Fairly Prevalent in Manawatu

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 97, 27 April 1938, Page 5

Fairly Prevalent in Manawatu

VALUE OF ENSILAGE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Reports now being received by the Department of Agriculture indicate that facial eczema is fairly prevalent among livestock in the Manawatu, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay districts. However, the outbreaks in those areas are not as serious as that in the South Auckland district where the disease is taking heavy toll of dairy herds and sheep flocks.

To-day an official of the Department stated that the position concerning facial eczema in livestock had changed little in the preceding 48 hours, but the cooler and overcast weather had diminished the number of fresh outbreaks. As soon as the cold weather slowed up grass production and hardened feed generally fresh outbreaks would cease. That had been the experience in the past. The Government realises the im portance of discovering practical methods for avoiding future epidemics and so intends to carry out a thorough programme of research, he said. “ Preparations are being made for this work to begiu immediately. Trials being carried out at the Kuakura farm of instruction show already the value of the liberal feeding of ensilage. The department has persistently advised farmers to establish ensilage pits, but those farmers who have not taken this advice and are now unfortunately without ensilage • should fall back on hay which should be fed liberally. The object of hay feeding is to reduce the consumption of flush herbage which is very marked on all the affected farms. “Many farmers are still apparently afraid that the trouble is contagious. Research not only in New Zealand bur in other countries where severe losses occur has definitely shown that such is not the case. Facial eczema is not contagious. However, farmers are advised to<segregate affected animals for greater convenience and efficiency in the treatment of these animals. This is particularly advisable in cases where a farmer has only a certain amount of shade and thus can protect only a portion of fiis stock from direct sunlight. The removal of stock from direct sunlight is the most essential part of the treatment. ’ *