13

H.—29

those fully acquainted with the history of the disease this is not a matter for surprise. The causative agent is a well-known organism which on gaining entrance becomes embedded in the sensitive secreting tissues of the gland, from which it cannot be removed by medicinal agents without injury to the tissues. For the above reason, medicinal agents having proved unsatisfactory, vaccination was given an extensive trial, with the result that it also proved unsatisfactory, and at the present time, in spite of the research work carried out, we have got to fall back on the former methods of treatment —viz., frequent stripping and massaging the udder at frequent intervals, followed by a stimulating liniment. To assist in the prevention of the disease milking operations should be carried out in a satisfactory manner ; undue haste should be avoided. The machines should be run at an even pressure and not too high, thorough hand stripping should be in evidence, and the surroundings, milking-machines, and other appliances, together with the hands of the milker, should at all times be kept in a satisfactory condition. Contagious Abortion.—This disease, while in evidence in almost every dairying district throughout New Zealand, is not so prevalent as in former years. A few cases may be seen on various farms in almost any dairying district, but of late years it has seldom assumed epidemic propensities. Experiments have been carried out in certain districts with anti-abortion vaccine without any satisfactory results having been obtained. Experiments carried out in other countries show unsatisfactory results when vaccines were used as a method of controlling the disease. The only method of obtaining a clean herd is by segregation, and for any one wishing to put this into effect the advice of the Field Veterinarians are always available. Taking into account the wide distribution of the disease and the extra trouble incurred in segregation, it is doubtful whether farmers would think themselves repaid for the extra trouble taken, but the matter is well worth their consideration. A precaution that every farmer should take is to have the blood from each cow subjected to the agglutination test. This will afford the owner information which will enable him to isolate all affected animals whenever his conditions permit, the necessity for this being that an affected animal, after calving, is able to spread the disease whether she has carried her calf the full time or otherwise. Temporary Sterility.—This trouble is still strongly in evidence in all districts where dairying is carried on, and is a source of anxiety and trouble to farmers, although not to such an extent as in previous seasons. Research work in this and other countries, although carried on extensively, has not been the means of bringing out any definite new knowledge on this subject, though progress is being made here. The present-day literature written by those best qualified to give an opinion is most confusing. Authors disagree as to the cause or as to the seat of the trouble. In the circumstances we must continue to push forward our own research. Parturient Eclampsia. —The incidence of this malady during the past season was considerably less than in previous years. With the exception of a few cases, the complaint was practically confined to the Waikato, in which district a fairly large number of cases were seen. The origin of this complaint is obscure. Strictly speaking, there is no organic disease, and one is forced to the conclusion that it is due to the absorption of toxins. During the past season in the Waikato a very early spring was observed, with a corresponding growth of young luscious grasses, and it was on those farms where abundant green feed was in evidence that the trouble was most in evidence, and more particularly where no hay had been fed during the late winter and early spring. I personally visited a number of farms where cows were affected and saw a fair number of cases. In doing so one is struck by the lack of knowledge amongst the farming community in regard to diagnosing and treating diseases affecting farm animals. At this period the constitutional disturbances from which our dairy cows suffer are many and varied, and are more in evidence than during any other season. Each case requires to be treated on its merits. Amongst many farmers there is a preconceived idea that there is only one malady affecting dairy cows in the spring of the year, whether the trouble be parturient or dietetic in its origin. All cases of sickness are treated alike, with the result that the mortality is far greater than it should be. Through circumstances the dairy-farmer looks to the Government Veterinarian for help and assistance in such cases, and numerous complaints are heard and indignation is shown when such assistance is not immediately forthcoming. Farmers should consider the circumstances in this respect. Here is an officer with a large district to cover. In many instances outlying parts are fifty miles and over from his headquarters, and it is an impossibility for him to see one quarter of the cases of sickness in his district. Eclampsia, like many other diseases to which our dairy herds are susceptible, is amenable to treatment, but the dairy-farmer has not the training to enable him to diagnose or treat all such cases successfully. It is therefore an urgent necessity that organized veterinary services for diagnosing and treating the ailments of animals be established in the dairying districts. Blackleg. —The position in regard to this disease remains about the same as last season. A number of deaths were reported from this cause from the Taranaki, Waikato, and North Auckland districts. There is no doubt that early and successful vaccination is an important factor in lessening the incidence of blackleg on those farms where it is known to exist. Cattle-tic/c.—Aiea A, Auckland District: In the North Auckland district (where ticks were originally seen), with the exception of the Dargaville district, where it remains about the same, cattleticks were less in evidence than in former seasons. In the Coromandel Peninsula and Tauranga district no improvement is reported, while in the Opotiki district a definite increase is reported. Auckland District, Area B : There is a decided improvement in this area. With the exception of one holding at Matamata, where a single tick was found, no fresh outbreaks occurred, and a decided improvement has taken place on those farms where ticks had previously been seen. Last season an outbreak was reported from Taumarunui. The farm on which the outbreak occurred was cleared and burned, and although a close watch was kept no further ticks were seen this season.