H.—29.

Temporary Sterility.—This complaint still causes considerable inconvenience to dairy-farmers in those districts where dairying is carried on extensively. With reference to this disease the District Superintendent, Wellington, remarks, " One cannot help observing the trend amongst dairy-farmers to develop the idea that the cause of the delayed conception, rests in the present-day specialization of the high-producing cow. Talk of too much being taken away without replacement is gaining ground." As a remedy for this, mineral licks are being extensively used. Results from this treatment were not encouraging. Departmental officers during the past season carried out experiments in a considerable number of herds where the disease was strongly in evidence, with mineral and vegetable tonics, and again the results were not encouraging. Treating the affected parts with various astringent antiseptic solutions has also been given a trial, and, while a certain amount of success is claimed for the use of iodized-salt- solution, it cannot be held that this method of treatment is an unqualified success. In fact, entire success in the treatment of this disease cannot be claimed in this or any other country, and it would almost appear as if certain animals were demanding a rest, and will not get in calf until late in the season when they will settle down on their own account. This throws them late in coming to production the following season and necessitates winter milking, a procedure which is not appreciated by the farmers. It is felt that in these cases if the animals were not persevered with, but allowed to go through the winter without being put in calf and thus giving them a rest, such a practice would go far to lessen the incidence of the disease. It will be found that in the following spring such cows get in calf without any trouble. Research work in connection with temporary sterility has been actively prosecuted, particular attention being given to the part played by the bull, and in this connection evidence is accumulating which points to the bull being often responsible. Detailed information regarding this research work will be found in the report of the Officer in Charge of the Wallaceville Laboratory. Parturient Eclampsia.—This disease was less in evidence than in previous seasons. With the exception of a few cases seen in Hawke's Bay, it was principally confined to the Waikato district, where a considerable number of cases were seen and treated with varying success. From observations of the officers in the field it is evident that where dairy cows are carried through the winter and early spring season on a liberal supply of good hay and ensilage the incidence of the disease is very materially lessened. Milk-fever. —Taken as a whole, this trouble, though fairly prevalent, was not so common as in previous years, and no serious mortality has to be reported. During the past season a considerable number of cases were treated with solutions of calcium injected intravenously and subcutaneously, with satisfactory results. The salts used were calcium chloride and calcium gluconate. The former is somewhat difficult to use, and must be injected intravenously if the destruction of the surrounding tissue is to be avoided. The gluconate can be injected intravenously or beneath the skin of the neck or shoulder without any danger to the surrounding tissues. As stated, both methods of treatment can be recommended with confidence. It is doubtful, however, if the calcium treatment will ever supersede the old method of inflation of the udder which has been in vogue for the past thirty-odd years. Nearly every dairy-farmer keeps a milk-fever pump in his shed which he is capable of applying, whereas calcium salts are somewhat difficult to obtain, and are beyond his means of application. It can be claimed for the new method of treatment that there is no danger of contaminating the udder, the secretion of milk is not interfered with, nor has the tedious process of freeing the udder from air to be undertaken. The use of lime in the drinking-water as a preventive for milk-fever is gaining ground amongst dairy-farmers and the results will be observed. Blackleg. —An increased incidence in the number of cases seen during the past season has to be recorded, and this can be attributed to a great extent to the wet season experienced. Every effort has been made to check and control this disease. Cattle Tick. —Area A, Auckland District: The position with regard to the North Auckland District, with the exception of the Dargaville, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty districts, which remain about the same, shows an improvement on previous years. Auckland District, Area B : The position is not quite so good as last year, an odd tick being found on holdings in various districts which previously were thought to be free from the pest. On those isolated farms where ticks were found during the previous year although a strict watch was kept there was no recurrence during the present season. Wellington District: No further development has taken place in Area A. Several fresh outbreaks have occurred in Area B, and a few ticks have also been found beyond Area B in hitherto clean country. The question of an alteration to the boundary in this district will require to be considered in the near future. Taranaki District : An extension of the cattle-tick took place in the New Plymouth district in January. In the Bell Block area ticks were found on eight adjoining farms, and at the Mohakatino River. A few miles south of Mokau two farms were found to be affected. In the Pongarehu district where ticks were discovered last year one farm was found to be affected this summer. No ticks were found inside the Waitara area. In the Nelson District no cattle-ticks were found during the season, although regular inspection was maintained on all farms where ticks had been seen previously. It is worthy of note that on well-grazed farms where the feed is kept short, and where any roughage that may make its appearance is destroyed, the tick is reduced to a minimum. In fact, it can be said that this is one of the methods whereby the menace can be controlled. Cover such as rushes, rough pastures, &c., is essential to the development of the eggs. It is therefore imperative that all roughage which is likely to harbour the tick eggs should be burned or otherwise destroyed wherever possible. Ragwort Poisoning.—A considerable number of deaths have been reported from all districts where this weed is prevalent. Sheep will eat this plant readily, and on this account they are frequently used

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