Epidemiological dangers in the area of the Austrian part of the Habsburg monarch in the 19th century (until 1914). Legal and administrative aspects

Abstract

In the internal policy of the Habsburg monarchy in the 19th century security in public health protection was an important issue. Improvement of the health state of society, of medical services, sanitary and veterinary conditions and building an efficient system of eliminating epidemics on the state territory were being aimed at. High death rated in the society required extraordinary measures. Central authorities introduced legal procedures valid during epidemiological threats in the country. After the introduction of the constitutional system in 1867 in the Habsburg monarchy one of the responsibilities of the local administration was the supervision over implementing and obeying regulations concerning epidemiological problems. Local authorities were building sanitary infrastructure diminishing epidemiological dangers. A great problem was veterinary supervision, actions were taken to limit diseases among domestic animals by means of introducing legal norms. Also control on farms increased. During epidemics abroad Austrian authorities controlled imported goods. It should be emphasized that until the outbreak of World War I on the territory of the Habsburg monarchy epidemics of contagious diseases often happened, especially in the rural areas where high death rates among people remained. The outbreak of war in 1914 caused that the epidemiological dangers increased.