15 May 2014

Epidemic of Distemper Among Wild Pigeons

Albany, August 2, 1799. Communication.

The very extraordinary phenomenon has lately appeared in the vicinity of Palatine, on the Mohawk river of an epidemic of distemper amongst the wild Pidgeons. Strong evidences, it is said, on dissection have been discovered of a morbid affection in the throats of these animals, and a very general apprehension of contagion has prevailed among the inhabitants, from some instances of persons being afflicted with the malignant sore throat who had improvidently fed on the flesh of the diseased bird.

August 2, 1799. Albany Centinel 3(10): 3.