ON PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.*

BY GEORGE ARMATAGE, M. R. C. V. S., LEIGHTON BUZZARD.

Different forms of the Affection.-The disease commonly known as pleuro-pneumonia, derives its name from the circumstance that, under its effects, the serous membrane (the pleura) which covers the lungs, and lines also the chest, as well as the substance of the lungs themselves, are simultaneously inflamed. Briefly, the term implies inflammation of the pleura and lungs, the former being termed pleurisy or pleuritis, and the latter pneumonia. Hence the compound appellation, pleuro-pneumonia.

Since greater attention has been paid to the cultivation of veterinary science, stimulated by the increasing value of our agricultural stock ; since our communications with the continent have opened out channels for the introduction of foreign cattle, and with them pleuro-pneumonia, two distinct forms of the affection have been recognized.

The first is the ordinary form of pneumonia, with pleuritic complication, attacking man and various animals, not usually fatal, sudden in its attack, acute throughout its stages, and terminating favorably, in most instances, within ten days or a fortnight. It owes its origin to peculiar conditions of the atmosphere, temperature, season, altitude, exposure, etc.; seldom spreads beyond the animal affected, and is markedly amenable to medical treatment. From these peculiarities, this form is recognized as sporadic or indigenous pleuro-pneumonia.

In the second variety, although the same structures are involved, the nature of the affection is strangely different. It is known among scientific men as epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, in contradistinction to the first. Although not distinctly specified, there can be no doubt the conditions upon which this report is required to be written clearly point to the epizootic form of the affection, a consideration of which, therefore, will be proceeded with in the following pages.

* From the Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

Epizootic Pleuro-pneumonia.-Synonyms.-Various terms have been applied to this malady. In certain localities of Great Britain it is known as the lung plague, lung complaint, lung disease, new disease (in contradistinction to aphtha, or foot-and-mouth disease), epidemic, or demic, etc. Dr. E. Headlam Greenhow* has given to it the name of "pulmonary murrain."

Among the Germans, it is known as "lung-enseuche,” “peri-pneumonia,” and “exudativa contagiosa." Delafond, a celebrated French writer, terms it "maladie de poitrine du gros bétail," and adds, connue sous le nom péri-pneumonie contagieuse." The Italians term it, "polmonea dei bovini."

History.-At the period when Youatt and Blaine compiled their treatises, little or nothing was known in Britain regarding the form of pleuro-pneumonia we are now considering. On the continent, however, matters wore a different aspect. From the continual commotion and disturbed states of the various countries, due to rebellion and wars, the movement of large numbers of animals became necessary. They were required both as animal food and beasts of burden, and their removal from native soil insured also the transmission of indigenous diseases.

The course of transit lay from east to west, in the direction of the greatest centers of population; and to supply the demand arising there, dealers and others penetrated the thinly inhabited districts of Europe, steppes of Asia, and even Africa, where large tracts of land afforded a subsistence to peasants by breeding cattle and sheep.

At length, the blessings of peace returned, and the people of northern Europe turned their attention to industry, and cattle were as abundantly required to consume the refuse of distilleries, together with starch and sugar manufactories which had been established, especially in Holland and Germany. In this way, also, diseases were transmitted with as much certainty, and even greater constancy, as during the turbulent times; and these countries became at once stations for the disease. The introduction of fresh virus was unremitting, and contagion regularly and certainly distributed when the animals were again removed.

These things have continued up to the present day, having also increased rapidly in consequence of the trade which occasioned the demand for cattle being considerably augmented. Within a few hours of our east coast ports, are some of the greatest stations for pleuro-pneumonia epizoötica which constantly menace our island,

* Report on Murrain in Horned Cattle, 1857.