Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1860-06-29

we promised last week to give all the in
formation on this alarming malady, that we
were in possession Of Since our last issue it
has been reported that it has found its way
into III. 1t has also been contradicted by the
Chicago papers I'VE hope It is false rumor.
DR.. McGUoIN, Of Keokuk, who is in atten-
dance upon the medical association at New
Haven, has written to Gen. DUANE WILSON,
Secretary Of the Iowa Agricultural College,
in relation to this fearful disease, which is
battling the skill of all scientific men of the
East. We do not want q disease which is SO
disastrous in its consequences to creep into
our limits, and add to the trials and discour-
agements Of our farmers, already severe
enough. DR.. McGUo1N writes, that he has
already overheard several propositions made
to send cattle from the East to the Western
prairies with the view to maintain and keep
them out Of the way Of disease and death
Now, if this should be permitted to be car
ried out, the disease would be brought with
in our own limits, and if so, sad blow upon
the prosperity of the people would be the re-
suit.
The disease ii termed Pleuro4Pned
that is, pneumonia with inflammation of the
pleuro membrane, which surrounds and in
vests thclungs It is very fatal and said to be
communicable. The only remedy as yet ap-
piled has been the slaughtering Of all supposed
to be tainted; this failing in its efficacy, and
the disease spreading has caused great alarm
in the Eastern States. The investigation
proves that it was brought to this country
in 1857 from Holland on the body of an i'm
ported Heifer. rsEty.rEE4
We have not room to give full descrip-
ton Of the disease, but will at this time give
the most marked symptoms.
Loss of appetite and gentle cough, are
first symptoms; Then follows general fe-
yer, with "a constant flow of tears Mucous
discharge from mouth and nostrils, then di.
arrhse; and last, great feebleness, and Of.
fensiveness Of all the discharges. Death
generally ensues between the fourth and
seventh days. Now, it is important that the
ravages Of this disease should be stopped
when we take in consideration the impor.
lance of the cattle interest of the United
States, the aggregate Of which is over six
millions of dollars. We would advise the
farmers of our young State not to purchase
Stock from the East, until the disease shall
be eradicated or some cure discovered. Gen.
WILSON, says in his warning to farmers:
To be attacked is almost certain death, and
as it is proved by eminent veterinary surgeons
to be contagious, entire herds being affected
from association with even one deceased an
imal, the whole of New England is justly
alarmed at its spread, and deeply interested
in keeping within the boundaries Of it's first
discovery. But it has not been done, and it
is believed it cannot be done, without the
further sacrifice of thousands Of animals
The mere possibility, from whatever cause,
Of the introduction of this plague on the prai-
ries of the West, is alarming to contemplate,
and it cannot be too earnestly urged upon
our farmers the necessity of being upon their
guard against every attempt which may be
made to introduce among them, cattle from
the East, for any purpose whatever, unless
they have the most satisfactory evidence that
they are sound in every respect. Nine-tenths
Of the cattle of the State are roaming over the
prairies, open to the attack of any disease
which may be communicated from one to
another; and the infection when once
among them would soon spread from herd to
herd until placed beyond the power Of man
to arrest it. With this, hope, timely warn
ing, I cali attention to- the letter referred to
which suggested the remarks above in its in
PRODUCTION.