Experience Proves Wiser Management Reduces Disease

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1940, Page 26 (Supplement)

Experience Proves Wiser Management Reduces Disease

There had been no infestation of clean areas by the cattle tick during the year, Mr. Barry said. As regards tuberculosis among cattle the statistics showed little alteration from the previous year, but it was satisfactory to record an increasing demand by stock-owners for the application of the tuberculin test whereby the presence of tuberculosis can be detected with certainty. There had been a small increase in the numbers of. calves vaccinated for blackleg, but the number of outbreaks was smaller and the control of the disease by vaccination was quite satisfactory. The position in regard to Johne's disease was not so satisfactory. The number of ' cases continued to increase, not rapidly, but with some persistence in the Taranaki and Auckland provinces. Forty animals were condemned in Taranaki last season, some ofthem from new farms. An inspection of herds is being carried out, and any stockowner that has reason to fear the presence of the disease should report the matter to the department without delay. Contagious abortion is still prevalent in many dairy herds. Experiments in the vaccination of calves are under way, but will take some time before results will be available. As regards" mastitis the position has not altered. very materially. The disease still reduces production very considerably, and its prevention and control through herd and shed management must continue to be given first consideration. As regards hydatid disease the progress made in controlling the spread of the disease has not been as great as was hoped. Much publicity has been given to the subject, and an effective worm medicine has been supplied to all'dogowners, but it is only by the combined and continuous co-operation of dog own-

ers that this disease can be brought under control. There was a considerable amount of disease among pigs during the year with resultant mortality particularly among young pigs. In many instances a higher standard of hygiene in the piggery, including better and cleaner feeding will assist in preventing outbreaks of disease. There was no serious trouble caused by disease among poultry, and the application of better management and feeding prevented the spread of various troubles that were found. Reports indicated that more attention was being paid to the importance of selection in breeding stock and an improved quality in the young stock was observed in many poultry farms. Interesting figyres. showing the growth of the export of high class sheep from the Dominion, were reached last year when no fewer than 17,016 sheep were export ed.