The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-21
FcoT.AND-MouTH DISEASE.
Warning to All Owners of Cattle,
no Sheep and Swine.


Foot-and-Mouth disease of cattle, sheep
and other ruminents, and swine has. re-
Gently been brought from some foreign
country and has appeared in a few local
tiles in Massachusetts and some adjacent
states. Since this disease has been un-
known in America for many years, and
then but to limited extent, there are
few who have practical knowledge of its
nature. As 1t is vastly in the interest of
all owners of cattle, sheep and swine
that this disease shall be eradicated
promptly, and as they can render i'm
portant aid, this circular of information
is commended to their careful attention.
What Foot-and-Mout Disease Is.
This disease is an excessively con-
animals Cattle, sheep, goats, deer) and
swine. Rarely is it transmitted to man.
1t is characterized by the eruption of
vesicles or blisters in the mouth, upon
the heels, or between the toes, and up
on the teats or udder. The appetite is
depressed. the milk flow diminishes the
animal loses condition and becomes lame.
After a day or two the vesicles break,
peel OIL, anu ledNe u raw SuTldCt That
may heal in few days, or especially up
on the feet and ,teats, that may remain
sore for long time and lead to serious
complications. The death rateii Ia very low
but it attacks the whole herd and many
animals are seriously damaged, so that
the loss to a herd owner is heavy.
The Importance of DISCRIMINATING
This Outbreak Here and Now.
European catt1e1 owners have learned
by long and bitter experience that this
disease is the source of most discour-
dying and not infrequently of ruinous
losses. While the disease does not often
kill, it damages; temporarily or perman-
emily, every cow 1t attacks to the extent
of from $40 to $40. The, total loss on
herd is usually enough TO wipe out a
dairyman's profits for year or two. The
effect upon fat animals Is quite as serious.
1t is not uncommon for the stock owners
of England, France or Germany to be
injured by this disease, In a single year
to the extent of $5,000000. With our much
larger holdings. of live stock in this coun-
try, the possible losses from this disease
If 1t were to become general are stipend
Gus and incalculable. At present the dis
ease exists over a comparatively small
erea. 1t is confidently believed by the
experts who have investigated the stu
alton that it can be controlled and eradi-
Gated. 1t is important that this shall be
done, not only that the other parts of
the country shall be protected, but also
to prevent the frequent visitations of the
| disease that otherwise would afflict the
live stock of New England. To this end
the aid of all stockmen and farmers is
requested. SN
| How Foot-and-Mouth Disease is Spread
| There is no other disease that is so
readily and certainly conveyed by con-
| tact. 1t Is also conveyed by exposing
| healthy animals, even for an instant, to
| the stables yards, pastures, or cars that
have been occupied by affected animals;
| by buckets, cloths, brushes, or other OBJ
Jects that have been used by or on dis
,eased cattle; by the use of forage ex-
| posed in managers or even in the distant
parts of the stable harboring infected
| animals. The disease Is also carried by
small animals, as dogs, cats, rats, birds
i or upon the hands, boots or clothing of
men. road along which diseased cattle
have passed, may retain enough virus
sto infect other, cattle that pass over the
same place several hours later. Premises
| occupied by diseased cattle are not safe
for other cattle for few months after
the disease has disappeared. In short, it
| Is to be remembered that every diseased
animal is dangerous and also every ami
1 NAL person or thing that has been near
It or has been near a place occupied by
". inspectors may avoid the danger Of