492 



Diseases of Sheep in Great Britain, [nov., 



tality at from one-fifth to one-half of the flock. In another part 

 of Scotland it is said that one farmer lost 90 to 100 ewes out of 

 his stock of about 250. In a more favoured district 5 per cent, 

 only were attacked, but there were no recoveries, while else- 

 where the average is said to be only 5 to 10 per cent. ; an 

 outbreak, however, is reported on temporary ley in which 80 

 per cent. died. 



Foot-rot was prevalent, and in regard to this disease, a Corre- 

 spondent observes that there is much trouble nowadays in 

 getting shepherds to properly attend to and dress the sheep 

 when attacked, with the result that through neglect some 

 sheep get into a deplorable state. The statement is also made 

 by other Correspondents that this disease has almost dis- 

 appeared since the use of foot-rot baths became common. 



Louping-ill is reported by the Correspondents in the North, 

 where it is said 1 5 per cent, died, and this disease is reported 

 from numerous districts in Scotland. An investigation is being 

 conducted into this disease by a Departmental Committee 

 appointed by the Board. 



Black-quarter, Quarter-evil or Felon, is said to be prevalent 

 on the stronger soil of Dorsetshire overlying the chalk, and 

 occurs most frequently on rich permanent pasture ; seldom on 

 the poor, thin downs. Professional help is seldom invited, the 

 general practice being to change the sheep to poorer land. The 

 percentage attacked naturally varies considerably. In one 

 flock of 500 about 70 ewes have been lost since last autumn. 

 Other cases have occurred of from 10 to 20 being lost in flocks 

 of a similar size. 



Scour has been declared in certain districts. Among the 

 Cheviot hills, Black-scour occurred in the wet weather of March 

 and the beginning of April, especially where land was not well 

 drained, or where there was a want of heather. In a bad season, 

 it is stated, 25 per cent, of the hoggs may be attacked and few 

 recover. A serious outbreak of "White-scour" occurred in Essex 

 among a valuable flock of registered Suffolk sheep. The land 

 on which it commenced was temporary ley folded with sheep in 

 June, 1903, then ploughed up and sown with white turnips ; on 

 folding these turnips in the spring of this year the scour amongst 

 the lambs started, and it is to this second folding that the out- 



