PREVENTION OF EPIZOOTIC ABORTION IN COWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1202, 15 March 1895, Page 8

PREVENTION OF EPIZOOTIC ABORTION IN COWS.

In Great Britain “ epizootic abortion,” which means abortion brought about throughout a dairy herd owing to one of the cows from whatsoever cause slipping her calf, is of frequent occurrence. After such an accident, it often happens that abortion of calves will take place like an epidemic throughout the whole lot of in-calf cows, thus inflicting much loss and inconvenience on the dairy farmer. It is now pretty well ascertained that there is a microbe connected with the physical condition of a cow that has slipped her calf which acts as a contagion to bring about abortion in other cows exposed to its influence. Now that dairying has assumed the position of a systematic or extensive industry in this colony, and large dairies of cows are kept together, a disease of this kind might easily be started and cause much loss to owners of dairy herds, we therefore think it worth while to republish a leaflet issued by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, dealing with the means of prevention of

epizootic abortion in cows. It is as follows : “ From the evidence which has recently been brought to the notice of the society, it is considered desirable to recommend to the special attention of stock-owners, in whose herds abortion has appeared, the system of preventive treatment which is described in the societv’s journal, vol. lE., part IV., 1891,‘page 738 “The plan which Professor Nocard recommends to be used in cow-sheds and premises in which epizootic abortion occurs year by year is the follow-

ing : “ 1. Every week the places in which cows are kept must be well cleansed, and especially the part behind the cows, and then disinfected by a strong solu lion of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), or a solution of carbolic acid, one to fifty of water. “2. The under part of the tail, the anus, vulva, and .parts below <>f >ll the cows must be sponged daily wi h the following lotion, which is a strong poison :—Rain water or distilled water, two gallons \ a corrosive sublimate, two drachms and a half; hydrochloric acid, two ounces and a half. “ louring the first season of this treatment only a moderate amount of improvement is to be expected, but after the next season abortion will cease entirely. “It would very much assist the society in their enquiry, if members of the society whose herds have been aflected by abortion would inform the sec re tai y at once if they propose to adopt this system of treatment in their hetds; and afterwards if they would send to him particulars of the results of the treatment.' When the owner desires it, arrangements will be made for a veterinary surgeon to visit the farm at the cost of the society, and (o advise as to the preparation and application of the solution. . .. ! “It appears that in some districts no precautions are taken to destroy the foetus after abortion. This should be done without delay in every case, by burying or burial in quicklime. The latter should also bd freely scattered over the ground 'contaminated with the discharge.” —— Town and • Country Journal.