The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1914-11-18
F00T-AnD- MOUTH DIS
EASE IN CATTLE

This j. European disease.
The first outbreak in this country
was in 1870, second outbreak in
1850. both of which were of a mild
nature. In 1884 there was an out
break more severe. The disease again
appeared in 1902, extending over
Massachusetts and New Hampshire,
and the last appearance was in 1909,
until the present wide spread of the
disease.
This is the most infectious disease
of animals. Up to the present time
the virulent agent is unknown, but
that it is of specific origin, no doubt
exists because it is infectious, spreads
with great rapidly and can be pro-
duced by incubation.
1t is characterized by eruptions of
vesicles of blisters in and around the
mouth. around feet, between toes and
'teats.
The period of incubation is from
thirty-six hours to six days, general
ly about two days. 1t is usually
ushered in by chills, temperature
rises from 1O3 to LOG degrees, hair
raised along the spine, Il dry muzzle,
with red congested mucous membrane
of nose, mouth and eyes, saliva of
foamy nature will dribble from the
mouth, appetite impaired, rumination
or chewing cud ceases, now and then
will grind teeth, hold mouth open
and peculiar smacking of the lips
due to their painful condition.
1t is characterized by tenderness
of the feet and lameness, often kick
or shake the feet as though trying to
dislodge something from between the
toes.
About the second or third day the
eruptions of vesicles can be seen on
the lips and tongue which are from
one-third to one inch in diameter.
On the fourth or fifth day the bis
tiers will rupture leaving a red, angry
surface, and at this stage salvation
is profuse and may be tinged with
blood.
From the ninth to the eleventh days
these patches or sores vii begin to
heal if permitted to live.
The eruptions on the feet are about
the same as on the mouth, but as the
feet come in contact with the ground
they become contaminated with pus
germs and hoofs may slough off.
These eruptions may extend to the
hooks and knees.
Drinking milk from cows effected
with foot and mouth disease will
produce and interitis which causes
death in a small per cent of children.
As this disease is amenable to
treatment, in some countries, de-
struction of the infected animals is
not compulsory by law, hut in this
country all infected animals are i'm
mediately destroyed in order to pre-
vent the spread of the disease.
Animals that have been affected
with this disease can transmit to
other animals for six weeks after
recovery.
As the disease spreads too rapidly
to permit treatment, in an outbreak
the inspectors go to the outskirts and
work in to the center, killing, burn
ing, disinfecting and quarantining.
They should wear rubber clothing,
gloves and boots, burn old barns and
all feed that may have been exposed,
clean the trash thoroughly out of
good barns and disinfect with white
wash and carbohc acid. Should
kill all stray dogs, eats and buzzards.
| think the buzzard is responsible
for the spread of large per cent of
animal diseases and there should be
a bounty paid on all buzzards killed.
After killing, burning or burying,
disinfecting and quarantining prem
Uses the inspectors clothing should
be thoroughly disinfected with per
cent carbohc acid and fumigated
with formaldylide solution before