Evening journal., 1921-02-23
LOSSES THROUGH
animal DISEASE
tuberculosis, One of the
Worst Scourges, Thrives
in Damp Stables
FIVE CAUSES
OF THE DISEASE

Every year the people OF the
United States lose over 5000. 900, 900
directly (and no one knows how
much Indirectly through diseases
Of farm animals. This is a large
toll when divided on a per capita
basis, and when Il comes home to
the farm stock raiser, who finds a
valuable animal dead in the barn,
or an epidemic spreading ruin into
his herd. the loss is sometimes dis
astrous. The most regrettable fea-
ture of the case is that probably
three-fourths of the loss could be
prevented.
There are five principal causes OF
disease and death OF farm animals
Contagious diseases, sporadic dis
ease, parasitic troubles, accidents.
and neglect Contagious diseases
can be avoided or at least their con-
sequences greatly diminished II
farmers will learn to cooperate
with the United States Department
OF Agriculture and the various State
live stock and sanitary authorities
who are striving to maintain animal
health. Farmers should report
promptly TO the nearest officials any
suspicion OF the presence of con-
tagious disease. and they should OBJ
serve carefully all regulations in re-
gard to quarantine. sanitation and
care Of animals, as protection
against contagion.
tuberculosis is one OF the worst
scourges among animals and II
thrives best in damp. dark, ill-ven-
tilated stables. II is less common
among animals running at large
Light. dry. weil-ventilated stables
and dry, clean barnyards or pad
docks are essential to the health OF
farm animals. One valuable point
in combating contagious diseases,
especially tuberculosis. is 10 start
the herd with animals that not only
are free from disease. but are OF
stock that is not predisposed to dis
ease. Official tests Of herds are
made on request and through CO.
operation OF the United States De-
partment Of Agriculture with live
stock sanitary officials. Purchase OF
breeding stock from these herds Il
a wise precaution. Care also should
be taken TO obtain stock adapted C
climatic and local conditions. The
other sources Of animal loss arr
largely a matter Of intelligent and
careful handling.
Sporadic and incidental diseases
such as disorders OF the digestive
and respiratory tracts. can be avoid
ed largely by proper handling anS
feeding. The very temperament o
the person who has charge OF tn
animals often has much TO do will
their health. Some people are sail
10 have a way with animals. !
the hired man neglects and abuse
animals, get rid OF him. Aside from
communicable diseases, the creates
loss can be traced 10 disorders aris
ing from some form OF abuse Of tn
stomach and intestines Of animals
A proper balancing OF rations has
material influence on the health O
live stock. Too much OF any foo
element is likely to result in digest
i've disorders. thus predisposing tn
animal 10 disease.
Parasitic diseases also carry o
large numbers OF valuable animal
every year. They are largely tn
result OF improver housing an
neglect. The average farmer car
not be expected to have the time an
aptitude for study which will kee
him apace wit hthe latest develop
ments in feeds and feeding, anims
nutrition and medicines, hygien
and other important matters relate
20 the stock-raising industry. II
can. however. avail himself OF III
benefit OF the studies and demon
strations Of specialists who have d.
voted their entire time 10 these sui
iects. Every State agricultural co
iege maintains a corps Of specials
whose publications and services al
available.
The Department OF Agriculture
constantly giving out important II
formation in books and bulletii
which may be had on request. an
in every State the department hi
representatives combating animl
diseases. II is well to consult
local veterinarian in case of ar
disturbing symptoms and TO repo
10 the state veterinarian or n
state Department OF Agricultui
anv symptoms which indicate n
possibility OF an epidemic. The wi
breeder is ever on the lookout
prevent disease instead OF waitii
until a cure is necessary.