Swine Groiuers' Association. 323 



There is another method called the "Ridgway Process," which 

 consists in feeding infectious material to pregnant sows, which 

 are already immune, and to the pigs for a while after farrowing. 

 This is a method that should be avoided for the reason that it re- 

 quires the use of infectious material in a manner that is danger- 

 ous to neighboring swine raisers who do not have immune hogs; 

 and it is questionable whether it immunizes the pigs on the farms 

 where used. The aim of the swine raisers and the veterinary of- 

 ficials should be to destroy the hog cholera infection on the farms 

 instead of propagating it. The theory of the Ridgway process 

 necessitates the maintenance of the disease on the farm. 



We have also been called to reinoculate hogs that had been 

 "vaccinated" with "Bannerman's fluid," which material had proven 

 to be valueless. 



It is hardly necessary to mention the proprietary medicinal 

 mixtures which are sold as preventives and cures for hog cholera : 

 the basis of nearly all of these mixtures is the old Government 

 formula contained in "Farmers' Bulletin No. 24, U. S. Department 

 of Agriculture. Some of the mixtures that vary from this contain 

 a small quantity of arsenic, or copper sulphate (blue vitriol). 

 The Government formula was never recommended as a specific. 

 It is useful, however, as a laxative, intestinal antiseptic, and febri- 

 fuge. The various proprietary remedies that are patterned after 

 this formula are, no doubt, useful in the same way ; but the farmer 

 pays dearly for the mixing of cheap ingredients. 



DISCUSSION. 



Q. How do you disinfect? 



A. By thoroughly liming the pens. 



Q. Will not crows and buzzards carry infection? 



A. Yes. Use a "shot-gun quarantine" against these. 



Q. What would be the cost to the farmer of having his hogs 

 inoculated? 



A. We do it free of charge. We do it not for your individ- 

 ual good, but for the good of the community and for the good of 

 the State, to prevent the spread of infection, just as we handle a 

 case of glanders or any highly infectious disease. It is not a 

 matter of individual interest, but of state interest. So we be- 

 lieve it to be proper that you report the outbreak of cholera 

 promptly to the State officials, and a veterinarian will be sent to 

 your place to handle the disease, as if it were glanders or any 

 infectious disease; probably not with that rigid quarantine and 



