The Coolidge examiner., 1930-04-04
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BIG LOSSES FROM
SWINE AILMENTS
Much Could Be Prevented
by Providing Dry Shelter.

prepared by the United states Depart
ment OF Agriculture.)
Heavy losses have been expert
enced by swine owners this win
ter as a result of two diseases hav-
ing symptoms somewhat resembling
those of hog cholera. The cause
in most cases investigated has been
pneumonia, according to DR.. U. u.
HOuck, in charge of hog cholera
control work in the bureau Of AMI
NAL industry, United States Depart
ment of Agriculture. The other dis
ease is swine influenza, common
ly known as "flu." Losses Of swine
from these diseases can be largely
prevented by providing dry shelter
for the animals to protect them
from exposure to cold wind, rain,
sleet and snow
Ceases of pneumonia, so COM
mon in the fall and winter months"
Doctor Houck states, usually fol-
low period Of mild weather when
the animals run out or are allowed
to bed in the open. The first cold
rain or snow nearly always results
In a number of sick animals, but this
year the loss has been greater than
usual, especially in the central west
ern states. In many cases the ami
mails would not go into shelters un-
less they were driven, while others
slept in damp bedding or drafty
sheds.
"When permanent hog houses are
lacking, comfortable quarters can
usually be provided at small cost
by the use of the portable A-type
houses or other shelter which will
protect against drafts, undue damp
ness and exposure. Even an open
front shed having tight roof and
sides will often afford sufficient
protection. The use of bedding also
prevents Sickness"
1t Is customary to regard the hog as
a hardy animal needing a little or
no protection from cold weather.
AS a result of this mistaken idea,
entire herds are often unduly ex-
posed and become affected with
heavy losses to the owners. Even
q fat hog, government veterinarians
point out, Is not so well able to re-
sist a sudden change to severe cold
weather as are many other kinds
of domestic animals. The thin COW
ering Of hair is not sufficient pro-
lection against exposure to cold
weather, and the danger Is in
creased when the hog lies on wet
ground.
When an animal Is affected with
pneumonia, the symptoms often re-
semble hog cholera except that the
congested condition of the visible
mucous membranes Is absent and
there are no red spots on the skin.
The trouble does not as a rule
spread to the entire herd, and the
pos. -mortem examination reveals
LESSONS confined principally to the
lungs.
Hog "fu" Is characterized by the
sudden prostration of large num-
Der of the herd accompanied by
loss of appetite and spasmodic
breathing. When urged to move,
the animals have violent fits of
coughing. The eyes are swollen
and there may be discharge from
the nose. When a herd shows
symptoms Of "Hu" prompt measures
should be taken TO house and other
wAe care for the animals in or
do, IN t,~pvpnt losses
~ hen any of the symptoms de-
scribed occur in a herd Of swine
that has already been immunized
ags nst cholera" Doctor Houck
adds, "one should suspect the pres
ence of pneumonia. 'f1u,' bronchitis,
or similar disease, and take prompt
measures to prevent losses"