DISEASES PECULIAR TO SOUTH AFRICA 1-^75 



Mortalityi In outbreaks on the veldt, the mortality may range from 

 five to thirty per cent, the loss to the flock master being very great in 

 value of the wool, as many fleeces become patchy and ragged. But with 

 suitable treatment the losses will not be so severe. 



CauseSf Seeing that Blue Tongue is not contagious, for contact of 

 healthy with diseased sheep fail to produce it, no organism has yet been 

 found in the blood, which, if injected into healthy sheep produce the 

 disease, therefore, it must be clearly acknowledged that the sickness is 

 caused by insects biting or stinging the sheep. 



Immunity. After an attack of Blue Tongue, sheep acquire a consider- 

 able amount of immunity, but it has been proved by Theiler, Dixon and 

 Spreule, of Cape Colony, that protection and immunity is also given 

 by a hypodermic injection of an antitoxic serum which can be obtained 

 from the various veterinary centres in the Colonies with full instructions. 

 Much credit is due the above investigators in the experiments carried 

 out by them. 



What To DOa Give the sick animals complete rest, cool shady surround- 

 ings and succulent food. Water should be sparingly allowed as it in- 

 duces vomiting. Aj^plications of chlorate of potash and water, or of 

 glycerine of tannin as described below are very good, and many farmers 

 have met with great success by the use of Stockholm Tar and Sulphur. 

 When the tongue and lips are very much swollen, scarification w4th a 

 small lancet or needle gives relief. 



Let the sheep have plenty off salt to lick. 



Mode off Application! Chlorate of Potash. Take one ounce of chlorate 

 of potash and dissolve it in two pints of rain water. Pour some of this 

 solution into the mouth to act as a gargle. If a little is swallowed it 

 will do no harm as it is not poisonous. Glycerine of tannin (obtainable 

 from any chemist) and also the Stockholm Tar and Sulphur, are applied 

 with a stiff feather, or gum brush, or even a piece of rag tied on the end 

 of a stick to form a swab. Apply once daily. 



The above applications may be used alternatively in their given 

 order to obtain the best results. 



We are not advocates of too much interference with sick animals, 

 for some, such as cattle, sheep and pigs, do not like it. Unlike horses 

 they are not so amenable and appreciative of attention therefore we say, 

 lot the attendant do what he has to do once a day and do it well, and we 

 think it will generally be sufficient. Only in very bad cases should the 

 Creasing be applied twice a day. 



