The Bozeman courier., 1927-06-03
DESTRUCTIVE SOIL GERMS ONE OF
THE GREATEST BLIGHTS TO CROPS

turkeys came from eastern farms. But
a time came when the turkey could no
longer be raised at a profit on these
farms, because Of soil infection.
New Disease Developed
ga new disease called blackhead de-
veloped. The disease was new to the
scientific world and spread rapidly over
the favorable areas of the United States.
1t has been reported from Canada, Eu-
rope, Australia and Africa. Entero-hepa-
tits, commonly called blackhead, drove
the turkey across the Mississippi, into
new territory. 1t chose the west for its
future stamping ground where the dry
ness of the climate and the soil was un-
favorable for the development Of this
disease.
However, even here the turkey has
found infected areas and whole docks
have succumbed to the disease. The
germs of bacteria, no doubt, come from
other bacteria and are nurtured and car
ried by chickens.
Turkeys and chickens are not health
/ fully congenial. The insect that lives in
the soil is the natural feed for the
chicken while the turkey is not given
to scratching in the soil. 1t loves the
insect that feeds on the green leaves.
But because of poultry's peculiar method
of feeding - is doubly dangerous to feed
the turkeS TycIm the ground. When tur-
keys and chickens are reared together it
among the young chicks and it is equally
difficult to raise the turkey because the
chicken acts as carrier OF the black
head germ.
Scientists admit the need for more
extensive investigation before they can
establish firmly the etiology Of the dis
ease and admit their inability to find a
cure. However, it is a fact that turkeys
that are free from the ceca worm do not
readily develop blackhead. The worm is
| IuTfli q 0f frOr
tenths to one inch and causes a serious
Inflammation Of the ceca.
Powdered tobacco is being used fol-
the removal of the intestinal worm in
chickens and tobacco may prove pre-
ventive for blackhead should 1T succeed
in removing these parasites from the tur-
keys ceca. When the turkeys are
Matched they are no doubt free from the
disease and clean paSturage areas viii
no doubt keep turkeys free from disease
The only danger from using eggs from
: infected hocks for Matching is the dan
ger from contamination from the shell
: 1t is safe to wash the eggs in strong
alcohol solution before setting. Grass
!. alfalfa and clover fields make the safes
e pasture for turkeys.
! Proper Ration Prevents Infection
r ga ration that fits the needs Of TIT
. animal will grow into it an increasing
t resistance to evil bacteria but there i
= no ration that is wholly detrimental t.
: bacterial infection. If the ration prove
+ lindigestible and ferments,. this fermente,
solution will make favorable field 70
S bacterial multiplication and while youn
e animals may handle certain number o
{ harmful bacteria without serious effec
It on their constitutions, continuous an
S increasing attack will finally break tn
In tissues.
e Some animals will succumb quicke
than others, because Of natural weak
II ness. Feeding troughs and self-feeder
y should be used If for no other purpos
: than as a disease preventive. Their
q should be a hospital on every farm 70
v the comfortable housing Of sick animal
e whether there be a hope for their re
e covery or not to prevent further infectiv
rs material from being scattered about an
It all diseased dead burned. Indeed dr.
It yards and clean soil may yet solve msn
le q problem now troubling the scientists