The Washington times., 1914-11-12
SURPRISING THE
PLAGUE.

Washington. 1t is altogether desir-
able that the public should know
what it is, and what it is not.
The disease is a communicable
one, caused by a specific virus. The
germ cannot be discovered by the
microscope, and passes through any
filter yet produced. 1t manifests it
self in soreness of the hoofs and the
mouth of afflicted cattle. Lameness
is one of the first symptoms, when it
attacks the feet; in very small pro-
portion of cases, the hoofs have
dropped off. In the mouth, it is noted
by reason of sores, loss of appetite,
a smacking of the lips. Milk cattle
lose much of their producing capac-
ity, and all stock affected by it lose
flesh and vigor.
1t should be understood that very
few cattle die of the disease. In
many cases, however, it would be
better if they did. They waste away
and become worthless for either milk
or meat, requiring to be cared for
through long periods of the afflic-
tion, at huge loss to owners.
The disease is communicable to
humans; but in this case, again, it
very seldom causes death. Indeed,
in most cases its symptoms are so
slight that it is unlikely to be re-
garded as a serious matter. The
danger to humans is not SO great as
has been widely imagined. On the
other hand the losses to the stock
industry of the country can hardly
be overestimated, if the disease be-
comes widespread.
The Department of Agriculture
has issued today a statement con-
corning the disease in its relations to
humans, to milk supply, and other
matters, of such Importance that it
is here given in full:
The anxiety that has been expressed
in several quarters in regard to the
effect upon human health of the pres
ept outbreak of the foot-and-mouth dis
ease is regarded by Government au-
thorities as somewhat exaggerated.
The most common fear is that the milk
supply might become contaminated, but
in view of the precautions that the
local authorities in the infected areas
are very generally taking, there Is com .
paratively little danger of this. Milk
from infected farms is not permitted to
be shipped at all. The only danger is,
therefore, that before the disease has
manifested itself some infected milk
might reach the market For this rea-
son experts in the United States De-
partment of Agriculture recommend
pasteuriZation. AS a matter of fact,
however, pasteuriZation is recommend
ed by the department anyway for all
milk that is not very high grade and
from tuberculin tested COWS
1t has been demonstrated by expert
ments which have been made in Den
mark and Germany that pasteuriZation
will serve as safeguard against con-
tagion from the foot-and-mouth dis
ea SO Just as readily as ii does against
typhoid fever, but in any event II must
be thoroughly done-the milk must be
feated to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and
held at this temperature for thirty min
utes.
Ia this country the foot-and mouth
disease has been so rare that there are
"eN recorded cases of its transmission
to human beings. In 1902 a few cases
wcIe reported IN New England and n
1868 in a few instances eruptions were
found in the mouths of children which
we're believed TO have been caused by
contaminated milk. In both Of these
% .tbTeakS. the. sale of milk was stopped
as soon as the disease was found among
tho cattle. AS long. therefore, as the
disease can be confir"d hV rigid duaran.
tie to certain specified areas. the dan.
ger from this source is very small
Should the pestilence spread all over
this country and become as general AS
il has been at various times in large
areas in Europe. the nrohlcm would be-
come more serious. Under any circum.
star ces, however, pasteuTiZatiOn would
be an efficient remcdv. Where pas.
tcurizat'on is not possible. and where
there is any reason to suspect that the
disease NAV exist the Drecaution OF
boiling milk might be advisable. Sim.
Dlc directions for pasteuriZing milk at
lar I27. which will he sent free on ap
rlICat'on to tn" United States Depart
III, MT Of Agriculture
Cows affected with the maI'gnant
form Of the disease lose practically al
of their milk. In mild cases however
the decrease NAV n" from nne-third t.
4 one-half nf the usual yield. The aDnear,
ance of the milk also chances It be
J comes thinner. blush. and pocr in fat
When the udder is affected the ~liIl
FREQUENTLY contains coaPulated fibr'r
an1 hood 20 that a consiSo~a HE sedi
r;1ont forms. while the cream is thin anf
OF a dirty color. These changes how,
ever. occur only when the disease is ~
ar advanced stage. and, as mattel
of fact the disease is not per