ECZEMA IN SHEEP

Grey River Argus, 18 May 1938, Page 12

ECZEMA IN SHEEP

AUCKLAND LOSSES.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 17.

Commenting at. the Auckland Farmers’ Union Conference on the outbreak of facial eczema among flocks and herds, causing some farms from 50 to 100 per cent, losses, Mr. Mellsop stressed the point lor which the}, al ways contended, that any fixation of absolutely inadequate, unless full provision is made for depreciation ot the guaranteed price for a year “is stock and ample provisions for reserves in case of emergency.” HAMILTON, May 16.

It is estimated by competent authorities that very nearly £1.000,000 has been lost by Waikato fatmeis through the facial eczema epidemic. This huge sum takes into account not only direct losses by death of stock, but also the limited income that will be the result next season through reduced lambing and calving. It is stated that the 100,000 breeding ewes which have died or have been killed because of the disease represent a loss of about £200.000, and that, reduced lambing next season will mean an approximate loss of another £200,000. Farmers have been compelled to sell fat sheep at 75 per cent, of their value, and this loss is estimated to reach £lOO,OOO. To these losses must be added haulage and killing charges for infected sheep. These figures account only for the fat lamb trade; but it is considered 'that when the losses that will be 'incurred through smaller wool cheques and butterfat cheques, and through death and infection of dairy

cows, with a consequent loss oi calves, are taken into account, the total loss will be approximately £1,000,000.'