People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1896 — Hog Cholera: Suggestions to Swine Growers. [ARTICLE]

Hog Cholera: Suggestions to Swine Growers.

Last year Indiana lost five hundred and eighty thousand two hundred and sixty hogs by disease, entailing a property loss of three and a quarter million dollars. Nearly the entire loss was due to cholera and swine plague. It was distributed as follows: In two hundred and thirtytwo townships the loss was from ten to twenty per cent; in one hundred and twenty-seven, from twenty to thirty percent; in fif-ty-nine, from thirty to forty per cent; in fifty-three, from forty to fifty per cent; in twenty-four, from fifty so sixty per cent; in twelve, from sixty to seventy per cent, and in one seventy-seven per cent, while the remainder lost less than ten per cent of all the hogs that were produced The disease is well disseminated in the state this fall, and the season of greatest loss will soon be upon us. Every effort should be made to lessen its ravages as much as possible. An important factor in reducing the loss, is to provide shelter, as all hogs with only a mild attack, or having apparently made a recovery, may take a relapse if exposed to a cold rain or a sudden change to rough weather. There are thousands of hogs now in a condition to become affected with pneumonia, which would escape if given a little protection. Any shed which will keep off the rain and break the wind is sufficient. The floor should be dry, but little bedding is needed, and that renewed frequently. Burn all litter and bedding once a week. Keep the herd divided so that crowding is impossible. Remember a straw stack is the most unfavorable place that can be provided for sick hogs. The essentials in prevention are good food, pure water and clean, dry quarters. The station would be pleased to receive information from any source as to the presence of the disease and of all successful ways of checking it. Address A. W. Bitting, Experiment Station Veterinarian LaFayette, Ind.