The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-02-13
By J. LUTHER JORDAN.

Is to be expected that charbon Will
again manifest itself in our state. From
past experience it seems we'll we should
at least attempt by application OF all
the knowledge that science has brought
to check the first outbreak before the
spread becomes general. To do this
we should be able to recognize a case
Immediately. Many would have no
trouble in doing this, due to the preva-
lence of the disease in the state in
previous years.
Cause and Modes of Transmission
of the Disease.
The cause of this disease is micro
scopic, rod-shaped organism belonging
to the group containing the lowest
forms of plant life. Its technical name
lis Bacterium anthracis. This is one
of the spore forming bacteria and it's
spores are able to Withstand heat,
cold or drought for considerable time
without any apparent injury. These
spores may be source of infection
through water, feed, air or otherwise
and cause the disease to become spo-
radio or enzootic in distribution.
Dried spores may be inhaled and
reach the circulation through the lungs.
This is a common way for persons in
tanneries or the like to become infect
ed. However, a very common method
of infection is by the skin. When this
is the case the infected animal has
external Charlton. Horse flies, some
varieties of mosquitoes, and other
blood-sucking insects may introduce
the germ or it may enter through
wounds or sores of the body. Again,
Ianimals may take the germ into the
digestive tract in feed or water. This
produces the internal form of anthrax
Ialso.
All domestic farm animals are more
or less susceptible to the disease, the
horse, cow, and sheep are most so
Hogs are very rarely infected. Human
beings may become infected and many
deaths have been known to occur
Among these were several in Louisi
ana at the last outbreak
Methods of Spread.
In localities where the disease has
previously occurred or in localities ad
Joining these new outbreak is likely
to occur after few showers follow
ing a drought, or upon the liberation
of water from stagnant ponds into
streams from which the animals are
allowed to drink. 1t has been found a
the Louisiana Station that the ANTHRAX
germ will live in stagnant water for {
period of twelve months or longer ant
still retain it's virulence After thu
disease has become prevalent ant
deaths have begun to occur carriol
birds, dogs, hogs, foodstuffs, and hu
man beings are very likely to become
sources of infection as is also the air
Such animals as the buzzard ma.
spread the disease by vomited materia
or upon their feet and beak, while tn
dog and hog may contaminate the SUI
roundings by their excreta or other
wise.
The statement of Doctor Dalrympl
of the University cannot be too strong
lily emphasized Neglect to properI
dispose of anthrax carcasses Is, pei
haps, the factor most responsible TO
the continuance and spread of charbo
Infection"
All carcasses should by all mean
be burned or buried with quicklim
two feet or more deep. This shout
take place as close to the place @
death as possible because to move tn
body is to spread infection.
Symptoms of Charlton.
There are three forms of charbon-
pulmonary anthrax, external anthrax
and internal anthrax. If the attack
pulmonary, that is. if the infection
through the lungs, the chief symptom
are: High temperatures, lack of app'
title, difficult breathing, suddenness {
ATTACK, redness of the eyes, nostril
and mouth, staggering movement
small pulse beats, commissions an
death by asphyxia.
The external form is characterize
by watery swellings at points of infe
Ition. These are hot and painful 9
first, later becoming cold and seemin.
ly painless.
The internal form comes suddenl,
prostration soon results, high temper;
lures, vertigo and bloody effete mi
terial followed by an early death cha
1acterize this type.
= Methods of Prevention.
e There being as yet no recognize
= cure for the disease, it becomes all tn
!, more necessary to prevent it.