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Pregnancy Toxaemia. —This disease of the breeding-ewes is commonly referred to as sleepy sickness. The weather was mild and pasture reasonably good for ewe flocks last spring, so losses from this disease were low in all districts, particularly in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. For similar reasons, the disease known as bearing trouble in ewes was also quite rare —in fact, a very good lambing season was experienced. Parasitic Gastro-enteritis. —There was less evidence of serious worm trouble in hoggets last year. Where the feed-supply to young stock is maintained at an even and reasonable level throughout the critical autumn and winter months, the danger of losses from worm trouble is lessened markedly. These conditions prevailed last year, and though a few flocks showed some scouring it was well controlled by the use of phenothiazine. This worm medicine is becoming better known to all stockowners and is being more widely used, with very gratifying results. Contagious Ecthyma. —This virus disease is now well controlled by the vaccination of lambs. The vaccine is preventive, owners being advised to vaccinate should the infection appear to be prevalent on particular farms. Facial Eczema. —Though a warm, dry summer was experienced in many parts of the North Island and suitable preventive precautions were advised, farmers were rather fortunate that a general outbreak of this disease did not take place. Small numbers of outbreaks were recorded in the Waikato and other districts, and there was evidence of liver disease in lambs and sheep sent forward for slaughter from many districts. The danger period passed without serious loss, and though rain was needed badly earlier in the season, its later arrival will provide some growth for the coming winter. Lameness after Dipping. —Reports from several districts have referred to a type of lameness in sheep after dipping. The lameness was evident a few days after dipping, sheep being distinctly lame on one or more legs. The lesions were confined mainly to the lower part of the limbs, about the fetlocks, and extending down to the hooves. The complaint has been the subject of a special investigation and it is expected that remedial measures will be taken to prevent any recurrence of similar trouble. Modern dip preparations have proved to be very effective in the treatment of sheep for lice and ticks. The inspection of sheep at sales is still carried out by field officers. Though some infested sheep have been seen, dipping requirements appear generally to have been complied with. Blackleg in Sheep.—This disease of sheep appears to be increasing in several districts. Many owners now find it profitable to vaccinate entire flocks. Though the disease may be confirmed at the laboratory, the infection may be confined to an isolated animal or to very small numbers. On the other hand, where serious loss has been experienced it is advisable to vaccinate the entire flock to prevent a recurrence of such loss. Cutaneous Myiasis (Sheep Blow-fly). —Though not as common as in the previous year, the sheep blow-fly caused trouble in parts of North Canterbury. The dry season assisted in lessening the extent of the trouble in other districts. PIGS The number of pigs slaughtered for the season 1947-48 at premises under inspection was 624,623, an increase of 44,985 over last year's figures. Inspection of the carcasses at time of slaughter revealed that 82,775 carcasses were found to be affected in varying degree with tuberculosis, the percentage being 13-25. This is a decrease of 0-31 per cent, compared with last year's figures.

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