HEALTH OF CATTLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 42, 26 January 1943, Page 5

HEALTH OF CATTLE

INSURED IN BRITAIN Fifty million gallons of milk each year, as well as large quantities of meat, are expected to be saved in Britain by a health insurance scheme for dairy herds., the first of its kind in the world. The object is to reduce, losses caused by the four principal, scourges of dairy cow r s—mastitis., contagious abortion, sterility and Johne's disease. Although the scheme is entirely voluntary, it is expected that 30,000 British, herds, comprising nearly half a million animals, will be registered in the first year. The farmer selects- his own "vet" who, in return for annual fees ranging according to the number kept, from 2/6 for heifers to 12/6 for cows, examines the herd at least four times a year and also makqs) any further visits required for treating animals affected. The farmer, on his part, is expected: to look out for the first symptoms of disease and to comply with certain control measures. The scheme will be run jointly by Britain's National Veterinary Medical Association and the Ministry of Agriculture, who are providing free laboratory services, 'for diagnostic work, abortion vaccine free of charge, and sulplianilamide at greatly reduced cost. A smaft committee is to -be seti up by the Ministry lo settle disputes between the farmers and the veterinary surgeons.