H.—29

15

Liver-fluke. —This has been very little in evidence during the season. Lice.—l am pleased to report that a considerable reduction has taken place in the number of sheep found in saleyards affected with lice. Renal Congestion in Lambs.—Although a few cases of this disease may be found in most districts where sheep are reared, the disease is confined principally to certain parts of the Otago District, and to a lesser extent to South Canterbury. Research in connection with this disease has been carried on for a number of years, and, although considerable knowledge has been gained, we are very little further forward from a practical point of view. Further information on this matter is contained in the report of the officer in charge of the Wallaceville Laboratory. Maggot-fly Infestation. —This pest is seen in every district in New Zealand. In those districts where it is already established there are indications that it is becoming more numerous. The ravages of this fly largely depends on seasonal conditions. In muggy weather it is strongly in evidence amongst the flocks, whereas in dry seasons it is scarcely noticeable. The early portion of the season just past was ideal for this pest, and on this account the increase reported may only be due to seasonal conditions. The natural enemy to the blow-fly, Alysia manducator, was liberated in several districts in New Zealand, but so far it has not had time to prove whether it has established itself or not. In the meantime sheep-farmers should not neglect those methods hitherto in use to keep the pest in check —viz., keeping the flock as free as possible from dags and dirt, careful inspection, and dressing when necessary. The destruction of all dead carcasses, offal, sheep-dagging, &c., should receive attention, as these are the main breeding-places for the next season's crop of flies. Lymphadenitis.—lt has been found this season that the disease, although still more prevalent in Canterbury and parts of the Otago District, was not by any means confined to these districts, and that stricter methods of meat-inspection showed that a small percentage of sheep and lambs were affected in almost every other district. This more thorough inspection was brought about in order to meet the requirements of the British authorities. While this additional inspection operates in the direction of preventing affected carcasses reaching the home market, it in no wise assists the sheepfarmer in lessening the incidence of the disease amongst his flock, a matter that should be the aim of every flockowner throughout the Dominion. Departmental officers are notifying all farmers whose sheep and lambs are found to be affected when passing through the works, and with the notification is a leaflet giving advice in the control of the disease. It is the duty of every farmer, when notified that his flock is affected, to do all in his power to comply with the instruction, in order to lessen the incidence of the disease, and get rid of it where possible. General.—A number of other minor complaints were seen in several districts, but in no instance were they prevalent. In all cases the advice and assistance of the field officers were available to the settlers. PIGS. The number slaughtered for the season 1929-30 was 524,753, as compared with 516,471 for the previous season —i.e., an increase of 8,282. Although the total number slaughtered was in excess of the 1928-29 figures, the amount exported was less, being 155,288 cwt., as compared with 165,163 cwt. exported the previous season —i.e., a decrease of 9,875 cwt. In spite of the fact that the quantity exported was less than for the previous season, the actual value was £542,127, as compared with £495,910, an increase of £46,217. These figures show that the consumption within New Zealand is increasing. At the same time, if the requirements within the Dominion are to be met and we wish to maintain and increase our export, then an increase in production is essential. As shown above, our slaughtering for the past season amounted to 524,735. Taking into consideration the numbers carried over for breeding purposes and those that could not be fattened, it will be seen that statistically it takes the milk or whey of two cows to produce one pig. If, with the addition of a little barley or meat-meal, dairy by-products were fed under such conditions as would enable the animals to derive the greatest benefit out of the materials provided the output in bacon pigs and porkers could be increased far in excess of the cost of the extra feed provided. Climatic and other ponditions are favourable to the raising of this commodity, and it is worthy of more serious consideration than it receives at present. More systematic inspection-work has been laid down for the winter season. Pasteurellosis.—-A few cases of this were seen in several districts, particularly in the North Island. Attention was given in all cases. By isolating affected animals, cleaning up and disinfecting infected places the trouble was soon overcome. Bacterial Necrosis.—A number of cases were seen in the Auckland District, due to the filthy conditions under which the pigs were kept. Several deaths occurred. Improved conditions and better feeding brought the trouble to an end. A number of small mortalities due to other causes have been investigated. In most cases insanitary conditions, improper feeding, and want of shelter having been at the root of the troubles. I would again like to impress upon the pig-farmers of this country the absolute necessity for paying more attention to the conditions mentioned.