SWINE DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL 183 



based upon the rapidity of the course and mortality of 

 the disease. 



There are several diseases that are apt to become con- 

 fused with hog cholera when only the external symptoms 

 are considered. Among these parasitic infestation is 

 commonly confused with cholera and is also associated 

 indirectly with it. Acute and chronic gastritis or indi- 

 gestion has somewhat similar symptoms. Pneumonia 

 and swine plague are other diseases apt to be confused 

 with it. Thus the post-mortem diagnosis is most reliable. 

 On post-mortem the cholera hog will show in acute cases 

 characteristic hemorrhagic lesions. These occur in 

 the skin, in the serous mucous lining of the body cavity, 

 intestines, kidneys and lungs. In chronic cases the 

 lesions may take the form of ulcerations, occurring in 

 about the same locations as in the acute form. 



Knowing of the dangers of hog cholera, one of the most 

 important things to know is how to prevent it. To do 

 this we must first know how it is spread or introduced 

 into herds. Above all, the infected hog is probably the 

 most important factor. If the hog is alive, it should be 

 subjected to the most rigid quarantine. It it dies the 

 carcass should be burned or buried deeply. Before a new 

 hog comes into a herd it should be placed in quarantine 

 for at least four weeks. The disease can be controlled 

 and prevented by proper sanitary precautions and the 

 judicious use of preventive serum. The methods by 

 which the disease can be carried from an infected to a 

 healthy herd are numerous. Dogs, pigeons, other ani- 

 mals, men and farming equipment of all kinds can carry 

 the disease from an infected to a healthy herd. The 

 buzzard is reputed to play an important part in the dis- 



