HEALTH OF DAIRY HERDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1932, Page 6

HEALTH OF DAIRY HERDS.

In. his address at Omata last week Mr. W. M. Webster, veterinary research officer in Taranaki of the Department of Agriculture, gave some idea of the results achieved in coping with mammitis among dairy cows. The department had examined, he said, samples of milk from 25,000 cows in various parts of the Dominion, and from that examination had been able to arrive at certain definite conclusions. The first, and most cheering, is that the disease is not hereditary. ' Heifers start their milking careers with healthy udders, and if they ate kept from contact with cases of mammitis will not develop the disease. The second conclusion, that the disease is spread by direct contagious contact, is a confirmation of the experience of stockowners during the past 30 years. The most important announcement is, however, that the official investigation has shown that once a cow becomes infected with mammitis she is infected for the rest of her life and is therefore a potential source of danger to the rest of the herd. This would seem to, indicate. that the only way in which mammitis can be stamped out immediately is by the slaughter of all affected cows. Among those tested by the department last year 38 per cent, were sound, 36 per cent, slightly affected, and 26 per cent, badly affected with mammitis. This means that over 60 per cent, of the cows examined are “potential sources of danger to the rest.” It is obviously impossible to contemplate the sudden removal of all the affected cows, and the department advises their immediate segregation and gradual disposal. Nevertheless, it is quite evident that the utmost patience and care will be demanded from stock-owners if the malady is to be overcome. The Department of Agriculture is willing to assist by examining samples of milk sent in and advising the- farmer whether cows producing them are sound or otherwise. For the sake- of the industry it is to be hoped that Mr. Webster’s plain statement of 'the case will rouse dairy farmers to the seriousness of the position. Well-directed effort can minimise the mammitis trouble considerably, but neglect may bring about consequences far more serious than are at present contemplated.