CATTLE TICK CONTROL

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2340, 9 January 1926, Page 11

CATTLE TICK CONTROL

VALUE OF THE STARLING.

PROPOSAL FOR BREEDING.

Among the birds listed as being protected are the starlings, and this fact is a source of satisfaction to settlers in the North .where the prevalence of the cattle tick has created a good deal of anxiety. It Is recognised by the settlers that the post is increasing, both numerically anfl in regard to the extent of the areas affected. Authoritative statements have been made to the effect that not only has the parasite been found on cattle, horses, dogs and pheasants, but even pn seagulls.

The settlers are concerned about means of eradicating the pest, or at least keeping it under control. It appears to be the general opinion that the best chances rest in an increase of the flocks of starlings in the tick Infested areas. The birds pick ticks from cattle Just as they do with sheep, and they have been observed to ba in larger numbers where the paddocks are badly tick Infested.

Although starlings are protected by law the opinion Is expressed that It would pay the State to undertake or subsidise the Institution of aviaries In tick Infested districts In order that the useful birds might be bred in large numbers for liberation.