THE OUTBREAK OF PLEUROPNEUMONIA. Mr McNicol's Cattle.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1225, 6 May 1880, Page 2

THE OUTBREAK OF PLEUROPNEUMONIA. Mr McNicol's Cattle.

On Tuesday morning a board ot inspection, consisting of Mesßra Storey and Buttle (members of the Cattle Board), Mr Naden, 1V1.R.C.V.5.L., and Inspectors Runciman and Uerse, visited the farm of Mr D. McNicol, Ohaupo, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the disease did really exist on the farm, and moro particularly in the cattle purchased from the Swamp Company. The visit was made iv accordance with a resolution pasred at the last meeting of the Cattle Board. There was a number of settlers present, and every arrangement had been made for slaughtering. The herd supposed to be infected had been yarded, and two butchers were in attendance to kill and dress the beasts. The Swamp cattle — four two-year-old heifers — appeared to be in very fair condition, and were said by those present to have greatly improved in appearance during the la'-t month or so. Although not piesenting the idea of perfectly haalthy cattle, it would have been difficult for an outsider to pronounce them suffering from any disease. Two or three of them were quietly chewing their cuds when the party arrived. Subsequently these animals, as well as one of the other beasts, a three year-old steer, coughed once oi' twice. The order uuderthe hand of the Chairman of the Cattle Board authorised the Inspector to slaughter two beasts, and accordingly the proceedings were commenced by shooting what, in the opinion of the surgeon, was the worst looking. The carcase avas then handed over to the butchers present, by whom it was properly skinned and dressed, and the lungs were removed for examination by the Veterinary Surgeon. Mr Natlen gave no expression of opinion on the subject, as he had to reserve his report for the Cattle Board. Mr (4erse expressed his opinion that there were traces^of inflammation on the lungs of both beasts. The second animal was then slaughtered and the same course followed in regard to it as to the other. Subsequently the lungs of both animals were examined and dissected by Dr. Hale who was present at the request of Mr McNicol and by Dr. Blundeu of To Awamutu. They made a very careful examination, and pronounced the organs to be entirely free from any kind of disease. By Mr McNicol's desire the niedjeal gentlemen drew up a written report as follows : — Ohaupo, 4th ll. iv. AYe hoiebv fcrtifv that we ha\c this, day, at the request ot .Mr McNkol, been present and examined the lungs uf two ot his cattle, said to be laboi ing; undei pluuro-pncumoma, and shot on that ai( ount. AYe find that the tobfal plan a was frecfiom an> adhesion or depot.it — the lung's being 1 readily removed horn the bodies. The lungs themselves pi cscnttd no traces cither of the pi unary stage or congestion, or ot the secondary stage ot bcpati/ation. Ihe lobules were distinct, and could iciidily be sep.uated from each othei . Thej capitated on pi essure and on section there was no exhudatioii \ isiblo. The lungs, as a whole, floated in water, and c\cn small pieces, cut indiscriminately, were quite buoyant. Ihe ttachva was followed down, and one of the bro)\thi, for some distance below the bifurc ation, and both slit up. Their internal aspect (as was observed, by many pu-sont) was> health) , smooth, glistening, and Iree horn deposit. AYe therefore are of opinion, from this pod' mo) tan evidence, that so far as the lungs were concerned, these two beasts were perfectly healthy. R. J. Hvli-, M.D.; L.R.C.P., London; E.L.R.C.P., London ; and M.R.C.S., London. AVairoa South. AVm. Blumm.x, M.U.T.C.D., L.R.C.5.1., and L.M.K.Q.C.P.1., Te Awamutu.

It had been originally intended to kill another beast, but Inspector Runciman said he did not feel justified in going any further for the present. Considerable indignation was expressed by those present at the slaughter of the second beast, after the result of the medical examination of the first had been stated, and this feeling was intensified when it became known that the order for destruction of the auimals was seconded by instructions to bury the carcases six feet below the surface of the ground. On refering to Mr Runciman, Mr McNicol was told that he had no power to reverse the order of the Board, and in answer to further enquires said he did not know when the farm would be declared free from infection. He suggested that as there was a quorum of the Board present the matter should be referred to them. It was found, however, that Mr Buttle had left tho place in company with Mr Naden, who was obliged to return to Cambridge without delay. However, Mr

Lake kindly undertook to fetch Mr Buttle, and in the meantime the gentlemen present were hospitably entertained by Mr McNicol. On Mr Buttle'a arrival a meeting of the Board was held and permission granted to Mr McNicol to dispose of the beef otherwise than by depositing it in the earth. This decision was received with great satisfaction, the meat being in every way excellent. Regarding the question of removing the infected tickets the matter will necessarily have to come before the full Board on Saturday, when they will have before them the veterinary surgeon's report and all other available information on the subject.