MORTALITY AMONG SHEEP.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3008, 24 October 1891, Page 2

MORTALITY AMONG SHEEP.

TO THE KIIITOII. Sir, —In your pawer of the 22nd instant I notice an article headed " Mortality among sheep and lambs, caused by internal parasites," and signed E. Clifton, Auckland, in which the following astounding statement is made : " For the parasites affecting sheep will not attack cattle nor those of the latter sheep.'' Now amongst persons having any pretensions to a knowledge of helmintbology, Mr Clifton's assertion will he viewed as a little at variance with well understood facts. A well-known authority says: " What is commonly called ' the lamb disease' is simply the equivalent affection of husk, or hoose, occuring in cattle. The strongylus inicrurus, or small tailed strangle, is the parasite that gives rise to husk or hoose in cattle. Besides this wo have four species of strongle infesting the calf and ox. Persons having any knowledge of the family of strongylidae need no reminder of their directive power amongst sheep. The other strongles infesting the ox are, respectively, str. ventricosus, str. inflatus, str. radiatus (found in the gall duct), and str. gigas, the giant strangle. Of the cestode family, or group, there are four wlftch infest ox and sheep alike. Of this number " the ectno cocusveterinorum "is as abundant in cattle as in sheep. It also infests mankind, equine animals and all ruminants. The cysticercus tenuicollis," or_ slen ler-necked hydatid, is less abundant in the ox than in the sheep. It is capable of causing inflammatory action, especially when it takes up its abode in the liver. Of the family, or group, of parasites known as "trematode," Mr Clifton has evidently no knowledge. It is a large and interesting group, and is common alike to sheep and cattle, and even elephants, deer and antelope, rabbits, &c,, suffer from its ravages. Of the remedies proposed by Mr Clifton, I do not intend to speak, but would call his attention to the Otigo Witness of 3rd September, 1890, where he will find thos.and other kindred remedies reported on fully by Mr Stan}ey, V.S., New South Wales, whose trial ol these favourites, or " parrot remedies " elicited anything but commendation,—Yours truly, N. A. LAHSEr. Lauriston, Morrinsville, 23rd October, 1891. '