268 



Foot-Rot of Sheep. 



[JULY, 



or oftener through a 5 per cent, solution of the copper sulphate 

 (1 lb. in 2 gallons of water), after having cleaned and dressed 

 the hoofs in the case of a bad attack. 



Reports from most of the recipients were received, and they 

 were quite unanimous in ascribing much benefit to the use of 

 the bath. But it would appear, from the information to hand, 

 that still better results (especially where it is a case of curing 

 rather than preventing) will be got by using a 10 per cent, 

 solution (1 lb. of copper sulphate to 1 gallon of water), and 

 as stated above the sheep should be put through the bath at 

 frequent intervals. 



Although the Board have only experimented with copper 

 sulphate, they are aware that other substances are used, e.g., 

 3 oz. arsenic, mixed with 3 oz. washing soda and boiled in 

 2 gallons of water ; or 1 part of sulphuric acid to 10 parts of 

 water. Arsenical and other sheep-scab dips may also be used, 

 but it is doubtful whether any substance is more effective 

 than copper sulphate, and the latter is comparatively safe and 

 easy to manipulate. 



Summary of directions for u.sing the Foot-bath. — (a) Bath of 

 wood or concrete, 16 ft. long and 8 in. wide (12 in. is unneces- 

 sarily wide), sides sloping out, ends 3 in. deep, provided with 

 cross pieces or grooves to prevent slipping, side fences close 

 boarded and to slope out so as to admit of sheep walking easily 

 through, (b) Solution to consist of 1 lb. copper sulphate in 

 1 gallon of water or, if prevention only is aimed at, half this 

 strength will suffice. Time to be allowed for thorough solution. 

 (c) Copper sulphate to be bought under a guarantee of 

 purity (98 per cent.), and if possible in the powdered state, not 

 in large crystals. (d) Sheep if badly affected to have hoofs 

 pared before being put through the bath, (e) A day when the 

 grass and soil are dry to be selected. (/) Copper sulphate and 

 most of the substances used being poisonous, a cover for the 

 bath to prevent stock drinking the solution may be an advantage. 

 In any case the bath must be well fenced in. (g) If ewes with 

 lambs at foot are treated, they should be put through very 

 quietly so as to prevent the solution getting on to the teats, 

 and thus into the mouths of the lambs, (h) Sheep with long 

 wool should also be put through very quietly, otherwise the 

 solution may discolour the wool. 



