FACIAL ECZEMA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3115, 11 January 1911, Page 2

FACIAL ECZEMA.

A -SHEEP OWNER S’ ENEMY

In the current number of the ‘'Journal of the Department of Agriculture,” Mr. H. A. Reid, F.R.C.V.S., D.V.H., who has been making investigations and conducting experiments at the "Wallaccville laboratory as regards facial eczema among sheep, says that the disease, is characterised by an acute inflammation ol : the skin covering the face, which may, if the, affection be prolonged, become chronically thickened by the disposition of fibrous tissue. The affected parts become finally denuded of hair, and covered by a thick brown scab underrun with pus. The preliminary irritation, by which attention to the prevalence of the disease is first aroused, .leads affected animals to attempt relief by vigorously rubbing the face and head against any available objects or on the ground surface. or by violent scratching with the hind feet, and endeavouring by other forcible means to allay the irritaion. The skin in consequence becomes abraded, and the inflammatory condition aggravated, while soil and dirt are introduced into the self inflicted woundk. The inflammation. extends, involving the tissues around the eyes, which receive further injury from the animal in the manner referred to; the resulting conjunctivitis and corneitis may produce blindness. It lias been noticed that sheep affected with facial dermatitis are also frequently infested to a severe degree by stomach and intestinal worms. The nutation provoked by the presence of these parasites give rise to diarrhoea. This not infrequent combination of gas-tro-onteritis and dermatitis is often followed by death from malnutrition and and exhaustion. CAUSE OF THE DISEASE.

The primary cause of this morbid condition appears to be due to some functional disorder of the digestive organs, followed, probably, by the absorption of toxins into the circulatory system. These either interfere with the cellular nutrition of the skin, or act as irritants, setting up an eczematous eruption. Mr Reid proceeds to say that post mortems often reveal fatty and congested livers. It lias been remarked' that sheep obliged to partake exelusivly of one variety of food are more prone to be affected. Removal to fresh pastures involving change of feed generally checks the appearance of further cases, while, provided the disease has not advanced too far, and is not complicated with other disorders, affected animals recover. Recently, by the courtesy of owners, sheep suffering from facial dermatitis in various stages have been forwarded to the laboratory for further study and observation regarding its nature! In every case examined an oiganism has been found with the eruption on the face. MODE OF TREATMENT.

Experiments* were made by inoculating sheep with a pure culture of the organism referred to, and the result was that the eczema developed. After stating that Mr Lyons, veterinary supervisor in the Auckland district, had reported eczema among cattle which affected the face and udder and the perenemn, Mr Reid deals with the treatment. Apparently no new treatment can be recommended, as he adds nothing to what was advised in the Department's report of 190 S. Briefly, he advises change of pasture (to a different kind of teed), and the application of an antiseptic lotion sue’.) as ereolin or lysol. It is said that Mr. Lynos has treated cattle with local applications of zinc ointment and lnd good results.