LIVE STOCK. 



(REPORT OF CIHEF INSPECTOR, ON INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOFS DISEASES.) 



Ix accordance with instructions, bearing date tlie 31st Decem- 

 ber, 1872, I obtained while in Europe all the information I could 

 with respect to the infectious and contagious diseases affecting 

 or likely to affect our Live Stock, and have now the honor to sub- 

 mit the accompanying Report on the subject. 



In regard to the length to which my Report extends, I have to 

 explain that all the diseases alluded to, — with the exception of 

 Pleuro-pneumonia, — are quite unknown in Australia ; and I con- 

 sidered it necessary to give such descriptions of them as would 

 not only put our stockowners in a position to judge of the expe- 

 diency of the measures proposed for protecting them against the 

 introduction of these scourges, but would also enable them, — 

 should it ever unfortunately happen that any of these diseases 

 obtained a footing in the Colonies, — to recognize and deal with 

 them at once. The diseases alluded to are " Cattle Plairue," 

 "Foot and Mouth Disease," and "Small- Pox in Sheep." 



I might, perhaps, have also described the nature, symptoms, 

 and treatment of the incurable affection of " Glanders'' in horses, 

 as it is not only the most formidable of all diseases to which 

 horses are liable, but one that is communicable to the human 

 subject. There has, however, as yet never been any law in 

 the Colonies dealing Avith infectious diseases in horses, and I shall 

 at present content myself with calling attention to the urgent 

 necessity there exists for legislation in that direction, in order 

 that all imported horses may, like other stock, be subjected to 

 inspection by a duly qualified Veterinary Surgeon, and pass a 

 reasonable quarantine, previous to their being permitted to come 

 into contact with the horse stock belonging to the Colony. 



ALEX. BRUCE, 



Chief Inspector of Stock. 



The Uxder Secketaet toe La^ds. 



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