Gadsden County Times

Urges Control of
Livestock Pests

Control of livestock pests can result in more meat, milk, eggs and fiber for all-out agricultural production, the U. S. Department of Agriculture reports.

At present it is estimated that livestock pests cost the Nation over half a billion dollars annually. Both farmers and the Nation as a whole bear the brunt of this loss in the form of wasted feed, damaged hides and lowered quality and reduced output in such essential animal products as meat, milk, eggs and wool.

Dr. A. N. Tissot, entomologist with the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, says flies reduce milk and beef production, and insects keep pastured animals from grazing adequately when feeding costs normally are lowest. Cattle grubs not only damage hides but reduce the output of beef and milk. Ticks, lice and screwworms take an immense toll in unproduced meat and fibers which should go for food and clothing. Also, animals infested with these insects are "hard keepers" and do not produce good quality meat.

However, most of these losses can be reduced and in some cases they can be eliminated, according to the USDA. Not only can individual farmers protect their livestock, but community action can be even more effective. Community action is especially effective in the control of screwworms, cattle grubs and other pests.