DEATHS OF KANGAROOS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 8

DEATHS OF KANGAROOS

NEW SOUTH WALES AREA FEARS OF EXTERMINATION [I'KOM OUR OWN COKRLSFONDENT] SYDNEY, April 18 Veterinary surgeons of the Department of Agriculture are carrying out post-mortem examinations on kaugaroos in an endeavour to identify a disease which is wiping out the kangaroo population of Kiverina, in southern Ne ft ' South Wales. The department's chief veterinary surgeon, Air. Max Henry, said it appeared as if the disease would result soon in the complete extirpation of kangaroos in the area. Reports from district ollicers y had been received showing that, on one station alone, 100 carcases had been found. This decimation was common throughout the area, and it was evident that the whole kangaroo population shortly would disappear. t>o far the disease was unknown, but it was thought it was due to parasites. Apparently there was no poison in the herbage, otherwise the complaint would have spread to other animals. It was apparent, said Air. Henry, that the disease luckily was confined to the kangaroos. Several carcases baa been sent to Sydney for autopsies, an" careful examinations were beiug made. No reports from other parts of Aew South Wales of a similar disease n* l been received. Records in the department did not show any similar occurrence in past years. The investigations by officers of the department migM throw light upon disease among n stock.