TRIAL OF NEW DRUG IN TREATMENT OF PIG DISEASES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 135, 13 March 1940, Page 3

TRIAL OF NEW DRUG IN TREATMENT OF PIG DISEASES

Seme experiments are being conducted under field conditions in the treatment of some of the more cora-j mon diseases of pigs by means of a new drug of the sulphonamidc class Although a rather expensive drug, for the treatment of animals, the reports of results obtained overseas in the treatment of lung diseases, arthritis and enteric diseases of the pig would suggest that the preparation may prove of > some value in controlling mortality of pigs on otherwise well-managed pig farms. The dosage is being tested, as careless use of the preparation would cause toxic symptoms, and controlled experiments are to be conducted in several districts on a few of the more common outbreaks of diseases in pigs. It is intended particularly to test the value of the preparation in the treatment of necrotic enteritis and acute paratyphoid cases. If opportunity offers the preparation will also be tested in cases of acute arthritis of an epidemic nature, or even in the case of pneumonia in the pig. If results warrant it the reports will be made known to pig fanners throughout the country. It will be obvious that the drug is an unknown quantity so far ias the treatment of pig diseases in this country is concerned, and some time must elapse before any definite opinion can be formed. Li the mean time, there .should be no relaxation of effort in endeavouring to control diseases of pigs by the provision of hygienic, sanitary surroundings and feeding places, by attention to housing and diet, and by isolation in cases of a heavy mortality.