GAME AND FISHERIES FOR 1928 21 



have only a temporary effect as the animal in a short time becomes re-infected. 

 This continual sapping of their vitality by parasites is very apparent on many 

 ranches, both in production and pelt depreciation. 



Parasitic infection has become the most serious hazard the fox rancher has 

 to face to-day and it is a question whether many of them are going to be able to 

 overcome the conditions already established in their ranches and still remain in 

 the business. 



"Researches at the Experimental Fur Farm are being carried on. especially 

 on the lungworm. It is interesting to note that foxes sent to Western Canada 

 quickly recover from this woim and the disease is unknown in the Prairie Prov- 

 inces. Due to its location in the lungs and windpipe, this worm is impossible 

 to kill by direct medication, and is being attacked from other angles, by sanitary 

 flooring of pens by which it is hoped the hatching of eggs will be prevented. 



"The hook and round worm are found to be present in 95 per cent, of foxes 

 sent for examination and also cause a large annual loss to the fur farmer. It is 

 found that most fur bearers harbour parasites, including muskrats, mink, marten, 

 lynx, raccoon, fisher, and rabbits, and specimens from each have been identified. 



"Where wild animals are taken direct from the wilds and placed in captivity 

 and have to eat whatever is given to them, it is to be expected that some dietetic 

 troubles will arise. The fur farmer may leave out something that is essential 

 for their welfare though it may be needed in only very small quantities. Espec- 

 ially is this true of young animals born in captivity. Rickets, scur\'y and an 

 acid condition of the blood are all met with. Considerable investigation as to 

 feeds counteracting these conditions are being carried out. It has been found 

 with mink that a straight cereal and meat diet produces a condition which 

 resembles acidosis. This can be quickly relieved by feeding small quantities of 

 lettuce and canned tomatoes, which seem to reduce the blood to normal. 



"Enquiries on every subject connected with fur farming are received, and 

 whenever possible suitable information is supplied. Many post-mortem exami- 

 nations have been carried out and the findings reported to the owners. Through- 

 out the summer months, numerous live animals are brought to the farm for 

 treatment. There appears to be an ever-increasing demand for such services 

 on the part of the public. 



"Fur farming is attracting a wide-spread interest. The correspondence 

 received comes from everj^ Province in the Dominion and especially the Prairie 

 Provinces." 



Wolf Bounties 



During 1928 the Department received applications for the payment of 

 bounty on 5,988 wolves, an increase of nine per cent, over the number of appli- 

 cations received in the previous year. The Kenora, Rainy River and Thunder 

 Bay Districts supplied 4,862 of these applications, or over 80 per cent, of the 

 total. 



In addition to the above, bounties were paid on approximately two hundred 

 wolf pelts received in the Department during the fiscal year ending October 31st, 

 1927, but too late for payment in that period. 



Comparative Statement of Wolf Skins Received and Bounties Paid 



For fiscal year ending October 31st, 1925. 

 For fiscal year ending October 31st, 1926. , 

 For fiscal year ending October 31st, 1927. . 

 For fiscal year ending October 31st, 1928. . 



