FACIAL ECZEMA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 April 1938, Page 3

FACIAL ECZEMA

POSITION IN AUCKLAND.. FURTHER LOSSES EXPECTED. By Telegraph. —Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 29. “Losses by farmers whose stock is affected by eczema will be substantially increased at lambing or calving time of the survivors,” said the manager of a large stock concern. “The 1935 epidemic clearly showed that.” This man pointed out that in 1935 a high proportion of ewes that had recovered were in such poor condition at lambing time that they then died. A good number of lambs also died at birth or, if they survived, were poor in physique. Few grazing areas in the Auckland metropolitan area have not been immune from the incidence of the facial eczema epidemic. Up to the present stage, however, it does not appear to have gained a serious hold, and no fatal cases have been reported. Of 150 ewes, wethers and lambs on the Mount Hobson Domain, Remuera, about a score have already been transferred to rough pasture because of their condition and an inspection today revealed others showing incipient signs of the disease. In Cornwall Park and on One Tree Hill, where there are large flocks, several animals show characteristic symptons of the trouble when in its early stages. Horses are also stated to have been affected, but in most cases they have responded well to treatment. Inflammation of the nasal passages seems to be a common condition, together with the formation of blisters inside the nose and mouth. Three thoroughbreds owned by an Auckland man suffered in this way while turned out on green pasture, but as soon as they were stabled, hard fed, and treated by a veterinary surgeon normal health was regained. APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT. BY TARANAKI FARMERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, April 29. The serious nature of facial eczema among sheep was discussed by a large meeting of North Taranaki farmers at New Plymouth today. The meeting decided to request the Government that efforts be made to find a means of prevention rather than cure. So large was the attendance that a bigger hall had to be engaged. Mr W. B. Grant said that the complaint was a South African disease which affected the liver of animals. He contended that farmers were concentrating too much on production and neglected the animal itself. He said that dosing with salts and painting the sheeps’ faces with Stockholm tar and lard had proved a successful cure for his stock. Mr Grant contended that it was not a matter for the Government, but for individual farmers.