distinct disease by the Israelites and 
Egyptians as far back as 322 B. C. We find descriptions of it by 
Horace, Celsus, Virgil, and other writers of those times. 
Rabies is most common in the north temperate zone, although it 
may be found in nearly every part of the world, and from the sea levels 
to the high altitudes. It is usually found most prevalent in the most 
densly populated districts, where the conditions are most favorable 
for its spread. 
New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia are reported not to be 
infected with rabies. All animals, and especially dogs, are kept under 
strict quarantine for a period which is calculated to exclude the pos¬ 
sibility of its introduction into these countries. St. Helena and the 
Azores are said never to have suffered from the disease. In many 
German cities, including Berlin, muzzling ordinances have done most 
to stamp out the disease. Through strict enforcement of the muz¬ 
zling ordinances in England no case of rabies has been reported 
since 1901, and in Ireland since 1903. It interesting to note that 
at one time rabies was so common in London that many people were 
afraid to venture on the streets at night. In Prance 1892 cases of 
rabies were reported during the year 1907, and in Belgium 226 cases 
with 179 suspected ones were reported the same year. During this 
same year 254 cases were reported in Austria, 55 in India (British), 
1825 in Hungary, 701 in Italy and 36 in the Netherlands. 
The Prevalence of Rabies in the United States. 
This disease was quite rare in this country till about 30 years ago. 
Since that time new centers of infection have been constantly appear- 
ing. 
The presence of rabies has been positively proven in twenty-two 
states and probably exists in all. 
In the District of Columbia, during 1907, rabies was identified in 37 
dogs, 4 dingoes, 1 cow, 1 sheep and 1 cat. During I 9 ° 5 > f rom one path¬ 
ological laboratory in Kansas City, 31 cases were reported as follows, 
1 cat, 1 hog, 1 sheep, and the balance dogs. From this it will be seen 
that most cases occur in dogs. 
History of Rabies in Colorado. 
The recent outbreak of rabies in Colorado is said to have started 
in Greeley about two years ago, when a dog which had just been 
brought to that place from the east, developed the disease. The in- 
