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Show BIG LOSSES FROM SWINE AILMENTS Much Could Ee Prevented by Providing Dry Shelter. (Prepared by the United States Department Depart-ment of Agriculture.) Heavy losses have been experienced experi-enced by swine owners this winter win-ter as a result of two diseases having hav-ing symptoms somewhat resembling those of hog cholera. The cause In most cases Investigated has been pneumonia, according to Dr. U. G. llouck, in charge of hog cholera control work in the bureau of animal ani-mal Industry, United States Department Depart-ment of Agriculture. The other disease dis-ease is swine Influenza, commonly common-ly known as "flu." Losses of swine from these diseases can be largely prevented by providing dry shelter for the animals to protect them from exposure to cold wind, rain, sleet and snow "Cases of pneumonia, so common com-mon in the fall and winter months," Doctor Houck states, "usually follow fol-low a period of mild weather when the animals run out or are allowed to bed In the open. The first cold rain or snow nearly always results In a number of sick animals, but this year the loss has been greater than usual, especialy In the central western west-ern states. In many cases the animals ani-mals would not go into shelters unless un-less they were driven, while others slept in damp bedding or drafty sheds. "When permanent hog houses are lacking, comfortable quarters can usually be provided at small cost by the use of the portable A-type houses or other shelter which will protect against drafts, undue dampness damp-ness and exposure. Even an open-front open-front shed having a tight roof and sides will often afford sufficient protection. The use of bedding also prevents sickness." It is customary to regard the hog as a hardy animal needing a little or no protection from cold weather. As a result of this mistaken Idea, entire herds are often unduly exposed ex-posed and become affected with pneumonia or "flu" with resulting heavy losses to the owners. Even a fat hog, government veterinarians point out, is not so well able to resist re-sist a sudden change to severe cold weather as are many other kinds of domestic animals. The thin covering cov-ering of hair is not sufficient protection pro-tection against exposure to cold weather, and the danger Is Increased In-creased when the hog lies on wet ground. When an animal is affected with pneumonia, the symptoms often resemble re-semble hog cholera except that the congested condition of the visible mucous membranes is absent and there are no red spots on the skin. The trouble does not as a rule spread to the entire herd, and the post-mortem examination reveals lesions confined principally to the lungs. Hog "flu" is characterized by the sudden prostration of a large number num-ber of the herd accompanied by loss of appetite and spasmodic breathing. When urged to move, the animals have violent fits of coughing. The eyes are swollen and there may be a discharge from the nose. When a herd shows symptoms of "flu" prompt measures should be taken to house and otherwise other-wise care for the animals in order or-der to prevent losses. "When any of the symptoms described de-scribed occur in a herd of swine that has already been immunized against cholera," Doctor Houck adds, "one should suspect the presence pres-ence of pneumonia, 'fin,' bronchitis, or similar disease, and take prompt measures to prevent losses." |
