The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-30

It is easier and more economical to prevent the introduction of disease into a herd or flock than it is to eliminate it. Every possible precaution should be taken by the stockman to prevent the introduction of disease on his p emises In recent years animal loss es directly indirectly from disease have amounted to more than $2O0,oO0,- 900, annually, but with proper team work between federal, state and local authorities and stockmen these losses can be promptly and greatly reduced. Losses of livestock 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 were estimated as reaching $212,- 900, 900. This sum, say specialists of the United States department of agri- culture, would supply the entire Amer ican expeditionary force of 100000 men with meat for nearly year To these losses may be added others which though indirect are nevertheless as | important The Encouragement of stock raising is one indirect loss, and | this in turn retards the development of diversified agriculture.
 Although much is being accom- 1 plished in the control and eradication l of destructive animal diseases, the l best results can be fully realized only | through closer cooperation between | the livestock owner and those who are l in position to give him assistance. The 1 stockmen who fail to realize the ne- cessity of fighting the unseen ene- | mics of livestock 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 result of chang ] ing their conditions. better under standing of feeds and feeding prat- | tices will prevent many of the' common
 disorders of the digestive and respira- i tory tracts which are common among
 all classes of live stock. Losses from
 such accidents as horn wounds, bru;s- | es wire cuts harness sores and broken legs, in most instances, are properly l chargeable to neglect and careless ness.
 The selection of breeds adapted to l the climate and local conditions under l 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- tions of cold climates, while the light CT. less fleshy breeds thrive better l1 warmer localities. Mountain types are fDelter adapted Tor hllIy grazlng landS tclose-wooled sheep for cold regions
 and the open-fleeced breeds for warm CT climates.
 In purchasing stock it is advisable tt 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 tuberculin test, for ex'
 ample, objects to the physical exami-
 nation of horses for soundness by qual-
 flied 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 ha
 been determined and remedied.
 The proper handling of animals hal
 an important bearing upon maintain