SLAUGHTER-HOUSE INSPECTION. 
539 
examinations in slaughtering establishments, the inspector 
should have time to minutely examine the entire carcass in 
cases in which the gross lesions are confined to a single organ 
or gland ; even then he cannot always discern whether general¬ 
ized tuberculosis is in process of development from the localized 
form. Color, odor, texture, fatness or leanness give no hint of 
such extension of this disease. I have seen very fat carcasses 
which were actually studded with tubercles all over the exter¬ 
nal and internal surfaces, as well as their being profusely inter¬ 
spersed throughout the muscular tissues. Of course many cases 
are emaciated. Localized tuberculosis whether it be in lym¬ 
phatic or mammary gland, in lung or liver, does not apparently 
modify the physical appearance of the carcass. 
There seems to be a great diversity of opinion as to the 
wholesomeness or unwholesomeness of the flesh of tuberculous 
cattle, even in Europe, where several international congresses 
have debated the subject at great length. The consensus of 
opinion seems to be that in all cases of generalized tuberculosis 
the carcass should be condemned, and when localized the flesh 
may be safely used for food. 
The disease known as “ Texas fever ” or Southern fever 
may be recognized in the living animal which has been driven 
to the abattoirs for slaughter, if it is allowed to become quiet,, 
for as soon as the excitement of the drive is past the sick ani¬ 
mal assumes a characteristic position. The back is arched, the 
limbs are spread apart to enable it to stand steadily, the head is 
dropped low, the ears fall downward and forward, or the animal 
may lie down, when the head is carried around to the flank, as 
in parturient apoplexy. If a thermometer be employed, it is 
usually found that the rectal temperature is 103 degrees to 106 
degrees Fahr. Should the animal void urine, the dark wine 
color will be very noticeable, and when the sick animal is made 
to walk, after a period of rest, a staggering gait will attract at¬ 
tention. If it be docile an examination of the visible mucus 
membranes may be made, but in range cattle the prudent in¬ 
spector will dispense with the information to be so acquired 
