Morris tribune., 1913-09-12
HOG CHOLERA SITUATION
Advice bv the MinnesotaCoiIege
OF Agr culture

We desire put before the farmers
Of Minnesoto information concerning
the present and prospective hog
cholera situaUI
1t is already quite certain. that Min
nesota is having the worst hog cholera
year in her history. Direct losses
are undoubtedly running into the
millions of dollars. Indirect losses
resulting from marketing of immature,
stock and breeding stock and losses of
breeding stock by cholera cannot be
estimated.
The purpose of this leaflet is in
part to put before hog owners a fair
statement of the situation at the
State Hog Cholera Serum plant and
to urge that everything possible be
done to protect breeding stock and
hold it over for next years prospec-
tive crop.
Our state serum plant was given by
the last Legislature a fund of $1O,.
10000 year for two years with
provision that serum must be sold at
1-3 of cent per cubic centimeter,
which is I actual cost.
Hog cholera prevails so generally
over the state that orders for serum
are constantly being received. in great
excess of the production capacity of
the plant. Serum work is being
pushed to the limit of available means
and everything is being done that
can be done in small plant to reduce
losses.
Serum is being sent out only for
use in herds recently infected. For
several persons we cannot make any
attempt to protect herds that are as
yet uninfected and in sick herds we
hope for the cooperation of owners so
that the available serum can be used
as largely as possible to save breed
ing stock.
Hogs that are anywhere near ready
for market should be marketed when
cholera appears in the immediate
neighborhood.
All possible sanitary precautions
should be observed to protect healthy
herds. Owners should send to this
institution for copy of Extension
Bulletin No. 81. which gives full in
formation.
We cannot possibly supply the
amount of serum needed now for sick
herds, but can perhaps furnish enough
serum to save breeding stock.
In view of this serious situation,
owners are urged to help US avoid
every possible waste of serum. Please
do not ask for serum for herds where
the disease has prevailed for some
time and the herd is already in very
bad shape. Do not waste serum on
herds in infected territory for the
protection given to such herds is
temporary. Use serum Immediately
at the first appearance of disease in
the herd. If you cannot get state
serum get the best commercial serum
available.
We repeat, that very much can be
done by CAREFUL management anc
sanitary precautions to protect healthy
herds with serum.
Hog cholera does not usually reach
healthy herd, unless it is carried
there by some very tangible agent
like dogs. hog-rack, infected shoe:
and clothing. or infected litter.
If possible, divide your herd VI
into several small lots and keep then
separate. In case cholera thel
reached your herd all your hogs woult
not necessarily be expused to infec
tion.
Keep your hogs back as far a
possible from public roads. The stat
is making every effort to increas'
the supply of serum as fast as pos
sible. All available funds will b
Immediately used and additional fund
will be requested of the Legislature