H.—29.

14

in various parts of the country, but these troubles yielded to the treatment applied. In the Auckland District a number of cases of staggers were seen, also in the northern part of the South Island a number of cases of forage poisoning were seen. In both districts the trouble was of dietetic origin, which in a short time yielded to treatment. Cattle. Tuberculosis. —The position still remains satisfactory with regard to this disease. The number of cattle slaughtered in the field as the result of clinical examination and the tuberculin test amounted to 4,623, as against 4,839 last year, showing a decrease of 216. Decreases in all districts have to be recorded as follows: Auckland, 115; Wellington, 13; Christchurch, 74; Dunedin, 14. The Auckland District again shows by far the largest percentage of condemnations. In my last year's report I gave the reasons for this, and in the absence of a better system of drainage and better management such high percentages are likely to continue. Taken as a whole, even with full consideration of the slight increase shown in the freezing-works and abattoir returns, the position as regards this disease is satisfactory, and compares more than favourably with the herds of other dairying countries. With the careful elimination of all animals showing any symptoms of the disease, and by testing those which are suspicious, it is to be hoped that in the near future the herds of this country may be in a still better condition. The District Superintendent, Dunedin, remarks that the incidence of the disease is less than in former years, and it would not be a difficult matter to have the disease eliminated from many dairy herds in the district. This is the aim that departmental officers keep steadily in view, and with the co-operation of individual owners this can be accomplished in many districts throughout the Dominion. The number of cattle examined at the various freezing-works and abattoirs was 320,945, a decrease of 60,667 from last year. Of these 16,758, or 5-22 per cent., an increase of 0-12 per cent, over last year, were found affected in varying degrees, a considerable number being only slightly infected. The reasons for this slight increase will be investigated. The total number of swine examined was 490,789, an increase of 17,669 over last year. The total number affected was 49,761, or 10-14 per cent., a decrease of 0-38 per cent, on last year's figures. In my report of last year I drew attention to the fact that tuberculosis was on the increase among swine in New Zealand, and urged the necessity for better feeding and housing, and I again take the opportunity to still further urge these necessities. If we are to increase our output of pig products and become a competitor on the world's markets —and with our climate and conditions there is no solid reason why we should not —then we will have to do away with the present slipshod methods, and see that these animals get the proper care and attention which will enable them to be put on the market with the maximum of profit to the producer. Actinomycosis. —The animals condemned for this disease and for which compensation was paid show a slight increase over last year's figures. The number condemned is 685, as against 628 the previous year, distributed as follows : Canterbury, 63 ; Auckland, 380 ; Wellington, 182 ; Otago, 60. In addition to those animals slaughtered for the disease a considerable number was treated with potassium iodide with satisfactory results. It is only in open cases or in those which have advanced so far that treatment is useless that slaughter is carried out, and wherever possible owners are advised to seek advice early, in order that the best results may be obtained and that the lives of valuable animals may not be sacrificed. Malignant Growths.—The number of cattle condemned for malignant growths was 428, a decrease of 52 over last year's figures. In all cases the diagnosis made in the field was confirmed by microscopical examination at Wallaceville Laboratory. Mammitis. —This is still a serious menace to our dairy industry, and far too many cows have to be culled from the herds on account of this complaint, although, with the exception of one or two districts in Auckland Province, the disease has not been so much in evidence as in previous years. Since my last report the investigations made by the scientific workers of this and other countries have not yielded information as to any new or improved method of control of practical utility, and we have still to depend on methods formerly in use —namely, improved sanitary conditions and management. In this way very much can be accomplished. From observation in the field it has been found that the increase of the disease is greater in those herds which are machine-milked than in those milkes by hand. It is well known that any abnormal condition which will weaken the resistant powers of the udder-tissue, thereby rendering it more susceptible to disease, is a factor which cannot be disregarded. Such conditions enable the organism of the disease to gain easy access into the tissue, and set up trouble which could otherwise be avoided. Adverse conditions which pave the way for the disease, although seen in the hand-milked herd, are not nearly as common as when mechanical appliances are used. It frequently happens that such appliances are worked at too high pressure, and are left too long on the teats after the milk has been drawn. Such conditions, as stated, previously lessen the animal's resistant powers, and afford greater facilities for the organism to invade and destroy the udder-tissues. To avoid risk of infection it is also essential to see that the sanitary conditions in and around the shed are in a satisfactory condition, that the milking-machines are kept thoroughly clean, and that they are not used on any infected quarter. If a strict observance of these conditions were adhered to I feel satisfied that the incidence of mammitis among our herds would be considerably reduced. Genital Diseases.—(a) Contagious abortion : This disease, although still widespread, has (with the exception of one or two districts in North Auckland) not been so prevalent as in previous years, and in no case have large outbreaks in any one herd been common. Year by year farmers, either independently or through the field Veterinarians and Stock Inspectors, are taking more advantage of the laboratory test in the diagnosis of this disease. This is a step in the right direction, as it puts