CHAPTER III

                                          ANTHRAX.

Before considering the disease as it occurs in elephants, it will
be advisable to discuss it as it affects some other animals. From
numerous records of the disease and the heavy mortality reported
therefrom, as well as its infectious character, we have learnt
to consider it one of the most formidable diseases we have to
encounter.

Definition.—A virulent infective fever caused by the entrance
into the blood and tissues and multiplication therein of a micro-
organism known as the " bacillus anthracis."

The organism—Is a large rod-shaped bacillus, smooth in outline,
with square cut ends and easily stained by the basic aniline dyes.
It forms spores only when exposed to the atmospheric air, i.e., after
the death of the animal. The spores are extremely resistant bodies,
much more so than the bacillus, and are capable of producing the
disease when they are taken into the system of an animal, hence the
importance of not cutting open animals dead from this disease.

Incubation (that is, period which elapses between the time of
entry of the organism into the system and the appearance of its first
symptom).—In naturally acquired anthrax in elephants the incuba-
tion period is indefinite, as it is impossible to tell when the animal
was exposed to the contagion. After the exhibition of symptoms
of illness some die within an hour and others may live a week or
more.

Prevalence.—Certain localities are peculiarly adapted to the
development of the disease which recurs in them repeatedly, notably
low-lying swampy districts subject to inundation, especially in hot
and damp climates, with clay and loamy soils ; some areas in these
localities, particular pastures, are specially notorious for frequent
outbreaks. From these localities the disease may be carried in
various ways and infect extensive areas constituting epidemics.

Season.—Outbreaks in Burma generally occur during April, May,
and early part of June, i.e., the advent of the rains, and September
and October, the close of the rains. At these times there are heavy
thunderstorms, often followed by intense heat.

Altitude.—It is rarely met with on any elevated well-drained
land.