ict.
There are still wide gaps in our knowledge, and the presentation above
simply summarizes the prevailing views, from which there are dissenters, of
course. An attempt to give the views of both sides on this question would
necessitate the summarizing and impartial discussion of all the experiments
thus far made--a task entirely beyond the scope of the present work.
Whether an animal affected with actinomycosis should be used for human food
after all diseased organs and tissues have been thoroughly removed is a
question the answer to which depends on a variety of circumstances. Among
these may be mentioned the thoroughness of the meat inspection itself, the
extent of the disease, and the general condition of the animal affected.
The Federal meat-inspection regulations require that carcasses of animals
showing generalized actinomycosis shall be condemned. If carcasses are in a
well-nourished condition, showing uncomplicated localized lesions of
actinomycosis, they may be passed after the infected organs or parts have
been removed and condemned. When the disease of the jaw is slight, strictly
localized, and without pus formation, fistulous tracts, or lymph-gland
involvement, the tongue, if free from disease, may be passed. The heads
affected with actinomycosis (lumpy jaw), including the tongue, shall be
condemned, except that when the lesions in the jaw are strictly localized
and slight in extent, the tongue may be passed, if free from disease.
ANTHRAX.
Anthrax or charbon may be defined as an infectious disease which is caused
by specific bacteria, known as anthrax bacilli, and which is more or less
restricted by conditions of soil and moisture to definite geographical
localities. While it is chiefly limited to cattle and sheep, it may be
transmitted to goats, horses, cats, and certain kinds of game. Smaller
animals, such as mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs, speedily succumb to
inoculation. Dogs and hogs are slightly susceptible, while fowls are
practically immune. The variety of domesticated animals which it may attack
renders it one of the most dreaded scourges of animal life. It may even
attack man. Of this more will be stated further on.
* * * * *
ACTINOMYCOSIS (LUMPY JAW).
DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.
PLATE XXXIX. Actinomycosis. (From Joehne's Encyklopaedie d. gesammt.
Thierheilkunde.)
Fig. 1. Actinomycosis of the jaw. The lower jawbone has been extensively
eaten away by the
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