The disease was studied by Poels in Holland in 1889, Dèle in Belgium in 1891, Perroncito in Italy, Galtier in the centre of France in 1891–92, and quite recently by Nocard in Ireland in 1901.
It occurs throughout all the breeding districts of France, and in some parts causes enormous losses, the mortality comprising two-thirds or even three-fourths of all new-born calves. In certain breeding establishments in Normandy all the new-born animals without exception die unless special precautions are adopted.
In foals, septicæmia of the new-born is very rare, because horse-breeding establishments are much better cared for, and breeding mares are segregated. In byres, on the other hand, the greatest promiscuity exists. The disease is equally uncommon in lambs, although it makes numerous victims in folds which have once been attacked. It is, however, quite common in young pigs.
Symptoms. The development and course of the disease are in certain respects characteristic.
The disease usually appears within two or three days after birth, and only in rare cases after the second week. Calves which at birth appeared vigorous and in good health are found dull on the second day; after the second or third meal they suffer from diarrhœa, and from that time refuse all nourishment, lie down as though exhausted, and sometimes die very rapidly.
Some even perish in ten to twelve hours without showing diarrhœa; although apparently well at night, they are found dead or dying the next morning. This is the peracute form.
Most frequently the young creatures suffer for two or three days, sometimes a week. Appetite is partly preserved; at first the diarrhœa resembles that due to inability to digest milk, but the fæces soon become greyish or blackish and very fœtid. The hair of the tail, quarters and hocks is soiled and matted, the skin irritable and reddish; the patients lose strength, appear unsteady on their limbs, and develop rapid respiration and tumultuous action of the heart.
They take little food, become weaker by degrees, and die in a condition of exhaustion.
Fever, well marked at first, frequently diminishes, and the temperature may remain normal for several days, falling to 97° Fahr., or even 95° Fahr., twenty-four hours before death.
This is the commonest form of the disease. It lasts three to five days, and is always grave.