The Sun.
London, England, 1865-08-07 00:00:00

The Cattle Disease.

The following letter, relating to the cattle plague,
has been addressed to the Clerk of the Council, by
Professor Simonds, of the Royal Veterinary College:
" Royal Veterinary College, Aug. 3, 1865.

" Sir,—l beg to submit for your consideration the
following suggestions, which have for their object
the arresting of the cattle plague, which unfortu-
nately is now prevailing in several parts of the coun-
try as well as in the London dairies. Under such
circumstances it is much to be feared that, unless
farmers, stock-owners, cattle dealers, and others
whose interests are immediately involved, cordially
co-operate in the endeavour to quickly exterminate
the disease, wherever it may appear, it may assume
a magnitude rightly to be regarded as a great
national calamity. For this end it is important
that all persons should know,—
" Firstly. That the disease specially belongs to
the ox tribe, and that it has never been known to
attack any other domesticated animal.
" Secondly. That it is the most infectious, as well
as the most fatal of all diseases attacking cattle, and
that it lies dormant in the system from seven to ten
days, or often longer, before the animal gives any
indications of being infected.

" For these reasons it is imperatively necessary
that the following precautions be observed :

" 1. That all newly-purchased cattle of every
kind be kept apart from others for a period of not
less than twelve to fourteen days.

" 2. That every cattle-owner keep a strict watch
over his stock, so as to recognise the first indica-
tions of the disease, and as soon as any of these are
manifested call to his assistance the professional aid
of a veterinary surgeon. The early symptoms of
the disease are usually a remarkably dull and
dispirited condition of the animal, which will stand
with its head hanging down, ears drawn back, and
coat staring, refusing all food, and occasionally
shivering. A watery discharge flows from the eyes
and nostrils. The skin is hot, but sometimes chilly,
the temperature varying from time to time. The
extremities are cold ; the breathing short and quick,
being not unfrequently accompanied with moaning
as an indication of pain. A slight cough is some-
times present. The inner part of the lip and roof
of the mouth is reddened, and often covered with i
raw-looking spots. The bowels are occasionally
constipated, but in most instances diarrhoea soon
sets in, the evacuations being slimy and very fre-
quently of a dirty yellow colour. The prostration
of strength is great, the animal staggering when
made to move. In milch cows the secretion of milk
is rapidly diminished, and soon ceases altogether.
" 3 That all infected cattle be instantly removed
from the healthy, and placed in situations as far from
them as poSsiblo. As a further precaution it would
be well to have the healthy washed and cleansed.
4. That no cattle, the subjects of this disease, be
allowed to remain in any meadow or pasture field,
unless they can be isolated from all other cattle, as
well as kept at a distance of not less than a hundred
yards from all roads along which cattle may be
driven.

5. That every animal which is violently attacked
with the disease be killed at once, and buried with-
out delay,* and that the skin be placed in some dis-
infecting fluid before being sent off the premises:
6. That no cattle be allowed to go near to the
burial place until several weeks have elapsed.
7. That no person who has the charge of the sick
cattle be allowed to go near thl healthy ones, and
that all indirect communication between the infected
and the healthy be strictly prohibited.
8. That no fodder or straw which has been used
about the infected be taken to other animals, or even
thrown into the fold-yard or upon the manure heap,
until it be first well sprinkled with chloride of
lime or some other disinfecting powder. When prac-
ticable it is desirable that all such fodder and straw
should be burnt.

9. That all sheds and stables in which diseased
cattle have been located be thoroughly washed,
cleansed, and ventilated, and likewise disinfected by
whitewashings with quicklime, before any other
cattle are placed therein ; and that during their
occupancy by the diseased all manure and evacua-
tions be mingled with some disinfecting agent be-
fore being taken away.

10. That all railway cattle-trucks, station-ponds,
ships used in the cattle trade, wharves, and other
places where cattle are brought together, be kept as
clean as possible by frequent washings ; and that
disinfectants be used whenever there is reason to
believe that they have been occupied by diseased
cattle.

11. That no store stock, mulch cows, or cattle of
any kind which have been exposed to the infection,
by being located with the disease, be sent to any fair
or market in less time than a month after such ex-
posure ; and that in all cases in which it is deter-
mined to stay the progress of the disease, by killing
animals so exposed, they being at the time believed
to be fit for human food, the animals be sent direct
to the slaughter-house when not killed on the pre-
mises of the owner.

Trusting that these measures may provo effective
for the public good,—l am, sir, your most obedient

. ,
servant; JAS. B. SDIONDS.
To the Clerk of the Council in Waiting.

* In the case of the London dairies, the animals to bo
sent to the knackers, there being no convenience for burying
them.

THE MAJORITY OF PRINCE ALFRED.—Yesterday
(Sunday) was the twenty-first anniversary of the birthday
of his Royal Highness Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, who
was born August the 6th, 1844.
NAPOLEON M.'S LIFE OF CESAR.There are
some signs of an early appearance of the second
volume of the Imperial Lifo of Cresar. M. Plon, the Paris
publisher, is at Plombieres, with the Emperor, consulting
as to its publication. The report recently circulated in
English and American newspapers, that the French pub-
lisher had printed 140,000 copies of Volume 1., but that he
had only been able to dispose of 22,000, and in consequence
" complained bitterly" of his bargain, now turns out to be
false. The number printed by M. Plon is not known, but
among Paris publishers the sales are fixed at from 50,000
to 60,000 copies. Up to the present time, we believe, not
a line of the English translation of the second division has
been made.

THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND,
UPON TIIORLEY'S CONDIMENT.—" By its use the
sheep improved in the most extraordinary degree, so much
so, that after they had taken it three or four weeks, I really
hardly knew them again."—T. BEALE BROWNE, Esq
" On my horse the effect was marvellous ; with cows, pigs,
and dogs, the same result."—Mr. H. COTTON. " I can un-
hesitatingly say that Lord Camoys has been satisfied with
it, both in respect to young animals and those arriving at
maturity."—Mr. BARKER. "My horses improved upon it
so much that I was quite surprised."—Mr. CANTRELL.
" I am satisfied that, apart from every other cause, the re-
covery of my sheep and limbs was due to the use of this
condiment. Other condiments had not the effect Thorley's
had. I have tried the food of other makers, and it failed
completely."—MAJoit Muxx.