ed may be brought
under two heads: (1) The surroundings of the animal, and (2) preventive
inoculation.
(1) Surroundings.--What has already been stated of those conditions of the
pastures which are favorable to anthrax, after a little thought, will
suggest to most minds some of the preventive measures which may be of
service in reducing losses in anthrax localities. All that conduces to a
better state of the soil should be attempted. The State or Nation, by
appropriate engineering, should do its share in preventing frequent
inundations. If pools of stagnant water exist in the pastures, or if any
particular portions are known by experience to give rise to anthrax, they
should be fenced off. Efforts should likewise be made toward the proper
draining of swamp lands frequented by cattle. Sometimes it has been found
desirable to abandon for a season any infected or dangerous pastures. This
remedy can not be carried out by most farmers, and it is liable to extend
the infected territory. In some instances withdrawal of cattle from
pastures entirely and feeding them in stables is said to have reduced the
losses.
It is of the utmost importance that carcasses of animals which have died of
anthrax be properly disposed of, as every portion of such animal contains
the bacilli, ready to form spores when exposed to the air. Perhaps the
simplest means is to bury the carcasses deep, where they can not be exposed
by dogs or wild animals. It may be necessary to bury them on the pasture,
but it is better to remove them to places not frequented by susceptible
animals and to a point where drainage from the graves can not infect any
water supply.
If they are moved some distance it must be borne in mind that the ground
and all objects which have come in contact with the carcass should be
disinfected. This is best accomplished with chlorid of lime. For washing
utensils, etc., a 5 per cent solution may be prepared by adding 3 ounces to
2 quarts of water. This should be prepared fresh from the powder, and it is
but little trouble to have a small tin measure of known capacity to dip out
the powder, to be added to the water whenever necessary. The carcass and
the ground should be sprinkled with powdered chlorid, or, if this is not at
hand, an abundance of ordinary, unslaked lime should be used in its place.
The removal of carcasses to rendering establishments is always fraught with
danger, unless those who handle them are thoroughly aware of
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