Detailed Summary of "Great Epizootic of 1872" Episode

Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson
Episode Title: Great Epizootic of 1872
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Great Epizootic of 1872," hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson explore a significant yet often overlooked event in history—the massive outbreak of a flu-like illness among horses across North America in 1872. This epizootic had far-reaching consequences not only for animal health but also for society, economy, and the nascent field of veterinary medicine.

Understanding the Epizootic

Definition and Scope

Tracy V. Wilson opens the discussion by defining an epizootic as an epidemic occurring in non-human animals. She explains that the 1872 outbreak primarily affected horses across North America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.

Tracy V. Wilson [02:38]: "Most of the horses that got this disease recovered, but this did still lead to the deaths of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of horses and other equines.”

Historical Context

Holly Fry provides historical context, noting that records of horse diseases date back over a thousand years. However, identifying specific pathogens was challenging due to the limited advancements in germ theory during that era.

Holly Fry [04:30]: "Written records of disease in horses go back more than a thousand years... but the identification of specific viruses didn't happen until the 1890s.”

Nature and Cause of the Disease

Equine Influenza as the Likely Culprit

Tracy identifies equine influenza, caused by the influenza A virus, as the most plausible cause of the epizootic. She elaborates on the virus's ability to mutate into various strains, some of which also affect humans and other animals.

Tracy V. Wilson [04:53]: "Today, the most common explanation is equine influenza..."

Simultaneous Outbreaks in Humans and Other Animals

Holly discusses the possibility that the influenza virus could have crossed species barriers, affecting both humans and other animals concurrently.

Holly Fry [05:30]: "Some of the historical outbreaks... could have been from the equine virus infecting other species, or from a non equine virus infecting horses..."

Spread and Geographic Impact

Initial Outbreak and Rapid Spread

The epizootic began in Ontario, Canada, in September 1872, quickly spreading to various U.S. cities and beyond. The hosts trace its movement through major transportation hubs, primarily railroads and canals, which facilitated the virus's rapid dissemination.

Tracy V. Wilson [16:22]: "The epizootic never reached Prince Edward Island because the seas around it were impassable due to ice..."

Endemic Reach and Geographic Limitations

The disease eventually reached Central America but did not spread further south, likely due to lower horse populations and the absence of extensive rail networks in those regions.

Holly Fry [22:13]: "The epizootic never reached Prince Edward island because the seas around it were impassable due to ice..."

Veterinary Response and Key Figures

Early Veterinary Efforts

With veterinary medicine still in its infancy in North America, the outbreak was primarily managed by European-trained veterinarians like James Law and Alexandre Lyotard. Their reports provided crucial early descriptions and treatment protocols.

James Law [07:05] (as quoted by Tracy): "A horse in apparently robust and vigorous health is seen with drooping head..."

Treatment Recommendations

Both Law and Lyotard emphasized rest and hygienic measures, discouraging harmful practices like bleeding or administering purgatives. Their approaches mirrored modern flu treatments focused on symptom relief and rest.

Lyotard [07:24] (as quoted by Tracy): "The treatment of influenza must be in accordance with the symptoms..."

Societal and Economic Impact

Disruption of Essential Services

The sudden decline in horse populations crippled transportation, delivery services, emergency responses, and various industries reliant on equine labor. For instance, in New York City, the outbreak led to a three-week standstill in essential services.

Tracy V. Wilson [32:22]: "For about three weeks, starting on October 21st, the city basically came to a standstill.”

Labor Shortages and Economic Strain

The scarcity of working horses led to the hiring of oxen and even prisoners to perform tasks typically handled by horses. In San Francisco, Asian laborers faced increased prejudice as they were employed to replace horses, exacerbating racial tensions.

Tracy V. Wilson [33:39]: "...Chinese people were hired to pull wagons and carry cargo in place of horses. And then they were written about in newspapers as though they were animals."

Intersection with Social Issues

Racial Tensions and Labor Exploitation

On the West Coast, particularly in San Francisco, the reliance on Asian laborers to replace sick horses intensified existing racial prejudices, foreshadowing the later enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Tracy V. Wilson [33:39]: "...Chinese people were hired to pull wagons and carry cargo in place of horses. And then they were written about in newspapers as though they were animals."

Relation to Financial Panic of 1873

Potential Contributing Factor

The hosts discuss the speculation that the epizootic may have contributed to the Panic of 1873, alongside other economic strains like the Sherman Silver Purchase Act and railroad failures.

Tracy V. Wilson [38:25]: “There's some speculation that the Epizootic was one of the contributing factors to the Panic of 1873.”

Human and Other Animal Illnesses

Human Health Implications

While primarily affecting horses, there were reports of human illnesses linked to the outbreak, particularly among those in close contact with animals. Additionally, an avian epizootic occurred shortly after, though connections remain inconclusive.

Tracy V. Wilson [39:20]: "There was an outbreak of influenza in humans in 1873 and 1874, but it's not clear whether this was connected to the equine outbreak that started in 1872."

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Enduring Presence of Equine Influenza

Holly highlights that equine influenza remains endemic today, with modern vaccines and surveillance systems in place to manage outbreaks. The 2007 Australian outbreak serves as a contemporary example of the virus's ongoing threat.

Holly Fry [41:59]: "Equine influenza still exists today. It's endemic in most of the world's horses, with the exception of horses in Iceland and New Zealand."

Economic Costs of Modern Outbreaks

The 2007 outbreak in Australia cost the government approximately $571 million in eradication efforts and compensation, underscoring the economic implications of such diseases.

Tracy V. Wilson [42:38]: "Governments in Australia had spent $571 million eradicating the disease, including $370 million in compensation to offset the disruption to the horse industry."

Conclusion

The Great Epizootic of 1872 was a pivotal event that not only devastated horse populations but also had significant societal and economic repercussions. Through detailed accounts and expert insights, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson shed light on how this outbreak influenced the development of veterinary medicine, exacerbated social tensions, and perhaps even contributed to broader economic crises. The episode serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate connections between animal health, human society, and economic stability.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Tracy V. Wilson [02:38]: “Most of the horses that got this disease recovered, but this did still lead to the deaths of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of horses and other equines.”

• Holly Fry [04:30]: “Written records of disease in horses go back more than a thousand years... but the identification of specific viruses didn't happen until the 1890s.”

• Tracy V. Wilson [11:05]: “Lyotard also recommended various steps to try to reduce some of the horse's symptoms...”

• Tracy V. Wilson [32:22]: “For about three weeks, starting on October 21st, the city basically came to a standstill.”

• Tracy V. Wilson [33:39]: “…Chinese people were hired to pull wagons and carry cargo in place of horses. And then they were written about in newspapers as though they were animals.”

• Tracy V. Wilson [38:25]: “There's some speculation that the Epizootic was one of the contributing factors to the Panic of 1873.”

• Holly Fry [41:59]: “Equine influenza still exists today. It's endemic in most of the world's horses, with the exception of horses in Iceland and New Zealand.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by the hosts. It provides an engaging overview for listeners who may not have tuned in, offering valuable historical perspectives and contemporary relevance.