TO COMBAT MAMMITIS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20145, 17 March 1937, Page 11

TO COMBAT MAMMITIS.

DIBEABE IN WAIKATO. CURE BY VACCINES. MODERN LABORATORY COMPLETED In a serious endeavour to combat the insidious disease of mammitis, which is causing heavy loss to many Waikato dairyfarmers, a modern research laboratory has been equipped by Messrs. Mannings, Limited, Chemists, in commodious premises at Hamilton East. The object of the labora-: tory will be not only to improve the vaccines now manufactured by Messrs. Mannings, Limited, but to carry out intensive research work in regard to mammitis and abortion. The work of the laboratory, however, will not be confined to these particular activities as it will also undertake bacteriological tests of farm water supplies and general medical ork. The laboratory is impressive for its cleanliness and for the comprehensive nature of its equipment. One part of the building has been specially equipped for research work, while the roomy basement has been fitted to serve as a manufacturing laboratory, in the research laboratory are fitted three incubators, maintained jit body heat, for the growing of bacteria which are necessary for experimental work. special media, can be seen in various stages of growth and there are many reactors available in IJie laboratory to determine whether or not particular germs are pathogenic. Modern Equipment. Large, modern sterilisers form a conspicuous unit of the equipment in the research laboratory, and in these sterilisers it is possible to sterilise articles at a considerably quicker rate than in the ordinary type of steriliser. Milk samples will be tested at the laboratory and it is stated that jt will be possible to handle 500 samples a day. Before transferring their equipment to their new laboratory, Messrs. Mannings, Limited, found it possible to handle 50.000 milk samples per year. but. with the new laboratory available it is expected that this number will he materially increased. At the present time the firm has 30,000 cows in the Waikato under its mamBy reason of its modern equipment, it is to be expected that the laboratory will play no small part in lessening the incidence of disease in this district for there is much to be learnt in regard io stock disease, particularly in regard to the cure and prevention of mammilis. The laboratory will he under Ihe conlrol of Mr It. .1. Brooks, a qualified bucleriologisl holding a In*parlmenl of llcallli certificate.