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Stuff You Missed in History Class

Great Epizootic of 1872

Feb 19, 2025
Dive into the Great Epizootic of 1872, a devastating horse flu that wreaked havoc across North America and the Caribbean. Explore its origins, rapid spread through transport networks, and the chaos it caused in cities reliant on horses for daily life. Discover how this crisis spurred advancements in veterinary medicine and public health, alongside the amusing contradictions of dubious treatments. Plus, enjoy a heartwarming family recipe that transitions from the seriousness of animal health to the joys of baking!
38:13

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Quick takeaways

  • The Great Epizootic of 1872 disrupted urban life significantly, especially in cities reliant on horses, leading to logistical challenges and economic strain.
  • The outbreak highlighted the need for advancements in veterinary medicine and demonstrated the crucial link between animal health and public health.

Deep dives

The Outbreak of the Great Epizootic

The Great Epizootic of 1872 was a massive outbreak of a flu-like illness primarily affecting horses across North America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. Initially reported in Canada, the disease quickly spread due to large-scale transportation networks such as railroads, impacting cities like Detroit and New York. Various names were given to the illness, including Canadian horse disease and horse influenza, and despite the recovery of most affected horses, tens of thousands suffered from serious complications, leading to significant mortality. The inability to pinpoint the exact pathogen at the time, compounded by the limited veterinary knowledge, further complicated the response to the epidemic.

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