LOSSES OF STOCK

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 125, 30 May 1938, Page 11

LOSSES OF STOCK

TOLL OF ECZEMA

ESTIMATE OF £1,250,000

Although there are many factors of loss unpredictable at the present stage, it is estimated on a conservative basis that the widespread outbreaks of facial eczema in stock this season will cost the farmers of the Auckland Province at least £1,250,000, states the "New Zealand Herald" of today. Assessment of the amount is made difficult by the fact that there is no precise statistical knowledge of the incidence of the disease, but authorities believe that an earlier estimate of 100,000 sheep lost could be almost doubled without ex-

aggeration. > The mortality among flocks, however, represents only a proportion of the total loss to be borne by the farmers. Dairy herds have been affected to a considerable degree, and it is possible that a number of cows, apart from those which have been destroyed, will be impaired as producers. In addition, contingent losses, the full extent of which cannot even be predicted, are bound to be large. FEWER BREEDING EWES. It is agreed that farmers will find that the full costs of the epidemic have yet to be met. Primarily, there are the adverse effects upon the wool clip, and, with flocks of breeding ewes sadly depleted and with tne condition of many of the remaining sheep uncertain, no great optimism is being shown in regard to the approaching lambing season. The losses in marketable store iambs in 12 months' time as well as in fat ewes have also to be considered. There are many store cattle which are not likely to reach the prime beef stage in the spring, and, with such stock as yearlings suffering a severe setback, the same fears apply to young animals. Calves have been numbered among the affected stock, and, apart from the rate of mortality, consideration has to be given to the check which many have received in the early stages of their existence. MILK PRODUCTION DECLINES. There is a very direct loss to farmers in the case of dairy cattle which died or were destroyed, but no attempt has been made to estimate the losses in production. The milk yield of a large number ! of cows has been obviously affected, and in some districts animals became very sluggish as early as February, and then proceeded to dry off long before the close'of the season. Some losses in spring calving are also expected. To an extent the epidemic resulted in pastures being unchecked, and this may have repercussions later in the year. So far as sheep are concerned, there are indications in a number of areas that lambing may be very late, with the result that fattening may prove difficult.

Farmers who have been compelled to sell fat sheep at 75 per cent, or less of their value will find little consolation if the markets reach a high level in the spring, when restocking is at its height. There is not likely to be any surplus ' of quality stock and, under a very keen demand, it will cause no surprise if the rates show a sharp rising tendency.