Summary of "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds"
Episode 664 - The Horse Flu
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 664 of The Dollop, titled "The Horse Flu," comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into a lesser-known yet impactful event in American history: the outbreak of a debilitating disease among horses in the late 19th century. This episode explores the origins, spread, and profound effects of the horse flu pandemic, as well as the societal and economic repercussions that ensued.

Background: The Rise of the ASPCA

The episode begins with the establishment of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1862 by Henry Bergh in response to widespread animal abuse, particularly of horses which were the primary mode of transportation at the time. Gareth humorously recounts his experiences with the ASPCA's influence, noting how its legacy persists in modern times.

Gareth Reynolds [02:11]: "It's fantastic."

The ASPCA played a crucial role in introducing the first anti-cruelty laws in 1866 and operated an ambulance service for injured horses by 1867, highlighting the organization's early commitment to animal welfare.

Outbreak of the Horse Flu

In late September 1872, an outbreak of a mysterious illness began affecting horses outside Toronto, quickly spreading to urban and rural areas alike. The disease, characterized by coughing, lethargy, stiff limbs, and eventual death, crippled the horse population with a reported infection rate of up to 99%.

Dave Anthony [07:55]: "That's a lot for those three to pick up that load."

The rapid transmission was facilitated by the dense populations in cities and the reliance on horses for transportation and labor. By October, major cities like Detroit, Buffalo, and Chicago were grappling with the epidemic, leading to severe disruptions in daily life and commerce.

Societal and Economic Impact

The horse flu had a domino effect on various sectors:

• Transportation: With thousands of horses incapacitated, streetcars, mail delivery, and freight transport ground to a halt. In New York City, the absence of horses led to eerily quiet streets and a temporary cessation of frantic urban activity.

  Gareth Reynolds [15:27]: "It's like two waves. And their eyes start tearing up."

• Commerce: Factories and iron mills faced shutdowns due to the inability to transport goods, leading to widespread unemployment and economic stagnation.

  Dave Anthony [38:42]: "Now Pittsburgh has to shut down. Iron mills factories are shutting down because they have no fuel."

• Public Health and Safety: With horses out of service, alternative labor sources emerged, including the use of oxen and even child labor, which introduced new societal challenges and ethical dilemmas.

  Gareth Reynolds [56:41]: "It's a cute name, but really it's child labor."

The pandemic underscored the acute dependency on horses, revealing the fragility of societal infrastructure when faced with such a crisis.

Responses and Measures

Efforts to combat the horse flu were varied and often ineffective:

• Medical Theories: Without a clear understanding of germ theory, veterinarians proposed several theories, including atmospheric poisons and rapid weather changes, leading to inconsistent treatment approaches.

  Gareth Reynolds [22:03]: "He's got a foot in each theory."

• Treatment Attempts: Remedies ranged from "Shanks Pulmonic syrup and mandrake pills" to faith-based healing, reflecting the desperation and lack of effective medical intervention.

  Dave Anthony [25:48]: "Some people turn to Henry Berg because he's the anti-animal cruelty guy."

• Regulatory Actions: Henry Bergh and the ASPCA enforced strict regulations on horse treatment, often clashing with business interests that prioritized profit over animal welfare.

  Dave Anthony [43:38]: "He only let 10% of teams just go out."

These measures highlighted the tension between emerging animal rights advocacy and entrenched economic interests reliant on horse labor.

Long-Term Consequences and Transition to Mechanization

The horse flu pandemic accelerated the push towards mechanization and the eventual decline of horse-drawn transportation. Cities, reeling from economic losses and the visible suffering of horses, became more receptive to alternatives like steam-powered engines and electric streetcars.

Dave Anthony [83:21]: "So it had been a longer or a more deadly flu, it could have caused an economic collapse or like starvation in cities."

By demonstrating the vulnerabilities of horse-dependent systems, the pandemic inadvertently paved the way for technological advancements that would redefine urban landscapes and transportation.

Conclusion

Episode 664 of The Dollop masterfully intertwines historical facts with comedic banter to shed light on the significant yet overlooked impact of the horse flu pandemic. Through engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds illustrate how a single event can influence societal structures, economic frameworks, and technological progress. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of health, industry, and animal welfare in shaping history.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Anthony [05:37]: "They were talking about when horses were just laying on the ground, so this is a way to get them to a place."

• Gareth Reynolds [16:03]: "It sounds like it's a force. Fish. Horse. Right. Seahorse."

• Dave Anthony [34:36]: "They're basically saying the rich can get hurt too. It's really bad because also us, the rich."

• Gareth Reynolds [73:21]: "Every time a horse's head pops, an angel gets a dollar."

Note: The timestamps correspond to moments within the provided transcript where notable quotes occur.