th disease by the lack of eruptions in the mouth and by the
location of the disease at the tips of the ears, end of the tail, or upon
the lower part of the legs, usually below the knees or hocks. The lesion of
ergotism does not take the form of pustules or blisters, but manifests
itself first as a swelling about the ankle, which later may slough and
circumscribe the limb, forming a deep crack, extending entirely around the
limb and forming a distinct line of demarcation between the healthy skin
above and the diseased below. The absence of ulcerous sores on the coronet
and between the claws, together with the healthy condition of the membranes
of the mouth and the knowledge that the lesion upon the limb in question
extends uninterruptedly around it, should point conclusively to a diagnosis
of ergotism and to the exclusion of all fears of foot-and-mouth disease.

In foul foot or ground itch of cattle, the inflammation of the skin and
toes is general and not in certain spots, as in foot-and-mouth disease. The
mouth remains unaffected, and the presence of the disease may be traced to
filth and poor drainage.

The severer forms of the disease might be confounded with certain general
diseases. If gastrointestinal symptoms predominate, acute gastric catarrh
or inflammation of the intestines might be thought of. Involvement of the
lungs may lead to a diagnosis of acute congestion of the lungs or
pneumonia. The distinction is apparent in these diseases by the lack of
vesicular eruption on the mucous membrane or skin, and also by lack of
evidences of infection in the herd or neighboring animals.

_Prevention and eradication._--The measures to be adopted to prevent the
spread of the affection must take into consideration the highly infectious
nature of the disease, its ease of dissemination, and the liability of the
virus to live for long periods outside the body of an animal. Great care
should therefore be observed in keeping healthy animals unexposed to the
contagion. When an outbreak occurs in a community the owner should make
every effort to keep other animals from coming in contact with his diseased
cattle. This especially applies to dogs, cats, goats, and poultry, which
usually have access to the stables and barnyards and in this way furnish
excellent means for disseminating the infectious principle. He should be
equally particular in prohibiting any person from coming onto his premises,
especially an attendant or owner or o