OUTBREAK OF PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1201, 9 March 1880, Page 2

OUTBREAK OF PLEURO-PNEU-MONIA.

A further case of pleuro-pneumonia m the Auckland district is announced as having been discovered last Saturday, by Messrs F. C. Lewis, Cattle Inspector, and G. Naden, M.R.C.V.S.L., and Halstead. We clip the following from the Herald yesterday : — On Saturday last the farm of Mr Banks, near Otahuhu, was inspected by Mr Lewis, accompanied by Mr Naden, M.R.C.V.S.L., and Mr Halstead. When the Assessment Court held at Ellerslie dispersed, the news had spread that Mr Lewis, accompanied by Mr Jas. Dilworth, veterinary surgeons, &c, was m the district, and that several post mortem examinations were to be held. A good deal of riding and driving here and there was made before the exact place of inspection was discovered. On this being ascertained, it was found that at least a score of people had assembled, interested m the proposed operations. Among these, m addition to those above named, were Messrs . Jas. Wallace (of Hillside, Papatoitoi). B. McLean, J. Banks, K. Baddley, Joseph Finnerty, &c. From what we could ascertain, it appeared that some cattle pointed out to the inspecting officers, said to be the property of Mr J. Finnerty, looked somewhat sickly, but not m such a state as Mr. Naden or Mr Halstead would recommend being killed for post mortempnvposes. One was selected, and asked to be kept, for a few days, when another j visit would bo made. The party then left for the herd of Messrs Ireland Brothers, and when there a message reached them informing them that the owner of the animal which had just been selected desired them to return and have it killed. Mr Lewis and party at once returned from Panmure, and the animal was killed m their presence. Ou the chest being oponod it was spon that tho disenso of

pleuro-pneumonia was strongly developed, when a messenger was at once sent after Messrs Banks aud Maclean, who were proceeding to Otahuhu for luncheon, so that they might be present when the chest was fully opened. On further examination, it was found that the right lung was greatly enlarged and hepatized, and strongly marked with the characteristic marbled appearance of pleuro-pne-umonia. The right lung also adhered firmly to the sides of the chest. The left lung was comparatively healthy. Such we believe to be the general condition of the animal when examined. At the time there were many present who had seen the malady on its former visitation to this province, and no doubt existed as to its true and terrible character. Mr Dilworth and several other* carried off portions o" the diseased lung, for the purpose of showing it to others. Under the circumstances it is questionable whether the whole of the herd of which this slaughtered animal formed a part is not all more or less affected with pleuro. Fears are entertained that more of Messrs Ireland Brothers' cattle are affected, and under the circumstances it would be desirable to have the cattle of Mr Smith examined, if they have not already been so, as it will be remembered that an early period after pleuro-pneu-monia was introduced, one of the suspected cattle he bought died. The herd examined on Saturday were grazing alongside a public road, and the danger of such a situation can easily be appreciated when the contagious character of the disease is considered.