The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-31

Losses OF live stock from diseases.
accident and other causes. probably
three-fourths OF which are ~preyentable
by proper preventive measures and
modern veterinary practice, amount TO
enormous sums \ yesr-in 1915
they were estimated as reaching ssl2,.
600 900. This sum, say specialists of
the I. $. department OF agriculture,
would supply the entire American ex-
peditionaTy force Of 1000. 600 men
losses may be added others which,
though indirect are nevertheless as
important. The discouraEemeut OF
stock raising is one indirect loss, and
this in turn retards the development
Of diversified agriculture
Although much is being accom-
plished in the control II eradication
OF destructive animal diseases, the
best results car be fully realized only
through closed cooperation between
the live stock owner and those who
are in position to give him assistance,
The stockmen who fail TO realize the
necessity OF fighting the unseen enc
mics Of live stock by sanitation aud
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 practices
with prevent many OF the common dts
| OTutIS % AAF NARtHNlNG anu lNfl A'N'
tracts which are common among all
classes OF live stock, Losses from such
accidents as horn wounds, bruises, wire
cuts. harness s0Tes and broken legs, In
most instances, are properly chargeable
10 neglect or carelessnesS
The selection OF breeds adapted 10
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 conditions Of
cold climates, while the lighter, less
fleshy breeds thrive better in warmer
localities. Mountain types are better
adapted for hilly grazing lands. close
wooded sheep for cold regions, and the
open-fleeced I breeds for warmer eli
mates.
In purchasing stock it Is advisable 10
find out what attention the seller giNes
to the health OF his animals. Consult
some OF his customers, II he is openly
opposed to the tuberculin test, for eX-
annie, or objects to the physical ex-
animation OF horses for soundDess by
"A qualified veterinarian, II may be for
purely selfish motives,
AS soon as animals are suspected OF
being affected with disease, especially
n Il is thought to be a communicable
disease, they should be separated from
! healthy animals and be held in quar-
antins until this condition has been de
' tetmined and renedied.
The proper handling of animals ha'
u an important bearing upon maintaining
their health and resistance to diseases
Good equipment and h~igh-grade stool
are not enough The animals shoul'
be handled by an attendant who ha
certain natural qualifications for hi
A work. He should by all means have Al
Y inherent fondness for Give stock an
possess Intelligence, good Judgment an
even temper.
a Every state agricultural college main
4 Lains a corps of specialists who ar
a willing and well qualified to help stock
! men promote the heath Of their Nv
= stock The T.. 8 department Of agri
culture is constantly giving out i'm
, portant informat'on IN the form o
/, bull e~tinsAwhich are available on request
4 and IN every state has representative
= employed in combating animal disease
, or some other important activity con
4 nected with agriculture or stock rats
, ing. The state veterinarian is als'
ready to give advice and assistance il
> the diagnosis and control Of outbreak
Of disease. and in nearly every com.
munity there is a veterinarian whit
should be called when needed, Al
these agencies exist for the purpose o
rendering assistance to the live stool
owner, and his lesses could be minim
lied II he would utilize them to a great
er extent.