Norwich bulletin., 1918-08-28
LICE ON HOGS.


 The presence of lice on hogs is quite common and the trouble caused by them in many cases is serious. Ig- norarce of their presence is no excuse TOT failure to control them as the species infesting hogs is the largest ! and most common of all lice found on domestic animals. Hog lice are nearly q quarter of an inch long when full grown. They seem to be a creation of domestication as the primitive wild | hog, was not afflicted with them They are blood sucking parasites which multiply rapidly and act as serious drain upon the hog unless checked, especially are they harmful to sucking ! or young pigs. The favorite points 1 of attack are the under surface of the l body, the neck and inside the thighs. 1 The lice may be seen travelling among the bristles. particularly at the points just mentioned. The eggs or "nits" are small, white oval bodies and, by close observation, may be seen at l tached to the bristles. Disinfectants as rule do not destroy the vitality 1 of these eggs. Therefore, second or i third application may be necessary to 1 free hogs from lice.
 l Although lice may not be the direct l cause of death, still their presence lowers the vitality of the hog and pre- disposes him to attack from infectious 1 diseases. In preventing an outbreak of cholera or any other infectious dis ease of hogs it is especially desirabl to have the animals in as good phy- sical condition as is possible, and of course this is necessary for most rap 1 i'd and economical fattening.
 Hogs infested with lice usually 1 have rough hair, an irritated skin, are 1 restless, and show an inclination to rub against, posts and other conven- tent objects. It is by means of direct contact or by contact with infected 1 bedding or quarters that this pest is l transmitted from one animal to ano- 1 ther This makes it advisable to ex- anime all newly purchased stock for | lice and skin diseases before turn 1 ing them in with the rest of the herd Numerous treatments are suggested for destroying lice, some of which are ! very simple and effective. Dipping in some of the coal-tar stock dips or a ] two per cent. c parts creolin to 9S parts Water) creolin solution is prob
 bably the most satisfactory method
 where large herds are to be treated. To free hogs from lice they should be dipped two or more times at intervals
 of six to eight days. The sleeping quarters should be thoroughly dis 1 infected at the time of dipping If
 only few hogs are to be treated and
 a dipping vat is not available the dis
 infectant may be applied with a spray
 pump or by the use of an old brush or
 broom. In either case it should be
 done thoroughly.
 Coal oil is very effective, but Is apt
 to blister and, if used, should be ap- , piled lightly. Crude petroleum is also recommended by some; it is not very expensive, does not blister, and iE lasting in it's effects. It is more
 effective for mango than the ordinary stock dips The use of crude oil serves not only for destroying lice but also in softening the skin and making the hair glossy. It is considered goo6 practice to keep oil where hogs car oil themselves from time to time This may be done cheaply by placing a post in the pen, wrapping it witt an old gunny sack or piece of burlal and saturating occasionally with oil,-
 D. c. Sullins. Agent in Animal Illus bandry, Connecticut Agricultural Col, lege.