FEWER OUTBREAKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23021, 26 April 1938, Page 14

FEWER OUTBREAKS

WEATHER INFLUENCE PLANS FOR RESEARCH PROMPT ACTION PROMISED Assurances that facial eczema among livestock is not contagious, that it will cease to spread with the advent of cooler weather, and that thorough preventive research is being undertaken, were given bv the Livestock Division of the Department of Agriculture in a broadcast to North Island farmers from Wellington last night. The position in the past 48 hours had not changed appreciably, it was stated. The cooler and overcast weather had diminished the number of outbreaks, and with tho continuance of such conditions they would undoubtedly cease. Past experience showed that they occurred at definite periods and in certain regions. Research work upon the disease had hitherto been spasmodic, but it uas now to be more carefully planned. The Government's intention was to initiate, practical efforts to prevent a recurrence of the trouble. Officer Appointed Preparations were to commence immediately, it was stated. Mr. J. I. Filmer, a bachelor of veterinary science with wide experience in deficiency diseases, had been placed in charge of the research, which would be both chemical and pathological. Mr. Filmer was already in the Waikato, and the organisation of field work would be considered at a meeting to be held at Hamilton to-day. Trials at the Ruakura State Farm had shown the value of liberal feeding with ensilage, and farmers who had it were strongly advised to open their pits or stacks. Treatment with medicines, however, ottered little promise of success. Previously the department had recommended farmers to establish ensilage, and those who had not taken the advice should now make ns full use as possible of hay and reduce the consumption of lush herbage. Segregation Advised Many farmers feared that facial eczema was contagious, but research in other countries had t>h6wn definitely that this was not the case. Nevertheless it was advisable to segregate affected animals. This course tended to make treatment more efficient, especially where not much shade was available, since it was essential that the stock should bo protected from direct sunlight. Mr. J. F. Filmer, to whom reference was made in the broadcast, was formerly attached to the Western Australian Department of Agriculture. He was appointed late in February to the Government Veterinary Laboratory, Wallaceville, as officer in charge of the field work on deficiency diseases of stock.