MORTALITY AMONG SHEEP.

Waikato Times, Volume XL, Issue 3259, 18 May 1893, Page 2

MORTALITY AMONG SHEEP.

From several sources, we learn that considerable losses in sheep have lately been experienced by some of our settlors, in what pccms to be rather a strange maimer, it appears that the sheep in question were in good condition, almost [at, and were bought at the sheep fairs by various settlers, for turnip feeding. Within a day or two of their reaching home, however, a few dead ones could be observed about the paddocks, and before a week was out a considerable number were found dead; one Waipa settler losing about 25 sheep in this way, and others who had bought the same class of sheep, also suffered heavily. Sofaras we can learn, no thorough examination lias been made of the dead animals, but it has been suggested that these sheep had been feeding upon clover, and had probably contracted a disease similar to that which was very coicmon in the early days of Waikato settlement, when clover grew luxuriantly, namely "liverrot." This would not pre'ent their fattening, in fact the excessive fat seemed to be one of the causes of it, but certainly driving sheep any distance would be likely to cause considerable mortality. Bo this as it may; the recent losses have caused much comment, and should lead to a careful enquiry so as to prevent, if possible, anything of the kind occurriug in the future.