CHAPTER XX 

 THE PREVENTION OF HOG DISEASES 



By R. A. Craig 



BECAUSE of the heavy death rate, pork production 

 was until a few years ago considered a hazardous business. 

 Previous to 1916 the annual death rate among hogs in 

 the corn-belt states was from 6 to 25 per cent. The 

 financial loss for the United States in certain years has 

 amounted to about $100,000,000. 



Although the death rate resulting from cholera and 

 other infectious swine diseases has been greatly lowered in 

 the past few years, these diseases are still quite prevalent. 

 The death rate in hogs continues higher than in other kinds 

 of farm animals. Control or eradication of infectious 

 swine diseases cannot occur until health officers and stock- 

 men have a better appreciation and knowledge of disease- 

 control measures. 



RELATION OF SANITATION TO DISEASE 



Sanitation may be defined as the application of necessary 

 health-conserving and disease-prevention methods. It 

 has a very close relation to herd management. The 

 practice of feeding medicated stock-foods or vaccinating 

 hogs for the purpose of preventing a "filth disease'' cannot 

 take the place of sanitation. The best results can be 

 secured only through practicing sanitation in caring 

 for animals together with the use of a reliable remedy 



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