pestilence

kulkutauti

rutto Any epidemic disease that is highly contagious, infectious, virulent and devastating.
1949 - Bruce Kiskaddon, George R. Stewart, w:Earth_Abides Earth Abides

The snowshoe-rabbits build up through the years until they reach a climax when they seem to be everywhere; then with dramatic suddenness their pestilence falls upon them.

"Take it, Christian dogsǃ take the palaces, the gardens, the mosques, the abode of our fathers - take plague with them; pestilence is the enemy we fly; if she be your friend, hug her to your bosoms. The curse of Allah is on Stamboul, share ye her fateǃ"