The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1919-01-30
PREVENT LOSSES
OF live STOCK
Three-FourthS of a 5000, 100000
Loss by Disease and Acct
dent Is Preventable.
PROPER CARE IS NECESSARY
Closer Cooperation Between Owners
and Those in Position to Give AS
sistance Needed to Control
Different Ailments.

Losses of live stock from diseases,
accident and other causes, probably
three-fourths of which are preventable
by proper preventive measures and
modern veterinary practice, amount to
enormous sums each year-in 1915
they we're estimated as reaching $212,-
100000. This sum, say specialists of
the United States department of agri-
culture, would supply the entire Amer
lean eXpeditiOnary force of 100000
men with meat for nearly year. To
| these losses may be added others
which, though indirect, are neverthe-
less as important. The discourage
ment of stock raising is one indirect
loss, and this in turn retards the de-
velopment of diversified agriculture.
Cooperation Needed.
| Although much is being accomplish
! ed in the control and eradication of
| destructive animal diseases, the best
results can be fully realized only
| through closer cooperation between
/ the live stock owner and those who
!
! The stockmen who fail to realize the
necessity of fighting the unseen enc
mics of live stock by sanitation and
the use of modern preventive methods
that science has provided must be
made to see the Importance and profit
which will come as a result of chang
ing their conditions. A better under
standing of feeds and feeding prac-
tees will prevent many of the common
disorders of the digestive and respira-
tory tracts which are common among
all classes of live stock. Losses from
such accidents as horn wounds,
bruises, wire cuts, harness sores, and
broken legs, in most instances, are
properly chargeable to neglect or care
leSsnesS.
The selection of breeds adapted to
the climate and local conditions under
which they must exist, as well as the
selection for the foundation stock, is
important in maintaining health.
Heavy beef and dairy types are better
suited to withstand the trying condi-
lions of cold climates, while the light
err, less fleshy breeds thrive better in
warmer localities. Mountain types are
better adapted for billy grazing lands
close-wooled sheep for cold regions
and the open-feeced breeds for warm.
er climates.
In purchasing stock it is advisable
70 find out what attention the seller
gives to the health of his animals
Consult some of his customers. If he
is openly opposed to the tuberculir
test, for example, or objects to the
! physical examination of horses fol
soundness by a qualified veterinarian
it may be for purely selfish motives.
AS soon as animals are suspected
Of being affected with disease especi
ally if it is thought to be a communi
cable disease, they should be separated
from healthy animals and be held il
quarantine until this condition hai
been determined and remedied.
The proper handling of animals ha
an important bearing upon maintain
ing their health and resistance to dis
eases. Good equipment and high-grad
stock are not enough. The animals
: should be handled by an attendant VIII,
has certain natural qualifications TO
his work.
Every state agricultural coleg
: maintains a corps of specialists VIII
!, are willing and well qualified to he'll
stockmen promote the health of thei
live stock. The United States depart
melt of agriculture is constantly civ
ing out important information in tn
form of bulletins, which are availabl
on request. and in every state has reI
resGntatives employed in combating al