Re/port of the Inspector of Foods for Export. 



275 



seasons. The export of poultry is surrounded with many risks, and 

 only in seasons when feed is cheap can we expect to successfully 

 compete with America and Europe in the African and English 

 markets. 



The returns printed under the heading of Statistics, indicate a 

 decidedly healthy trade in canned meat goods. 



Bones and Bonemeal. 



In connection with the regulations framed with the object of pre- 

 venting bones, bonedust and bonemeal from being introduced into 

 Victoria from countries infested with anthrax, unless certain condi- 

 tions are fulfilled, I have to say that a careful inspection of the 

 commodities had to be made from time to time, and the works to 

 which such were conveyed had to be periodically visited. 



The table indicates the quantities imported into Victoria from 

 January 1st to June oOth last, and the commodities exported indicate 

 such as required certification, before the States to which such were 

 sent allowed its introduction. 



Imports and Exports of Bones, Bonedust, etc., from January 1st 

 TO June 30th, 1903. 



Bones 

 Bonedust 

 Bonemeal 

 Superphosphate 



Diseases of Animals. 



Many outbreaks of infectious diseases amongst stock during the 

 past twelve months have occurred, and if a wet spring sets in, as 

 prospects indicate, certain maladies are to be apprehended, and steps 

 should be taken to minimise their evil effects. Disorders dependent 

 on parasite invasion require notice, as it is in wet seasons they cause 

 exceptional troubles. 



Swine Plague. 



Swine plague has been causing much concern to our producers. 

 It has been the cause of considerable mortality in our pigs. Some 

 years ago it, no doubt, made its presence felt in Gippsland, but, in 

 consequence of not getting fresh specimens at that time, I then could 

 not do more than give a provisional diagnosis. I then announced 

 that the disease might turn out to be swine plague. 



On March 20th last, I had an opportunity of seeing a case from 

 which I made pure cultures of the germ which causes the disease. 

 I announced the condition to be swine plague, and since then 

 numerous cases have come under my notice. I was the first to 

 definitelv determine its existence in the State. 



