QUESTIONS CONCERNING STOCK DISEASES. The estimated value of the live stock in this State is placed at about five and three-quarter millions of dollars, of which three millions are represented in horses and mules and a little more than two million in cattle. Supposing the annual losses from disease to be no greater here than elsewhere, the amount must aggregate several thousand dollars. There are condi tions present which add much to the loss occasioned by disease. In places the rearing of horses and cattle is attended with much difficulty, it being necessary to make importations to supply the necessities. These importations, as a rule, are of a cheap grade, and do nothing toward the improvement of the common stock. The acclimation of the finer breeds is attended with uncertainty, often resulting in much loss. It is for the investigation of these unfavorable conditions and local diseases that the veterinary department has been instituted. That the department may most effectually serve this purpose, it is desired that the farmers will respond to the questions asked. The two diseases on which we desire special information are "big-head" and "salt-sickness." "Big-head," osteo porosis, is a bone affection of the horse and as its common name implies, is characterized by an enlargement of the head. The disease is not confined to the horse but is seldom recognized in other animals. Age does not confer immunity to an attack. Animals under seven seem to be much more susceptible to the disease than those that are older. Post mortem examinations show that the disease is not confined to the head, but all the bones of the body are affected. The greater apparent enlargement of the bones of the head is due to the close proximity of these bones to the surface and the enlargement due to the pressure exerted by growing teeth. Being a disease involving the entire skeleton there can be nothing to warrant the treatment now practiced and as often unsuccessful, of cutting into the jaws and inserting strong caustics. The symptoms of this disease are noticed in about the following order: Weakness in the back, sluggish usage of the hind parts, inability to raise the fore-feet over an obstacle, difficulty in rising, thickening of the lower jaws and enlargement of the bones of the face. Finally the animal loses power of locomotion, lies down and usually dies. If the disease is slow in its course the appetite remains unimpaired and the coat unchanged in appearance until near death. Should recovery take place the enlarged bones remain a permanent mark. About twelve per cent. re cover. The questions desired to have answered regarding the disease are as follows: When and where did you first observe the disease in this State? What was the age of the animal? What sex? What season of the year? What breed? Was the animal of local raising or imported? Have you ever observed an animal to have a second attack? Have you observed the disease to appear in the offspring of animals used for breeding purposes? What was the source of the water supply and character of the water? Give data regarding the history of the animal, work, etc. How many to die? We desire a description of the disease called "salt sickness as it exists in your locality. The many descriptions given make it seem probable that several diseases are being called by this misrepresentative term. What are the most common diseases of the domestic animals in your locality? The department will be glad to receive reports on any disease, and expresses a willingness to assist in controlling the same. Prescriptions will be given applicants where the symptoms are clearly enough described to make a diagnosis. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGR'L COLLEGE. J. P. DePass, Professor of Agriculture. J. N. Whitner, A. M., Prof. of Pomology and Horticulture. A. W. Bitting, B.S., Prof. Veterinary Science. P. H. Rolfs, M.S., Prof. Botany and Entomology. A. A. Persons, M.S., Prof. Agricultural Chemistry. W. G. DePass, Assistant Agriculturist. |