CATTLE TICK

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 18, 16 October 1919, Page 8

CATTLE TICK

NO FEVER IN NEW ZEALAND. An interesting address (n the cattle tick was delivered by the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture, Dr, C.J. Reakes, 1 nt yesterday's ■ conference of the Now Zealand Council of Agriculture. Dr. Reakes pointed out that in New Zealand tick fever did not exist, aud so long as they could keep infected ticks from coming into the country I here was no voason why it should exist here at all. While the ticks extant in New Zealand were not capable at the present time of causing tick fever, tlier% was no doubt that if they became sufficiently numerous they might have a serious effect in depreciating the value (if cattle. In tliis respect, he nientioiud the serious depreciation in tha value of a hide, that the presence of a. large .body oi ticks could cause. So it would bo fcwi that quite apart from the aspect of disease there was every reason, why the Department should do everything possible to keep cattle ticks under control, and whore possible to eradicate them altogether. For that reason the Department had lately gazetted some very ranipvoliensive regulations wlik-h would, lie thought, bo effective in coping with the pest. Tim cliief etfect ot these regulations was to east upon every owner of cattle the onus oi keeping his cattle Ireo from tick. After pointing out that <he New Zealand tick was not tile Bams species as the destructive ticks of (Juoensland and North America, Dr. Reakes stated that tho local ticks wire natives of India. Concluding, the Dveetor-Gencral said that ho looked forward with every confidence to fanners in tick areas wnrkin» iii with the- Department, nnd assisting it to deal with the pest, in answer lo questions, Dr, Itenkcs said that tho Department did nol. allow any animals lo bo imported into New Zealand, 'i'icks in New Zealand were found to be most numerous in the very far north, and in an area near Wh.ingarei. Only in one isolated case had they been found south of Rotorua. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Dγ, Renkes for his instructive uddreaa. 1

BEEF "NODULES" SUCCESSFIN, I'KSTS 131' DR. GILRUTir. London, October 14. li is understood Hint Dr. Gilrulh has exhaustively investigated the. question of "nodules" in beef, and has evolved a plan by which the difficulties can bo overcome." This should result in great benefit to the Australian trade. Dr. Gilrnth will submit a full report on the subject to the Government on his return to Australia. It is believed that possibly the British' Board of Trade may be induc.'d to undertake its own inspection in Australia prior to shipment of the kef— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.