H,— 29.

Parasitic Disease.—The losses occasioned to sheep-farmers through parasitism of their flocks is probably greater than from any other cause. Much information regarding the control of parasites in sheep has been disseminated by the Division during recent years, but too much reliance is placed by sheep-farmers 011 drenching alone, whilst neglecting the adoption of methods of sheep management and feeding, without which lasting results cannot be obtained. The influence of the nutritional aspect of the sheep in combating the effect of parasites is a very vital one, hence the necessity of maintaining lambs on short pasture providing the maximum of nutrition. During the summer a detailed investigation was carried out by officers of the Wallaceville Laboratory into the aspect of parasitism as affecting lambs in the Morton Mains district of Southland ; this was decided upon in view of the opinion previously held that parasites were to a large extent responsible for the loss and unthriftiness in lambs experienced in this district. The inquiry revealed a degree of parasitic infestation which in itself is quite capable of producing serious loss. It is the Department's intention, provided the assistance of local interested parties is forthcoming, to arrange the supervision on a selected farm of operations designed to put into effect methods of control calculated to combat parasitic infestation. The results would not be apparent until the measures had been in force for some time, but would be of great value eventually. Contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth).—Outbreaks of this condition, affecting lambs and hoggets principally, have been recorded. The disease is due to a virus, and the possibility of preventive vaccination on properties where the trouble occurs is being given consideration by the laboratory. Lice and Ticks.—lt is pleasing to record that, with the exception of the Poverty Bay District, the position regarding lice-infested sheep is satisfactory. In the district referred to, however, it became necessary to institute numerous prosecutions under the Stock Act against owners for exposing liceinfested sheep in saleyards. Sheep Bloiv-Jly. —Reports indicate considerable prevalence of blow-fly attack. Methods of control have been strongly stressed by the field staff in those districts where the condition is bad. The more extensive use of fly-traps by farmers would materially help in lessening loss from this trouble. PIGS. The development of pig-breeding as an adjunct to dairy-farming is one of the most outstanding features of recent years. A further increase in the number of pigs slaughtered during the past year has to be recorded, the figures being 924,979, as against 744,569 last year, an increase of 180,410. With a realization of the importance of the pig-breeding industry arises the necessity for improvement in the general methods of pig management and feeding. The need for improvement in this direction is very evident, as is shown by the large numbers of pigs which are rejected for export on examination at the works, these rejections being in a large percentage of cases due to conditions which are directly attributable to faulty pig-management. Much prominence has been given to this aspect by the Department, but it is apparently very difficult to awaken pig-breeders to an appreciation of what is a very pressing necessity. Swine Fever. —It is gratifying to record the Dominion's freedom from this disease during the year. The outbreak which was reported upon last year as having occurred near Wellington has not been followed by any recrudescence of the disease, which affords evidence of the effectiveness of the measures taken to stamp out the infection. Pleurisy in Pigs.—This condition, found on inspection of pig carcasses, is all too common. On account of the very stringent attitude regarding the presence of any trace of pleurisy in the carcass taken by the British inspecting authorities it has become necessary to considerably tighten up inspection here with respect to this condition, and pleurisy is to-day responsible for a large percentage of unexportable pigs. A certain percentage of pleurisy cases are caused by specific infections (suipestifer and pasteurellosis), but collectively the condition can be said to be largely influenced by faulty methods in pig-management. Given correct feeding, and adequate housing to protect young pigs from the effects of cold and damp conditions, the incidence of pleurisy should be materially decreased. An intensive propaganda towards this end is most desirable. Necrotic Ulceration of the Shin. —This is another condition leading to the rejection of carcasses for export. Improved hygienic conditions are essential in its prevention. The disease is a particularly common one, but is amenable to treatment, and excellent results have followed the use of tartar emetic (potassium antimony tartarate) as a skin-dressing, this being advocated by the Division. Mange.—Outbreaks of this disease in pigs were not numerous during the year. Those that occurred were quickly controlled, and the disease eradicated. Tuberculosis. —The degree of infection by this disease in pigs examined on slaughter for the past year is 10-31 per cent. To a large extent the actual infection in the carcass is slight, being mainly found in the throat glands. Owing to the necessary very rigid inspection of the carcass for the presence of tuberculosis a lessening of the incidence is highly desirable. In this direction the question of the better housing and management of pigs by the farmer is at present engaging attention. The possibility of a percentage of tuberculous-infection in pigs being due to an avian source is a matter also receiving investigation at the Wallaceville Laboratory. Meat Inspection. The very great increase in slaughterings, particularly with respect to pigs in the North Island works generally, called for an increase in the meat-inspection staff. This has been met by the appointment of six Veterinarians and eighteen additional lay Inspectors. Some further appointments are, however, necessary to replace numerical vacancies on the staff created by retirements and transfers. To cope with the very exacting requirements of the Home authorities at the present time the addition to the staff was urgently necessary, and it is anticipated that as a result, and also the provision of improved conditions for inspection of pig-carcasses which is being provided at certain works by an alteration to the height of the rails, that meat-inspection work will be on a much better basis for the coming season.

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