The veterinary practitioner in our southern states is confronted with a number of problems that are not found in other sections of the United States. One important reason for such differences is the climate which ranges from that comparable to the climate of the midwest to semi-tropical with an annual rainfall of sixty inches or more. Higher temperatures and heavy precipitation favor the development of spore forming bacteria and all forms of parasites. Another reason is the one crop system of agriculture that has predominated for many years. Livestock production has only recently become a serious part of the agricultural program, hence southern farmers as a whole are not "livestock-minded." Breeding, feeding and management practices still leave much to be desired. There are of course notable exceptions, and outstanding flocks and herds are to be found in all of the southern states.