swamp fever

noun

, Pathology, Veterinary Pathology.

1. leptospirosis.
2. Also called infectious anemia of horses. an equine viral disease characterized by weakness and recurring fever, transmitted by contaminated food and water.
3. malaria.

swamp fever

noun

1. Also calledequine infectious anaemia a viral disease of horses characterized by recurring fever, staggering gait, and general debility
2. See malaria
   another name for malaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of swamp fever¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Three days later Sheldon caught one of the boys, helpless from swamp fever, and unable to fight or run away.

From Project Gutenberg

There's one of them a-bed in that room there; he's caught swamp-fever, and it's gone up to the head.

From Project Gutenberg

Our preparations were delayed by Aunt Judy falling sick of swamp fever.

From Project Gutenberg

The endemic diseases of the islands are swamp-fever, diarrhœa, beri-beri, and typhoid.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost everybody leaves the place in summer, for mosquitoes hold sway, while sickness and swamp fever are prevalent.

From Project Gutenberg