Report of Commission on the Cattle Plague / by Andrew Davidson, Secretary to Commission.

  • Andrew Davidson
Date:
1880
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of Commission on the Cattle Plague / by Andrew Davidson, Secretary to Commission. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    111/148 (page 105)
    District of Black River.—^. Section. Report on Cattle Epidemic 1879. Sanitary Guardian's Office, Plaines Wilhems, 8th December 1879. [Report.] The disease raged with great violence in the northern section of Black E-iver District from the 16th May to about the beginning of September, during which period out of 9,860 animals 8,149 died^ and 427 were killed, in order if possible to stay the march of the epidemic. In spite of all the efforts made to check it, the disease conti- nued to gain ground, and as the Black River District is one of the principal cattle runs of the Island, it soon caused terrible havoc amongst the numerous herds. Inoculation was tried, as well as many other kinds of treatment, viz : burning, blistering and astringent draughts, but all remedies seemed to fail, and the cattle died off in large numbers rapidly, as will be seen by annexed return C. Even the milch cows died in large numbers in comparison with other Districts, I have been unable to ascertain how the disease origi- nated in Black River District. My first impression was that it might have been carried over by some cattle remov- ed from Roche Bois immediately after the outbreak of the disease at Mad. Jamet's, but I have nothing to offer in support of this impression, as, curious to say, the disease did not appear amongst the herd which had been removed from. Koche Bois to Nermont Mr. Louraeau's property until the 22nd May (ultimo) 6 daijs after Mr. Magnac's cattle (Camp Benoit Grand River N.S.) were affected. The contagion soon spread from thence, carried by stray animals, and other agents from herd to herd. Not only did the General Board of Health do all in their power to prevent communication as well as the differ- ent proprietors of estates and cattle owners who regardless of expense took all sorts of precautionary measures, all their endeavours, I am sorry to report, failed in staying the progress of the prevailing disease. Marcus E. BROWNRIGG,