DISEASES OF SWINE 469 



Finally, 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 hog cholera. An early applica- 

 tion is essential, and in the States which have taken up this work the 

 farmers should notify the proper authorities immediately upon their 

 hogs becoming ill, so that they may be treated at once. 



Inasmuch as the serum described herein is a comparatively new 

 substance, it is not to be expected that success will always follow its 

 use, but as it has been already definitely proved that hog cholera may 

 be prevented with this serum, the failures, if they occur, will be 

 caused by local conditions or variations in the details of serum pro- 

 duction, which can be corrected. Those who are interested in the 

 subject are urged to co-operate with the State authorities who have 

 control of this work and to assist them in their efforts to produce a 

 reliable serum. It is only through such intelligent co-operation that 

 we can expect to attain the final result which is aimed at, namely, 

 the eradication of hog cholera as a serious menace to the hog-raising 

 industry in this country. 



NOTE The United States Department of Agriculture is not pre- 

 paring anti-hog cholera serum for distribution. Those who wish to 

 obtain serum should apply to their respective State veterinarians or 

 agricultural colleges. (F. B. 379.) 



What to Do When Cholera Breaks Out. Since the serum treat- 

 ment has given such excellent results when intelligently used, the 

 first step should be toward securing some serum. Write or wire at 

 once to your State Experiment Station or Veterinary Department. 

 Several states are now distributing the serum at cost. Inasmuch as 

 the serum treatment is for well hogs, not sick ones, it is absolutely 

 necessary to act without delay ; and as the serum can be kept indefi- 

 nitely in a cold place, it is good judgment to keep in close touch with 

 your station, which will not only supply serum at cost when avail- 

 able, but otherwise direct the management of affected herds. Do not 

 wait until your hogs are sick and some of them die ; but fortify your- 

 self against any loss as soon as the malady is reported in your neigh- 

 borhood. When writing, supply the following information at once 

 and save valuable time: 1. Numoer of animals on hand. 2. Approx- 

 imate weight and age. 3. When did you first notice sickness (in 

 days)? 4. Number of sick animals (give symptoms). 5. Number 

 that have died. 6. Number still healthy. 7. What have you done 

 since the outbreak? 8. Have you separated the well animals? 9. 

 What are you feeding? How much? 10. Give names with ad- 

 dresses of other parties or neighbors w r hose herds are or have been in- 

 fected with cholera in your vicinity. (Suggested by N. J. L. S. C. 

 Cir. 1.) 



Hog cholera serum is a preventive of hog eholera only. It can 

 not be expected to prevent hogs from dying or becoming sick from 

 any other infection than that of hog cholera or from disorders caused 

 by intestinal or other parasites. Hog cholera serum can not replace 

 proper care and feeding of swine or save hogs from dietary troubles 

 other than those caused by the virus of hog cholera. 



