CATTLE TICK.

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1919, Page 5

CATTLE TICK.

IS PREVALENCE EXAGGERATED?

Frequent mention of the cattle'tiek in the North has resulted in a controversy amongst a section of the farming community as to the extent to which the pest really exists in the district. Apparently many are somewhat sceptical concerning the reports and believe that the prevalence of the pest is exaggerated. An "Advocate" representative has made inquiries from a competent authority, who states that the tick is sufficiently general throughout the district to warrant adoption, wherever possible, of the methods already used to keep the pest in cheek. The dip at Oaklcigh shipping yards is now in operation and the general opinion is that there is no doubt of its effieicacy. Despite the contention recently put forward that the ticks dropped off cattle which had been driven a distance, animals before being dipped have been found to have the pest; especially young stock. It is unreasonable to expect that dipping will exterminate the pest any more than that the similar operation should stamp out the sheep tick, but it will help to keep it in check, and for that purpose the dip at Oakleigh is a valuable acquisition to the district. So far the .tick has not given cattle the fever which results from its existence in Australia, and that in itself is some consolation, as, had it been otherwise, the animals, in the comparatively poor condition resultant upon the severe trials of tho past year, would not have possessed the stamina which is desirable in fighting against the disense successfully.