Rabies or hydrophobia / by John R. Mohler.

  • John R. Mohler
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Rabies or hydrophobia / by John R. Mohler. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, Washington^ D. C.^ March IJj,^ 1911, Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith, and to recommend for )ublication as a Farmers' Bulletin, a paper on Rabies, or Hydro- jhobia, by Dr. John R. Mohler, chief of the Pathological Division )f this bureau. This paper is based on an article which forms a part )f the Twenty-sixth Annual Report of this bureau. The disease known as rabies in animals and hydrophobia in man s one of the most terrible maladies known to medical science. Uthough some skepticism as to this disease persists and is industri- )usly fostered by the publication of erroneous views, the reality and he infectious nature of the malady have been abundantly established nd confirmed by the work of nmnerous competent scientific investi- gators, and there is no more reason for doubting the existence of abies than for questioning the actuality of other specific and well- ecognized contagious diseases. Rabies is prevalent among dogs in various parts of the United States, and the presence of infected animals is a constant menace to luman life. Under this condition the relative infrequency of deaths mong people who have been bitten by rabid dogs is due to the pro- ection afforded by the Pasteur treatment. Even with this treatment, towever, considerable anxiety, suffering, hardship, and expense are ntailed upon many people; and it must also be remembered that for number of reasons, not the least of which are the inconvenience and xpense involved, a large proportion of the persons and practically 11 the animals that have received the virus through bites do not ndergo this treatment. Theoretically, rabies is one of the most easily eradicated of conta- •ious diseases, but practically the undertaking is beset with difficulties, ill that is required is the muzzling of all dogs for a sufficient time, 'his has been amply proved by the experience of several European auntries where the disease has been stamped out in this manner. >ut the carrying out of such a measure in this country is not easy, iffective action can not be taken by the Federal Government alone; ] is necessary to have the cooperation of the States and municipalities nd of the people at large. It seems desirable, therefore, that the iformation contained in the accompanying paper be given the widest ublicity. Respectfully, A. D. Melvin, Chief of Bureau. Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture.