The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-07-23
CHOLERA SERUM
Farmers Must Not InOculate
Unhealthy Hogs.
College Expert Issues Bulletin
to Stock Men.

Manhattan, Kan, July 23.-1f Kan
sas farmers are to have the highest
success possible with anti-hog chol-
era serum they must observe care in
its use. This is evident from COM
plants which have come to the Kan
sas Agricultural college recently IN
which serum is blamed for losses In
herds vaccinated with the simulta-
neous method. Investigation of these
apparent failures, by the college,
leads to the conclusion that it is not
safe to vaccinate weak animals, preg-
nant sows, or any hogs kept in in
sanitary pens.
1T is unsafe to vaccinate hogs I'M
less the pens in which they are kept
are in a reasonably sanitary condi-
ton" said DIR. F. S. Schoenleber,
state veterinarian, in announcing the
results of a number of Investigations.
THE wound by the needle used in
vaccinating is likely to become in
, fected under such conditions. AS
result the vitality of the animal Is
reduced to such extent that the
hog develops an abScesS at the point
of innoculation from which it may die.
or, in this weak condition, a case OF
cholera which the serum is powerless
to prevent is developed. Or, as in
many instances, ordinary blood pois-
oning results.
"In using the simultaneous method
the pig is virtually given a slight
touch of cholera which causes a high
temperature i'll the animal Thus for
a time it's vitality is reduced and 1t is
much more susceptible to other in
fiuences. 1t will catch cold easily and
may develop a case of pneumonia. or,
in feeding, it may not be able to digest
completely, the full regular amount OF
feed and if it should happen to be af-
fected with worms or other parasites
this would afford the parasites an ex-
cellent opportunity to give trouble.
The history of some of these out
breaks shows that when pigs are vac
cinated with the simultaneous method
too young, say under so pounds, good
many will outgrow the immunity and
if they are exposed to cholera eight
months to a year afterward, they may
develop the disease. AS a result of our
Investigations I would advise that the
simultaneous method be not used upon
weak animals, pregnant sows or any
hogs in insanitary pens. The serum
alone method can be used to ward on
cholera but this should be followed as
soon as practicable with the stimuli
taneous treatment. Serum alone does
not injure the animals if they are pro-
perly handled.
EVERY drop of serum made at the
agricultural college is thoroughly tested
before it is sent out. Six susceptible
hogs are innOculated with cholera
germs. Twice as much infected blood
is injected into these animals as they
ever would get by vaccination. TWO
of these test pigs are vaccinated with
a normal dose of the serum; two with
three-fourths the normal amount, and
two receive 70 serum. If the two not
receiving serum die of cholera in the
usual time, and the four receiving
serum live and show no signs of all
ment, the serum is counted satisfactory
If the pigs receiving three-fourths the
normal dose develop fever the serum is
not counted satisfactory but its pro-
tective power is raised by adding to 1t
some stronger blood. If all the pigs
innoculated and uninnoculated, show
cholera and die, the serum is judged
worthless and is thrown away. Thus,
all the serum sent out has a protec-
tive power double that which is re-
nuired. if directions are followed"