Mexborough & Swinton Times — December 8, 1893
The Outbreak of Disease Among the Denaby Main Ponies
Consequent on the epidemic the management of Denaby Main Colliery were compelled to suspend work on Saturday, last until Wednesday. Notwithstanding their efforts, the whole of the horses and ponies have been seized with the disease.
The epidemic at first was an outbreak of laminitis, but since then it has turned to contagious pneumonia, and has affected no fewer than 110 animals, ten of which are dead, leaving 100 still sick and unfit for work.
Fifteen fresh horses were sent down the pit one day last week, and one of them died the next day, having caught the complaint within an hour of the time it was taken down the colliery.
Since Saturday, however, there have been no further deaths, and on Monday some of the horses commenced to eat.
On Sunday quite an army of men were down the pit disinfecting the stables with a limewash of chloride of lime. Experience has shown them that it is simple madness to send new horses down the pit while the epidemic lasts.
The managing director has, however, done all he can to secure this desirable end, and he gave Mr. W. W. Norwood carte blanche in the matter of securing the advice of specialists or obtaining outside assistance.
Mr. Norwood accordingly wired to Professor Pemberthy, of London, who came down on Sunday morning, and with whom, and Mr. Thompson, M.R.C.V.S., of Doncaster, held a consultation.
The eminent authority confirmed Mr. Norwood’s diagnosis in every particular, and agreed with the precautionary and remedial measures taken. He also expressed the opinion that the virulence of the disease was considerably abated.
Work was resumed yesterday.