Scowring Cause of Death: A Historical Perspective

Scowring, also spelled scours, is a term that refers to severe diarrhea in animals, especially young ones. It can be caused by various infections, parasites, or dietary factors, and it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, and death. Scowring is still a common problem in livestock farming today, but it was also a deadly disease for humans in the past.

 Scowring in the 17th Century London

In the 17th century, London was plagued by many diseases, such as the Great Plague, smallpox, typhus, and tuberculosis. Among these, scowring was also a frequent cause of death, especially for children and infants. According to a published register called London’s Dreadful Visitation, or, A Collection of All the Bills of Mortality, scowring was responsible for 95 deaths in the year 1632. This number may seem small compared to the thousands of deaths caused by other diseases, but it still indicates that scowring was a serious threat to public health.

The exact causes of scowring in humans are not clear, but they may have been similar to those in animals. Poor sanitation, contaminated water, malnutrition, and exposure to pathogens could have all contributed to the development of scowring. The symptoms of scowring included bloody or watery stools, abdominal pain, fever, and weakness. The treatment options were limited, and the mortality rate was high.

Scowring in Modern Times

Scowring is no longer a common cause of death in humans, thanks to the advances in medicine, hygiene, and nutrition. However, it is still a major challenge for animal health and welfare, especially in developing countries. Scowring can affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and poultry, and it can cause significant economic losses for farmers and consumers. The prevention and control of scowring depend on the identification of the specific agents, the improvement of the environmental conditions, the provision of adequate nutrition and hydration, and the use of appropriate medications and vaccines.

Scowring is a historical example of how a disease can affect both humans and animals, and how it can change over time. By studying the past, we can learn more about the present and the future of health and disease.

1: Scours | Forage Information System | Oregon State University

2: Causes and prevention of dairy calf scours | UMN Extension

3: Cause of deaths in London in 1632 : r/coolguides – Reddit

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