84 Bulletin 141. 



Conclusions. 



From the foregoing the following conclusions, seem to be war- 

 ranted : 



1. The greatest amount of loss sustained from swine diseases in 

 this state is among hogs fed upon the swill collected from hotels, 

 boarding houses, and other large institutions. 



2. The cause of death in certain outbreaks of disease among swill- 

 fed hogs is the direct poisoning of the animals by the excess of free alkali 

 (washing soda) in the swill. These alkalies come from the pow- 

 dered soaps used in washing dishes. 



3. It appears that small quantities of the powdered soaps do 

 not produce immediate bad results. It is presumable that they can 

 be used in quantities sufficient for the needs of cleanliness with perfect 

 safety, but, owing to the danger involved in their use, it is safer not to 

 give the water containing them to animals. 



4. In addition to the unwholsomeness of garbage and kitchen 

 slops for animal food, and in addition to the losses sustained from 

 the immediate effect of such kinds of food, hogs fed upon it are 

 very liable to contract specific infectious diseases, such as hog cholera, 

 swine plague and tuberculosis. 



5. The enormous amount of loss among garbage fed hogs, which 

 in this state alone aggregates thousands of dollars annually, suggests 

 the desirability of urging the discontinuing of the practice of collect- 

 ing swill for such purposes. Certainly if the refuse material is to 

 be used for feeding swine, it should be collected and fed while fresh 

 and sweet. When possible, it should be kept dry, and by all means 

 free from alkaline dish water. It is advisable to cook all kitchen or 

 table refuse before feeding in order to remove the danger of infection 

 from specific diseases. The only suitable channel for the disposal of 

 dish water is the sewer. 



New York State Veterinary College, 

 Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., October 20, 1897. 



