The Prevention of Hog Diseases 465 



with filth that contains the disease-producing germs. 

 Pigs that have ulcerative sore mouth, if allowed to nurse 

 mothers having healthy litters, leave the virus of the 

 disease on the teats and the infection spreads to the 

 healthy pigs. Eruption of the teeth is, no doubt, a com- 

 mon predisposing factor. 



The first symptom, which usually escapes notice, is a 

 localized inflammation of the lining membrane of the 

 lips, cheeks, and gums. Early in the disease the inflamed 

 part is slightly swollen and red ; later it is white in color. 

 This white patch soon sloughs, leaving a deep irregular 

 ulcer. At first the pig shows some difficulty in nursing, 

 but as soon as the ulcers form it refuses to nurse, appears 

 dull and weak, and loses flesh rapidly. Portions of the lips, 

 snout, and gums may slough off. Scabs may be present 

 on the face and neck. The death rate is very high. 



The treatment is largely preventive. This consists in 

 using the necessary precautions against bringing the 

 disease on to the premises, and keeping the quarters free 

 from mud, dust, and filth. If the disease is detected before 

 it has affected more than one or two litters, the unexposed 

 litters with their mothers and the sows that have not 

 farrowed should be moved to new quarters, and the 

 infected pigs either killed or placed in quarantine. It is 

 advisable to clean the sows' udders daily, by washing with 

 a disinfectant. A different solution and cloth should be 

 used on each sow in order to avoid distributing the 

 disease-producing germs. The pigs should be examined 

 daily, and treated promptly if symptoms of the disease 

 are noted. Such disinfectants as 2 per cent water solu- 

 tion of liquor cresolis compound, or 2 per cent water 

 solution of permanganate of potassium may be used. 

 Dipping the pigs, head foremost, into the latter disinfect- 

 2n 



