SICKNESS IN EWES

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1928, Page 3

SICKNESS IN EWES

RESULT OF GOOD WINTER. WELLINGTON, September 20. The ‘1 mysterious ” disease amongst breeding ewes in the Dominion, concerning which an alarmist note was sounded by Ml*. W. S. Glenn, in the ilouse of Representatives a few days ago, lias proved to be nothing but the familiar prolapse, of the vagina. This disease, with which all experienced sheep farmers are familiar, is generally th'e direct, result of a good Winter. When the climate during the winter proves mild, food is plentiful, the sheep are rarely disturbed by the owner, they reach high condition with much internal fat, the liver becomes fatty, and they frequently carry twin lambs. The symptoms are exhibited about seven days before the animal is due to lamb and there are few or no premonitory symptoms, the protrusion of the vagina having taken place when the condition of the ewe is noticed. Being heavy in lamb the ewes have little natural tendency for exercise. As the pasture is far from bare there is no great necessity (for movement and indeed, on many pastures, there is enough to supply a sheep within a, radius of a few yards. In consequence, the natural indolence of the ewe during the period is much aggravated. The remedy is to exercise the sheep when they are ’in good condition and on good pasture. This can be done by mustering the sheep and giving them a change of pasture for one or two hours daily. In special cases ewes should be. yarded at night—they will not rest • readily in yards, but generally no more is required than compulsory movement once or twice a day. Each sheep must bo made to get up and run some yards and on this work an old dog which will not •cause the sheep sudden starts and violent jumps is the best. Curative methods for affected ewes are detailed in a pamphlet issued by the Live Su ck Division, and have been for the past 20 years. , _