H.—29,

The total number of cattle, exclusive of calves, examined at tlie various abattoirs and meat-export slaughterhouses was 518,201, an increase of 13,595 on last year's figures. Of these, 39,812, or 7-68 per cent., were found to be affected with tuberculosis in varying degree, a large percentage being only slightly affected. This indicates an increase of 0-11 per cent, infection amongst cattle slaughtered in these premises. So far as the tuberculin testing of herds is concerned, the position is a voluntary one. It is, however, interesting to note that 14,458 cattle were tested at the owner's request. Although a system of clinical examination of the dairy herds supplying milk for human consumption is combined with the biological, test of composite milk samples from dairy herds, it still appears desirable to have all herds supplying milk subjected to the tuberculin test at regular intervals. Actinomycosis (and Actinobacillosis) .—During the year 628 animals were condemned for this disease. Many animals were successfully treated for the disease during the year by the regular dosing with potassium iodide. Those field officers who have treated cases by the intravenous use of sodium iodide claim to have obtained good results. This method of treatment might be used in the case of run cattle, where dosing is impracticable, though the intravenous injection in many such cases would prove difficult to carry out. Malignant Growths. —The number of animals condemned was 346, compensation being paid in accordance with the Stock Act. Anthrax. —During the year the death of one dairy cow was confirmed as being due to anthrax. This occurred on a farm in the North Auckland district and may be considered to be a recrudescence of infection following the occurrence of anthrax in the same location six years ago. Blackleg. —The numbers of calves vaccinated against this disease in the affected areas were Taranaki, 10,632, and Auckland, 22,004, making a total of 32,636. This shows an increase of 1,787 on last year's figure and would suggest that the total number of outbreaks has increased. Control by vaccination continues to give good results, and the reports for the season are very satisfactory, the actual number of outbreaks in the Auckland district being 200, compared with 222 the previous year, and the number of deaths 395, compared with 498 the previous year. Cattle-tick (Haemaphysalis bispinosa).—There has been no spread of the cattle tick to clean areas, the position being similar to that reported last year. Johne's Disease: —The position in regard to the control of this disease is not satisfactory from several points of view. Owing to conflicting results in the use of Johnin as a diagnostic agent, systematic testing of herds has been to an extent discontinued, and affected animals are removed from herds on a clinical diagnosis of the disease. Forty animals have been condemned on Taranaki farms during the year, cases being recorded from some new farms in this district. Fortunately, the majority of the herds in which the disease has been found are grade herds, so that the cull cows are sold to the works. The greatest danger of spread of the disease is through the sale of pedigree stock in the early stages of infection. No doubt the disease was introduced in imported pedigree stock in the first place. In place of the half-yearly tests of herds a systematic clinical inspection of the herds in Taranaki is being carried out. In the Auckland district a total of forty-two head of stock have been condemned for Johne's disease during the year. It is satisfactory to record that all animals which passed the test prior to a recent dispersal sale of an infected herd have remained healthy. Non-scheduled Diseases. Mastitis. —This disease of dairy cattle continues to be a cause of much loss of production not only in infected animals, but also from a culling or replacement point of view. The withdrawal of comparatively young cows on account of mastitis, combined possibly with some other factor such as low production or irregular breeding, means a heavy replacement of producing-stock every year. The field officers continue to give all assistance possible to owners who experience serious trouble in their herds. The prevention and control of the disease through herd and shed management must continue to be given first consideration. Contagious Abortion. —This disease is still prevalent in many dairy herds. The application of the agglutination test to blood samples taken from individual herds gives a true incidence of the disease in these herds. The main trouble in many cases appears to be confined to the young two-year-old heifers, where at times the rate of abortion is very high. Several apparent epidemics affecting this age group have been noted during the year. In each case advice has been given in regard to the nature of the disease, and methods of control have been recommended. In the older age group of animals, owners, as a rule, do not give sufficient attention to the isolation of aborting animals, and thus a fresh source of infection for the young stock is spread about. Strict attention to isolation and disinfection of all aborting animals must be enforced if a comparative immunity from storms of the disease is to be ensured. Much advice concerning the disease has been disseminated during the year. Temporary Sterility.—Temporary sterility or delayed conception in dairy herds has again to be reported in several districts. It was particularly prevalent in the North Auckland district this last breeding season. This was not surprising in view of previous opinions expressed that the disease appears more serious following severe winters or heavy production seasons. In this district the cattle were subject to a severe shortage of food during the previous winter, several thousand animals dying from inadequate feeding. In such circumstances there must have been large numbers of animals which

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