Dourine
Dourine is essentially an equine syphilis caused by one of the microscopic parasites called try panosomes and transmitted by sexual contact. The first symptoms, which appear on the sex organs, may be entirely unnoticed. Secondary symptoms, appearing some time later, consist of wheals like hives, on various parts of the body. Months or even years after the disease first strikes,it may give rise to marked disturbances of the central nervous system which when end in paralysis and death. A mortality rate of 50 percent is not uncommon. There is no known cure.
Since 1912, when a serum test made it possible to diagnosegases positively, great progress has been made in eradicating thedisease in this country, and it now exists only in restricted areas inthree States. Serum samples, which must be prepared by an expert,are tested by the Bureau of Animal Industry. All animals with apositive test are destroyed, and the owners are indemnified.