ASSISTANCE IN CURE OF HERD DISEASES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6536, 17 February 1928, Page 9

ASSISTANCE IN CURE OF HERD DISEASES

Dairy Farmers Want Test of Vaccine Cure

INCREASED GOVT. AID TO BE SOLICITED At yesterday’s meeting of the Wellington branch of tho New Zealand Dairy Farmers' Union, considerable discussion centred around the steps taken by the Government to deal with such disease as mammitis and vaginitis in dairy herds. While fully iccognizing that the Department of Agriculture had done a lot in this direction, the general opinion of the meeting seemed to be that still more should and could be done. Tho Minister of Agriculture wrote replying to the Union’s request that further tests be made to investigate the claims of the Hamilton Vaccine Company in connection with the cure of mammitis, and stating that the Department were endeavouring to carry out this intention. I One or two members however did not ‘ appear to consider that this was so. What Is Government Doing? *‘l want to know, if tho Government is making any effort to find cures for these diseases,” said Mr. W. H. Gim-| blett. “Why have they no records of cures? We never read of anything in this direction from tho Government as to whether they have effected cures or not. Any quack can come on to the place and try hi# cure for those di senses. I would like a letter to bo sent to the Government asking if they are aware of any cures for vaginitis.” I Mr/ L. A. Poupard stated that he considered that salt and condy’s crystals' would effect a 90 per cent cure. This opinion had been formed after a wide experience of dairy farming A treatment of this sort he had found, would

almost always succeed if persisted with. Co-operate with Government. “I think that it would help if members knowing of cases of these diseases would let Mr. ■ Meade, the Government vet. surgeon here, know,” said tho chairman, “I have proved that what Mr. Poupard has said about salt aiid condy’s crystals is quite true. Tho Department advises you of these cures and if a man gets in touch with them they will give him any information in their possession.” “Alleged Cures Absolute Frauds.” “What I have been hammering at is to get the Government to take a definite stand upon this matter,” said Mr. Boyce. “We know quite well that many of these cases of alleged cures arc absolute frauds, and yet the Government docs nothing about it. I wish they would take a. definite stand and absolutely prohibit the sale of any thing which they know ie no good.” Care for the Cows. “The Department of Agriculture has boon doing a lot for farmers,” continued Mr. Boyce, “but it seems to me that they arc neglecting the producing and of the business, The loss to tho country through disease in dairy herds is enormous.' You can’t produce if there is nothing to produce with.” Mr. G. Wagstaff then moved that tho Minister of Agriculture bo thanked for the interest he had shown in the examination of vaccine under test and asking whether it was possible for tests to be made in the district under the usual faming conditions, and that these tests be made in conjunction with the executive of the Union.