THE RURAL CONFERENCE

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9568, 14 August 1909, Page 6

THE RURAL CONFERENCE

SHEEP DIPPING. (Specially Written for the Wairarapa Age). This subject received more than usual attention at the hands of the conference. The discussion centred principally round the efficacy of nonpoisonous dips.and that dipping twice was th 6 only effectual method of dealing, with ticks and lice. Some delegates asserted that the dip only killed the ticks and not their eggs. There was evidently a disposition on ' the part of the conference to compel sheep owners to dip their flocks twice. It was mooted that such double dipping would eradicate ticks arid lice completely. However, the result of the discussion was that a resolution was carried, "That the Government be asked to enforce the Dipping Act more stringently, with a view of eradicating the ticks and lice which infect sheep." It is to he hoped in the face ot" this that the Stock Department will see that more effectual steps he taken in the future, as a great loss accrues annually from vermin through damage to wool and loss of condition in stock. With regard to thorough and ultimate eradication ot' these pests throughout the Dominion, there is no doubt but that tips 1 could be accomplished just as scab, a much more difficult and virulent disease, to deal vmh, was stamped out. This is a large order, and the question arises, at wh at cost? And this is an aspect that farmers should study carefully, for should the law be amended in the direction of imposing drastic measures their interest would rnaterislly be affected. After all it may be argued and proved that sheep can be kept "so free" from vermin by "one dipping" that practically no loss is sustained. To this desirable end certain measures must be resorted to, viz., the choice or a reliable dip which will kill not only the living insect but the egg as well. The mustering and dipping of every sheep on station and farm. The correct measuring and mixing of the dipping fluid with water hot or cold in accordance with instructions from the manufacturers. The thorough immersion of every sheep in the dipping fluid for such a period sis the fleece of the sheep is completely saturated. Simultaneous action in dipping as between neighbours, as far as possible. The keeping in good repair of boundary fences between adjoining sheepowncrs. The dipping of all sheep, except fats for slaughter, purchased at auction or other salrs proir to their being turned out on the purchasers' property. The dipping of all lambs, except fats for slaughter, unshorn at shearing time, or shortly after, and again at the annual dipping time as prescribed by the existing Act. The dipping of all rams purchased some few weeks before they sre turned out with the ewes. Generally keeping sheep in \ good condition. j Turning to the quality of the sey- |

' eral dips in vogue and on the market, most if not all of them, non poisonous or otherwise, are effectual if used in a proper manner, and in accordance with the printed directions givan with them. But how seldom are these carried out. An immersion of the sheep in the fluid for not less than one minuce is a general direction and a most important point it is. Yet even in the largest swim dipping trough many pass through in half or less than half of the prescribed time, with their fleeces only partly saturated. Very seldom are their heads thrust under with the crutch more than once, and it is essential that it should be done twice, mora particularly with hoggets which have not been shorn as lambs. It is often the case at the first immersion that the wool on their backs and necks is almost dry at the points. A long dip 50ft to 60ft, though preferable, is not absolutely essential, for the very simple contrivance of a sliding gate or bar at the end of the swim will enable sheep to be kept in and soaked any length of time deemed requisite. Some farmers dip their lambs in a weaker solution than the older sheep. " But it should be borne in mind by those who do so, that the vermin on a lamb as tenacious of life as on the adult sheep. There are flocks in this and other districts, we are informed by a gentleman with a knowledge.of dipping ana dealing with such pasts as ticks and lice, and who personally every shearing season handles some thousands of fleeces of wool, that the sheep came in at the time to all intents and purposes immune from parasites. The sheep oa such station are dipped only once, but the work is not performed in the haphazard, hurry scurry, rule of thumb, perfunctory manner that obtains on only too many stations and farms, hence the good results. If some owners can do such highly satisfactory work, why nut others? Imposing fines on careless farmers who do not dip properly or who expose infected sheep in the auction yards, is one method of dealing with the matter, a method which savours of "shutting the stable door after the horse is stolen." i he real solution is that farmers who are careless or are wanting in knowledge how to treat their sheep or dip them, should I be under the supervision and instruction of competent officials.