May 3, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 343 



possible, that cows bought in calf, unless from a known clean herd, should be 

 kept apart until they calve. This is generally impracticable except possibly 

 in the case of heifers carrying their first calf. Unfortunately, old cows 

 which have aborted many times may carry a calf full time and yet be 

 affected. This disease is a notoriously difficult one to keep out, yet some- 

 thing may be done to diminish the risk by isolation for a few weeks, as 

 among other things time will be given to note whether there is any sign 

 of vaginal discharge, whether the animals frequently return to the bull or 

 show other signs of the disease. Purchase of cows through the saleyard is 

 one of the commonest methods of introducing the disease. 



While tick fever does not exist iu this State, though prevalent in 

 Queensland, it is mentioned to illustrate the preventire methods which have 

 to be adopted undej- varying circumstances. A favmer in country which 

 is infected with both ticks and tick fever must have his cattle infected with 

 tick fever or he will lose them, and if they no not contract it naturally it 

 must be given them artificially by inoculation ; but a farmer in a country tick 

 infested but without tick fever (as in our North Coast districts) must on no 

 account bring a tick fever animal into his herd, though a man in country 

 free from tick and tick fever may bring tick fever infected cattle into his 

 herd without fear. 



Microbial disease of importance is not likely to be introduced by bringing 

 fresh sheep into a Hock, although the parasitic infestations of sheep are very 

 important ; they do not, however, concern us in this paper. Caseous 

 lymphadenitis, the one disease peculiar to sheep previously mentionel^, is not 

 likely to be detected in the majority of cases by inspection, although a few 

 cases may be noticed, especially in shorn sheep. In any case it does not 

 appear to be of great importance and is not markedly infective. 



It is in dealing with pigs that the greatest value of inspection and 

 isolation is seen, particularly in connection with the two very serious 

 diseases — swine fever and swine plague; the preventive measures which 

 the farmer puts into force against the one will act against both. It should 

 be the rule with every pig farmer and fattener that no pigs shall, on being 

 first brought on to the farm, be placed in contact with the pigs already there. 

 This isolation should be strict and kept up for three weeks. Care should be 

 taken to buy from healthy localities if possible, and to attain the maximum 

 of safety the farmer should aim at breeding all his own pigs. The danger of 

 introducing the disease does not lie so much with the well-bred stud pigs 

 from breeders of repute as with the store pig bought from the dealer. It is 

 not likely that tuberculosis in the pig will be detected during life, but the 

 farmer will very soon find whether tuberculosis is present in his pigs or not 

 if he sends any for slaughter, and, on the first sign, should take prompt 

 measures to stamp it out. 



Coccidiosis is probably the most serious disease likely to be introduced 

 by fowls, and the directions of Dr. Dodd, Consulting Veterinary Pathologist 

 to the Department, may be quoted. The purchaser is advised to make sure 



