The record-union., 1898-11-11
HOG CHOLERA.
Great Losses from Contagious Dis
eases Of Swine.


The great losses from the contagious
diseases Of swine early attracted the
attention of the Department of Agri-
culture and Of Congress, and an appro-
priation for the purpose of the investi-
cation was made in 1873, with annual
provisions for continuing this inveSti-
cation until the present time. Two dis
eases, closely resembling each other,
yet caused by distinct germs, and fire.
quently both affecting an animal at
the same time, have been recognized.
The question of formulating practical
measures for controlling these diseases
has been as difficult as it is important.
While most prevalent in the great corn
producing States, the diseases have
been carried to all parts of the country,
and, therefore, any regulations to be
effective must be enforced over a wide
extent of territory, and would be cor
respondingly expensive. The losses
have, however, been tremendous, being
placed by some as high as S1O0, 000, 600
year; an estimate which does not ap-
pear exaggerated in the light Of the
careful inquiries in the State of Iowa,
from which 1t was concluded that this
one State lost from $12 100000 to $15,-
100000 worth of swine in a single year.
The scientific Investigations relating
to this subject have been persistent,
careful and comprehensive, and the
problems that are to be met have been
very clearly defined. Passing over the
details Of these investigate for the
sake Of brevity, the efforts now being
made will alone be discussed. There
are two methods of control which. from
our present knowledge of the conta-
glous diseases Of swine appear to prom
ise adequate results. One is the old
stamping out method, the slaughter of
diseased and exposed animals. the
quarantine of infected farms, the reg
ulation of transportation and the disin-
fection of stock cars, stock pens. in
fected farms and all other places har-
boring the contagion. The other is the
treatment Of diseased and exposed ami
mails with antitoxic serum. Both Of
these methods have been tried toea linn
tied extent during the past year.
The stamping out method is attended
by many difficulties and limitations.
FARMERS often object to the slaughter
OF exposed animals which are still
healthy, unless paid more than the ami
mails are worth, and they are unwill-
ing to have their breeding stock killed
so long as there is a chance of saving
part OF 1t. On the other hand it is
embarrassing, if not impossible. for
Government officials to utilize in any
way the carcasses of exposed animals
Which nave not yet developed symp-
toms of disease, and to destroy these
ADDS largely to the expense Again, it
is next to impossible to control trans
portat1on and the disinfection of cars
SO as to prevent constant reinfection.
The disinfection of farms is also a
troublesome matter, as the germ of hog
choiera has great vitality, and is able
10 maintain its existence and viru!ence
in the soil, in moist organic matter, and
even IN water, for several months. FL
naliy, the wide distribution of the dis
ease, the ease with which the contagio
Is carried, the numerous agencies which
contribute to its spread, are all ele-
ments which increase the gravity of the
problem and initiate against the sue
cess OF the stamping out method
The use of antitoxic serum appears
at present to be a much more promis-
ing method of diminishing the losses,
and 1t is possible that it may be COM
bined with sanitary regulations. such
as quarantine of infected herds, dis
infestion of premises and supervision