394 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. — Nov., 1922. 



The Sheep Blow-Fly Danger. 



It is fortunate for sheep farmers in this country that they are 

 spared the enormous losses sufl'ered from the sheep blow-fly by 

 pastoralists in Australia, where the pest is one of the principal stock 

 problems contended with, entailing much investigation and the 

 establishment of a special experiment station. It is a matter for 

 grave concern, hoAvever, to know that the pest is found in South 

 Africa, for its presence is a potential danger : in certain areas, 

 indeed, farmers are already engaged in systematic control measures. 

 Reference has been made in previous issues of the Journal to the 

 investigations that are proceeding into the occurrence of the pest in 

 the Union, and there is published in this number another article by 

 Mr. Munro, the Border Entomologist of the Division of Entomology, 

 setting out the results to date of his investigations, the foundation 

 knowledge that will prove of great value to our farmers. There 

 are at least three species of fly in South Africa that are concerned in 

 blowing sheep's wool, and which are described by Mr. Munro. It 

 is possible there may be others. Much has still to be done before it 

 can be said that everything is 'en own about the blow-fly in South 

 Africa, information that is necessary to ensure a successful combat 

 with the pest should it increase, and for their own protection, there- 

 fore, farmers are asked to combine with the Department in its 

 endeavours to investigate thoroughly the occurrence of the pest 

 within its borders. The lines on which this assistance can be 

 rendered are stated by Mr. Munro at the end of his article, and it is 

 trusted that a ready response will result, so that this useful work 

 may be pressed on with all possible speed. 



The Control of Anthrax: An Important Conference. 



The departure of Mr. I{. W. Dixon, the Assistant Principal 

 Veterinary Officer, to attend the International Veterinary Conference 

 in London, has a significance that should hold the attention of every 

 South African stock owner. The confereiue, which takes place on 

 the 5th December next, has been called together for the purpose of 

 discussing ways and means of combating anthrax, with a view to 

 eradicating the disease among animals and to the protection of 

 industrial workers against infection. No effort is spared by the 

 Department in controlling the disease in the Union, and every farmer 

 must now be aware of the correct methods of dealing with outbreaks 

 and the disposal of animals that have died from anthrax. Wide 

 publicity has also been given to the serious check to South African 

 trade overseas in wool, mohair, skins, and hides, that may follow if 

 the spread of the disease in this country induces those res])onsible for 

 the well-being of industrial workers to introduce methods, in the form 

 of disinfection of these products, to protect oversea handlers of our 

 wool, etc., from contracting the disease. Such restrictions would 

 handicap our trade and result in monetary loss to the producer. The 

 confereivce is to be held under the auspices of the International 

 Labour Conference, and is the outcome of resolutions passed by the 

 Anthrax Commission appointed by them to consider the disinfection 

 of wool infected with anthrax spores. The guarding of workers 

 against this dangerous disease, which is carried by the wool, etc., 

 of animals that have died from anthrax, is rightly viewed very 



