17

H.—29.

Lice. —Taking the position right through the Dominion as a whole there has been a slight improvement. However, there are still far too many sheep affected with lice being exposed in the saleyards. In the Auckland District there has been an increase in the number noted. To some extent this may have been caused by the lack of water which was in evidence during the dipping-period. The chief offenders are those on small farms carrying a comparatively small number of sheep as a side-line. I would again draw the attention of all owners to the fact that when sheep affected with lice are found in the saleyards the provisions of the Act will be enforced in all cases. Renal Congestion in Lambs.—This disease, although confined principally to certain districts in the South Island, has again been in evidence in practically all sheep-farming districts. The experiments carried out during the past season—e.g., flushing the ewes before lambing with medicinal licks, green oats, &c. —have not been generally followed by the results hoped for. In some instances the results were satisfactory, while in the majority no benefit was derived. Taken as a whole the results were disappointing, and from the experience gained it would appear that the complete solution of the trouble cannot be looked for in that direction. From the experience gained so far it would appear that any condition which gives a check to the growing lamb is beneficial, but as this is against all principles of good sheep-farming one hesitates to advocate such methods in a wholesale manner. Further experiments are in progress, and will be carried out during the coming season, and it is to be hoped that a certain amount of benefit will be derived therefrom. This is one of the most difficult propositions the officers of the Department have undertaken. Every experiment that is carried out, even although negative results may follow, is narrowing the issue, and a solution should not be impossible in the not distant future. Maggot-fly Infestation. —With the exception of Otago, this trouble is in evidence in most districts throughout the country, although in the majority the fly is not troublesome to any serious extent. During the past season the natural enemy to this fly was introduced into a number of districts in both Islands. The results will be observed with interest, and should its introduction prove successful further supplies will be liberated. Meanwhile farmers will have to rely on the methods now in use for keeping the fly in check —namely, keeping the flock as free from dags and dirt as is possible, and careful inspection and dressing when necessary. Seasonal dipping also assists in this direction. Lymph-adenitis.—This disease, although fairly common in the Canterbury District, is not prevalent to any great extent in other parts of the Dominion. In view of the increased activity of the British authorities in regard to the incidence of this disease in mutton and lamb carcasses landed in Great Britain, it is essential that every care should be taken with reference to inspection in this country. With this end in view the inspection staff was increased during the past season, so as to obviate as far as possible the exportation of affected carcasses. This is a step in the right direction, but at the same time it does not assist the farmers in any way to lessen the disease among their flocks, an object which should be kept in view by all interested parties. The disease is one which is seldom observed by the flockowner ; it may be in existence in his flock without his being aware of the fact, and only revealed when the carcass is placed on the hooks. In the circumstances the farmer is not in a position to cope with the trouble. Officers of the Department are, however, keeping a strict watch for the disease, and when it is found in carcasses going through the works the owner is traced, and later he is acquainted with the fact, and advice given regarding the best methods of control. During the season a leaflet was issued by this Division giving the history of the disease and full instructions in prevention, and it is to be hoped that farmers will act upon the instructions and benefit by the advice given. Extrusion of the Vagina, Antepartum Paralysis, Stomatitis, Facial Dermatitis.—A number of cases of these troubles were seen in several districts in both Islands, but in no instance were they prevalent. In all cases the advice and assistance of the field officers were available to the settlers. Pigs. Pasteurellosis. —Outbreaks of this disease were seen in various localities in the North Island. Advice and assistance as to its control were given in all cases, and every endeavour made to limit the spread of infection. Necrosis. —A considerable number of cases of this disease were also seen, and advice given as to treatment and prevention. This complaint is always associated with unsanitary conditions, and if owners would only see that the premises are kept clean and occasionally disinfected the disease would be less troublesome than it is at present. Paralysis.—This trouble has caused considerable loss in a few isolated cases in the Auckland District; otherwise it cannot be said to be prevalent among pigs to any serious extent. A number of experiments are being conducted at Wallaceville with a view to ascertaining the cause of the the trouble. These experiments are dealt with by the Officer in Charge of the Veterinary Laboratory in his report. Various. —A number of other troubles, chiefly of dietetic origin, have been observed in several districts. In such cases assistance and advice have been given by field officers of this Division. Live-stock Statistics. Sheep. —It is satisfactory to record a substantial increase in the numbers of sheep held in the Dominion at 30th April, 1928. The returns show an increase of 1,484,794 in the total sheep, of which increase breeding-ewes claim 702,321, bringing the total number of sheep to 27,133,810 and breeding-ewes to 15,534,051. It is of interest to note that the South Island shows an increase of 900,509 head, as against 524,285 for the North Island. The proportionate increase in the South Island is all the more striking when it is considered that the South Island flocks are approximately 1,800,000 below the North Island figures.

3—H. 29.