[The evaluation of principles for the prevention and control of animal epidemics during the second half of the 18th century according to a contemporary monograph, from a current viewpoint].

Reference is made to the third edition of a handbook published 1800 in which experience in preventing and controlling animal diseases is given in the form of standards together with conclusions, the latter being related primarily to the incidence of cattle plague in the second half of the 18th century. The points made in the handbook are related to the history of veterinary medicine, with particular emphasis being laid on today's national veterinary services and the legal provisions which are now in effect for the prevention and control of high risk. Since production relations and productive forces were on a different level then, both the consequences of high-risk animal diseases and action for protection often had deterimental impact upon agricultural production and led to the ruin of many poorer farmers and dependent peasants. The substance of the prevention and control principles was not only adequate, but to some extent is valid even today, notwithstanding the much higher scientific basis on which many problems are tackled in our days. A set of strict rules had been established, and offenders had to expert severe punishment. Yet, in the class society of that time penalty rules differed for 'masters' and 'inferiors'. The handbook is of enlightening importance as a basisfor deliberate application of codes and standards.