H.—29.

as a means of control. Where the pastures are heavily infested it is almost impossible to avoid the toxic effect of the weed. Cattle, however, will only eat it under compulsion, or where the weeds are so numerous that they cannot avoid doing so. It is therefore a matter of regret that in some districts cattle pastures are allowed to become contaminated to such an extent that the stock cannot avoid consuming the plant. Now that a better means of control (sodium chlorate) is available to every farmer, there is no excuse for allowing the pastures to become infested to the extent that they become a menace to cattle. Foul in the Foot. —A considerable number of cases have been seen in all dairying districts and consequently a good deal of monetary loss has resulted therefrom due to the fact that an animal contracting the complaint is practically useless as a dairy unit during that season. Treatment is laborious, and in the majority of oases is not carried out. As this disease is contracted through injuries in the region of the hoof, it should be the aim of every dairy-farmer to prevent such wounds by removing from the yards and roadways all such material as will injure the feet. To prevent infection all yards, &c., should be kept free from dirt, and affected stock should be isolated until all discharge has ceased. Parasitic Disease in Young Cattle. —A considerable amount of parasitic gastritis and bronchitis was in evidence in almost every dairying district, and, although in no case was the mortality high, the monetary loss was considerable through retarded development. Parasitic invasion is chiefly seen in those herds which have been reared on skim-milk or whey where no substitute has been added to make up for the essential constituents lacking in the skimmed milk or whey and where the animals are afterwards turned out and allowed to fend for themselves as best they can. Calves reared under such unfavourable circumstances lack stamina and fall an easy prey to such troubles which would not have the same effect on calves properly fed. Dietetic. Troubles. —In the Waikato district bloating amongst cows was rather serious during the months of October and November. It was also reported in other parts of the North Island. This complaint is somewhat difficult to control during wet seasons. The use of a night paddock together with a feed of good hay for the cows before being turned out, decreases the intensity and the number of cases seen. Topping the paddocks is also beneficial. Bush Sickness.—The use of citrate of iron and ammonia as a preventive and curative agent in this deficiency complaint is increasing year after year by farmers in affected areas, and, as a result, stock are enabled to be kept healthy and dairying carried on in these areas. In addition to the iron treatment, suitable top-dressing, good grass-management, and good herd-management are necessary. SHEEP. Parasitic Gastritis.—Owing to the more favourable seasonal conditions which existed last autumn, this complaint was not seen amongst our lamb flocks to anything like the same extent as in the previous season. Flockowners are also paying more attention to the rearing of their lambs by providing better pastures, drenching, &c. Wet seasons, with the concurrent long rank pastures, appear to be the deciding factors which bring about this disease, with its heavy death-rate. In order to avoid this, better pasture-management, more especially in wet seasons, is essential. With regard to this, the District Superintendent, Wellington, remarks, " Reference must again be made to the necessity for the control of sheep pastures by the increase in the number of run cattle, the avoidance of overstocking in the case of young sheep, and the adoption of more subdivision and rational grazing are the outstanding factors in better sheep-management." Lymphadenitis. —Field investigational work into this disease, combined with inspection at the meat-works, show that this disease is prevalent throughout the Dominion, but more especially in the South Island and southern portion of the North Island. When sheep and lambs are found aflected at the freezing-works the policy of tracing them to the owner's premises is still being carried out wherever possible, and instructions given with a view to controlling the disease. In addition to this, a considerable number of flocks are being palpated in the field for control purposes. It is necessary that every sheepowner should see that no sheep with enlarged or open discharging glands are allowed to remain in his flock. Renal Congestion in Lambs.—With the exception of the Otago District, only odd cases of this trouble have come under notice. Even in the Otago District the losses were reported to be 40 to 50 per cent, below those of the previous season. Further information on this matter is contained in the report of the Officer in Charge of the Veterinary Laboratory. Ante-partum Paralysis in Ewes. —This trouble was in evidence in almost every sheep-farming district throughout the Dominion. Although a few flocks suffered severely, and a fairly high deathrate occurred, the disease on the whole was less in evidence than in former seasons. Maggot Fly.—With the exception of several districts in the Far North this pest has not been much in evidence during the season. Owing to the past summer being a cold one, it is reasonable to assume that adverse climatic conditions have a considerable influence in reducing the number of the pest. A considerable number of puparia from the Cawthron Institute were liberated in various districts, but as yet it is too soon to judge what the influence has been.. Fly-traps are being brought into use and are highly spoken of as a measure for keeping the flies in check. Liver-fluke. —No serious trouble was reported from this. Lice. —I am pleased to report that a considerable reduction has taken place in the number of sheep found affected in saleyards affected with lice. General. —A number of other minor complaints were seen in several districts, but in no case were they prevalent. Advice and assistance wherever sought was always given by the Field Officers of this Division.

11