Epizootics

Epizootics (Gr. epi, 'upon,' and zōon, 'an animal') are diseases of animals which manifest a common character, and prevail at the same time over considerable tracts of country. A curious circumstance in connection with them is that they usually follow the same line of route as the diseases of the human race; and, as a rule, when there has been a great epidemic, it has been followed or accompanied by an equally destructive pestilence among animals. The cause of epizootics is not altogether clear, but there can be little doubt that insufficient food and overcrowding have great influence. Being apt to take on a low type of fever, they are better treated by supporting than by reducing remedies. Influenza in horses, and pleuro-pneumonia and vesicular epizootic in cattle, are examples.