SWINE DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL 199 



Kidney worms. — This worm infests the kidneys and 

 the fat surrounding them. Dr. Carey states that from 

 90 to 95 per cent of all hogs over one year of age in the 

 South are affected with this worm. No satisfactory treat- 

 ment is known, and preventive measures, such as recom- 

 mended for other worms, should be used to keep the dis- 

 ease in check. 



The hog louse. — This common external blood-sucking 

 parasite is the largest louse known. It is the most com- 

 mon external parasite of swine. It affects unthrifty swine 

 more often than the thrifty ones. The female cements 

 the ova or nits to the bristles. These hatch in from 10 

 to 14 days. These lice suck the blood, irritate the skin 

 in puncturing it, and it is possible that they may trans- 

 mit infectious diseases. 



Another parasite which burrows in the skin is the one 

 that causes mange, of which there are two or more kinds. 

 The most common is the sarcoptic mange. The adults 

 are scarcely visible to the naked eye. The rapidity with 

 which these parasites can multiply is almost beyond con- 

 ception. The disease may become serious if not properly 

 treated, resulting in loss of hair, thickening of the skin, 

 cracking of the skin and soreness. The treatment of this 

 disease consists in the application of oils and sulphur. 

 Another form of mange known as the demodectic or red 

 mange occurs rarely and is incurable. 



Treatment for external parasites should be both pre- 

 ventive and curative. The dipping vat is the most valu- 

 able remedy. Dipping once every 10 days for three dip- 

 pings, or longer if necessary, and each month thereafter, 

 with a good coal tar or lime sulphur dip should soon con- 

 trol these parasites. In order to make the work effective 



