Milk sickness. (Veter.)
A peculiar malignant
disease, occurring in parts of the western United States, and
affecting certain kinds of farm stock (esp. cows), and persons using
the meat or dairy products of infected cattle. Its chief symptoms in
man are uncontrollable vomiting, obstinate constipation, pain, and
muscular tremors. Its origin in cattle has been variously ascribed to
the presence of certain plants in their food, and to polluted
water.
© Webster 1913.