412 Journal oj Agriculture. I'/cfor/u. [ic June, 1911.- 



Treatment. 



The little relief obtained so far has been by causing the death of 

 the maggots soon after they are deposited, or just after they begin to- 

 move into the wool. The point to be particularly noted is, that the- 

 greater the discharge from the animal, the greater the dilution and conse- 

 quently weakening influence of the preparation used for the purpose. 

 Finely prepared poison powder has been found to be the best for all 

 cases of flyblow, but if mixed with any viscous material it does not 

 break down into the new grown wo<j1, a most important point to obtain. 

 Water, so far, is the best medium for the purpose. A mixture, rapid in 

 penetration so as to enable more sheep to be dealt with in a shorter time, 

 is, however, wanted. 



Powder dips when mixed in a proportion of not less than | pint to 

 5 gallons of water have not been found harmful, unless applied while 

 severe cuts from crutching exist. It is necessary to apply carefully and 

 of even strength and to force well into the wool. The lasting properties 

 of powder dips are good. While white spirits of tar instantly destroys the 

 maggots, it soon evaporates and therefore speedily loses its value. It 

 should be used when cleaning with the shears. Smearing mixtures to 

 prevent flies from striking are not always effective; for some evaporate, 

 others dry and adhere to one part .and the maggots soon find their way 

 under the preparation and make a home in the new wool. 



Ewes and weaners of British breeds are more easily treated for they 

 have least wool about the breech. Crutching will allow of better drainage 

 from lamb-raising ewes and more of it will need to be done in future with 

 carefully bred flocks. To be effective, it must be done close to lambing ; 

 and, if men are not carefully watched, injury to a percentage of ewes is 

 certain. Many breeders are now advocating a bare pointed Border 

 Leicester type of sheep, but it will not be wise in all cases to go from high 

 class well woolled merinoes to the plain pointed class. Other methods 

 must be looked for before losing our position in this respect. 



One of the most practical means will be to prevent the breeding of 

 flies. The effects will be only gradual ; but will certainly lessen the evil. 

 Destruction of carcases of rabbits and stock, wherever practicable, w^ 

 tend to reduce their number. In many cases, expenditure on rabbit 

 poisoning could be better applied, especially if near markets or rail- 

 ways, to encouragement of trapping and increased destruction of harbours. 

 By thus lessening the amount of decomposing material about the country 

 the development of the fly would, in a great measure, be prevented. 



