SHEEP LOSSES

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1929, Page 8

SHEEP LOSSES

DISEASES AND REMEDIES. STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE. WELLINGTON, July 17. Answering a question, notice ol which was givt*n by Air W. H. Field vOtaki) in Llie House of Representatives recently’, as to whether It was true that 2,tKX),000 sheep die annually of disease in New Zealand, anti whether, if ...e report was correct, thi. deplorab.e mortality' did not constitute a reason for immediate increased research into the diseases o. siiteep, the Aiiniscer for Agriculture (the Hon. Air Forbes) stated that no exact statistics of the number of sheep dying annually were available, blit ii could not lie expected that 2,()00,0Ca. die annually from disease.

“In certain seasons,” continued tin Minister, “as a result of weather and feed conditions, heavy mortality does occur, largely from parasitic disease m hoggets, and oilier troubles affecting ewes near lambing time. This season a result of the free growth of late autumn grass, and of rainfall condition, a large mini her of deaths are occurring in the North Island. Tin ■watery, relatively innutritions grass is at the root of this and other troubles, causing the weakened animals to become specially, susceptible to the attacks of parasites, and, moreover, a plentiful covering of the pastures combined with moisture favours the development of the parasites, which an produced from the eggs dropped upon the pastures from effected animals. Fast research inis demonstrated the life history.;of these parasites, ami while, medical treatment is of value, methods of management aimed at providing feeding conditions suitable for hoggets, including depasturing upon well-drained land, constitute the most effective preventive measure. These methods are not eas.iy applicable upon some North Island properties in a season like the present one, hut tlie-y are. usually effective where they’ are able to he carried out. Trouble of this kind occurs in other countries also, including threat Britain, and a large volume of research work lias been, and is still being, carried out in connection with it, but it must be realised that in seasons like the present preventive measures in the shape of management of feeding conditions will always be the most important factor. Increased research into the mineral content of pasture plants under varying conditions of soil and of rainfall may prove of great value, and this extension of work was recently commenced. Apart from troubles directly or indirectly of dietectic origin, New Zealand is by comparison in a very good position as regards serious diseases affecting sheep.”