Farcey in horses depends upon the same causes as Glanders (q.v.)—in fact, is an outward manifestation of glanders. The absorbent vessels of the superficial parts of the body, but usually those of one or both hind limbs, are inflamed, tender, swollen, hard, and knotted. The vitiated lymph thus poured out softens, and ulcers or farcy buds appear. Unlike the ulcers of glanders, they are sometimes thought to be curable, but an animal apparently cured is not safe to be with other horses, as the contagium—the Bacillus mallei—almost invariably remains, and the animal is thus a source of infection and a source of danger.
Farcey and glanders are included in the contagious diseases dealt with by the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Acts, 1878-86. See handbook of said Acts, pp. 126, 563, and 631.