Page 24 Advertisements Column 1

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21377, 21 January 1935, Page 24

■, . AUCTIONS.. ■ &MATSON AND CO. SCABBY MOUTH" IN SHEEP AND By R. J. de C. Talbot, B.CSc. IS the name suggests "scabby **" mouth" in sheep and lambs is characterised by the formation of purulent ulcers, which later develop into scalcy crusts or scabs. The most common seat of the lesion is in the region of the lips and nose, but in MJme cases they are present around the coronets also, and on the udders of ewes which have affected lambs at foot , . Lambs and sheep under the age ol tacked, bat animals of all ages are susGmU also may be affected. ]fa mild cases the disease readjlyrewuTensue. Death may be due to starmoutb being so ulcerated, that it cannot eat, or it may be that the lesions on the leg cause a lameness so acute that walking is difficult. Outbreaks occur from time to time In various parts of the state, but only occasionally does the disease assume the character of a severe epidemic in any district, as sometimes happens in the United States of America and Europe. CAUSE As a result of recent work carried out in various parts of the world (in and H. G. Belschner, B.V.Sc New South Wales), it has be#n established that the disease is due to a virus living organisms so small that they cannot be seen by the most powerful microscope), similar in many respects to those causing cowpox and smallpox. The lesions may subsequently be invaded by other organisms such as the bacillus of necrosis, which was formerly thought to be the cause of th*» disease. , For the virus to gain entrance into the tissues some slight injury to the skin if necessary, but this need be only the most minate abrasion <=uch as would be caused by th'i animals feeding in fairly dry pasture, or being hand fed. The-most severe outbreaks of the disease which have come under notice have occurred during the winter or late spring of a year in which there was an abundance of old dry feed. SYMPTOMS The ulcerations are found most commonly on the nostrils and lips, less frequently on the coronets. In simple cases the first lesions noted are a number of small pustules about the size of a pea: these become larger until they break and the pus exudes. This dries and forms a crust or scap, which has a warty, dry appearance, and if it be lifted the tissues underneath will be found to be very much inflamed and ulcerated. The complaint appears very quickly, and unless precautions are taken to 'isolate the affected members of the nock, ft will spread rapidly until a large number contract the disease—in some outbreaks up to 90 per cent of the lambs are affected. In severe cases the ulcers are present on the membrane inside the mouth, and sheep so affected rapidly fall away in condition. The ulcers on the coronet are similar to those on the lips and nose, but are usually more aevere. ' ' Both fore and hind legs may be affected, the front and sides just above the boof being the commonest seat of the - trouble. In chronic and neglected eases the\ inrlamatory processes may >spread to the tissues inside the hoof, and cause acute lameness. When a iamb still sucking has the ulcers on its lips, it may carry the infection to the ewe's udder, and a similar ulcerated condition develops on that organ. The period of incubation for the disease is about two days, and it runs i definite course of about three weeks. Annual ewe fairs annual ewe fairs WATSON'S energetic team work at these fixtures is well known. Any consignments entrusted to their care will be appreciated, and vendors can assure themselves that they have done the BEST POSSIBLE in their own Interests by letting H. MATSON AND CO. have the handling of their Annual Drafts. ANNUAL EWE FAIRS ANNUAL EWE FAIRS

TREATMENT If early treatment is adopted, a complete ewe is certain. It is important to remember that the disease is infectious, and all affected animals should be isolated. If they have recently been through a shearing sned or yards these should be sprayed with mcae suitable disinfectant. For mild cases the affected parts should be washed with a 1 per cent. solution of-lyeol (one tablespoonful to 2J pints of water) or 1 per cent Mongol, and the scab removed; then apply the following ointment:— Monsol or cresol, 5 parts. Sulphur, 10 parts. Lard or vaseline, 100 parts This treatment should be repeated three or four times a week, and in mild cases a cure will soon be effected. In severe cases, after the scabs have been removed by bathing them with an "antiseptic solution and the ulcers appear to be deep, and are discharging a foul-smelling pus, the inflamed surfaces should be painted with tincture of iodine, and afterwards dusted with a powder made of one part of chloride of lime to two parts.of boric acid. This treatment should be repeated as often as possible. Animals which have been affected should not be allowed to rejoin the flock until at least a fortnight after recovery. If possible, a paddock in which an outbreak has occurred should not be restocked until it has been cultivated or burnt. H. MATSON AND CO.