A Strange Case of Epizooty, from Puck n.d.

"A Strange Case of Epizooty," a satirical cartoon by Joseph Keppler, humorously depicts the 1872 epizootic, an outbreak of a contagious equine disease that impacted horses, mules, and donkeys. The cartoon portrays a group of prominent figures examining a sickly donkey, suggesting the widespread impact of the disease. Keppler's use of caricature and exaggeration, a hallmark of political cartoons, adds to the humorous commentary on the event, making it a valuable piece for understanding American social and political satire in the late 19th century.