THE MOST COMMUN DISEASES OF SWINE 549 



and if the precautions indicated are taken it is safe 

 enough for practical use. 



"While in practice the serum may not always give as 

 good results as have generally been obtained, there can 

 be no doubt that if used properly and in the early period 

 of an outbreak of cholera it will effect a very large 

 saving. 



"The Department of Agriculture has brought this 

 method of preventing hog cholera to the attention of 

 the \arious state experiment stations and live stock 

 sanitary boards throughout the country, and has pro- 

 posed to them that they prepare a serum for the benciit 

 of hog raisers, as the preparation of serum by the 

 Federal Government on a large enough scale to supply 

 the needs of the entire country seemed to be imprac- 

 ticable. As a result of this, a number of the states 

 have taken up the work, and in practically all cases 

 where a thorough test has been made they have con- 

 iirmed the results obtained by the department with 

 this method. We therefore feel safe in saying that this 

 process will prevent cholera, provided due care is given 

 to the preparation of the serum and to its application. 



"The serum preparation is of such a nature that it 

 sliould not be undertaken by farmers themselves, but 

 slKHild be under the control of trained men who have 

 h.ad experience in bacteriology and who are also 

 thoroughly familiar with the diseases which affect hogs. 



"It should be remembered that this serum is to be 

 used especially as a preventive, and that little success 

 can be expected in herds which are badly affected with 

 cholera. An early application is essential, and in the 



