The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-04-25
THE PRESS.
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
Charlton.

The disease which the French call "char-
bon,' on account OF the dark color of the
blood of the affected animal, is known in this
kingdom under various titles, chiefly as blood
poisoning, black quarter and splenic apoplexy.
There is no doubt that the affection which
has been described by correspondents as ex-
listing in Cork, and previously in county An
trim, is one Of the forms of blood disease
which are very common in Ireland and IN
the course of an inquiry into the origin and
nature of these maladies in Ireland and also
in the Isle of Man, we ascertained several
important facts which throw some light on
causes of the disease, and tend to prove that
all the varieties of morbid changes are due to
primary alteration in the constitution of the
blood, caused by the retention of certain
waste products which are not eliminated
from the system in the ordinary course by
the excretory organs.
The presence of even minute quantity of
decomposing matter in the blood is quickly
marked by the growth of microzymes, bac.
terra, and vibriones, which appear to be car
riers of the peculiar animal poison, inasmuch
as their introduction into the system of
healthy animal induces similar condition of
blood, and generally causes death.
On the Continent Charlton frequently extends
its area through the medium ofconragion, but
in this kingdom the disease is generally limit
ed to the locality where it first appears, al
though in some instances where there has
been want of care In the disposal of carcas
ses of animals which have died of the disease,
the poisonous products have been carried by
dogs, and probably in other ways, to neigh
boring farms. Without some actual or gross
contact with portions of carcasses of diseased
animals, or with some of the products of the
disease, it does not seem that communication
of the malady can occur; and under any cir
cumstances the results ofinnoculation are not
precisely like those which occur in diseases
which are properly recognized as contagious.
For example, the matter of small poX produc-
es small pox, and SO with tie scarlet fever,
measles, and other contagious diseases; but
the morbid products Of splenic apopleXy,
which is one form of Charlton, may induce
quite another variety of blood disease, in
which the spleen may remain unaffected.
All that can be affirmed in reference to the
contagious character of Charlton is that the
contaminated blood and secietions contain
poison which acts in various ways on the sys-
TENS of healthy animals, generally causing
death.
As to the causes of the disease, it can only
be said that certain conditions are essential
to its development. Soil has apparently little
to do with the matter; some dangerous lands
are on the stiffest las clays, but others are
found on chalks, downs and sands.
Defective drainage is one essential condi-
ton, which is, perhaps, more general than
any other. Excessive manuring, whether by
the free use of manures as top dressing or
the constant use of the ground for grazing
purposes, is another condition which usually
obtains in localities where blood diseases pre-
vail at intervals. Water contaminated with
organic matter is another cause of somewhat
frequent existence, and it may be safely as
sumed that atmosphere rendered impure in
the same way will exert an equally deleteri-
GUS influence. Conversely, outbreaks of char
bon never occur on well-drained lands, where
the food, air, and water are free from organic
impurities.
In the matter oftreatmento of diseased animals
little or nothing can be done; in fact, the at
tack is so sudden, and death follows SO close
ly on the appearance of illness, that no time
is allowed for the action of remedies. The
attention of the stock owner is, therefore.
generally directed to prevention.
1t is consoling fact in the history of dis
eases of the anthraxoid, or charbonaceous
type, that they commonly cease after a few
animals have died, and do not reappear in
the same situations for years; the rule, how
ever, is subject to many exceptions, and it is,
therefore, necessary to adopt all possible pre-
cautions.
Removal of the animals from the danger
Gus grounds is the first obvious measure of
precaution; among medical agents the TYPOS
ulphite of soda has proved efficacious, and it
may be giveu in the drinking water to cattle
in doses of 2 OF. to OF. daily; and to sheep
in or, doses. Laxative medicines are nee
essary when constipation is present. The
effectual burial. or otherwise complete de-.
struction of carcasses of diseased animals is
absolutely necessary, as ground, water, and
air will be rendered poisonous by admixture
with any of the morbid products.-AgricuI-
tural Gazette.