1905.] Prevention of Foot-Rot in Sheep. 361 



they are 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 water) and in stubborn cases the 

 sheep should be put through the bath as often as once a week. 



Although the Board have only experimented with copper 

 sulphate, they are aware that other substances are employed, 

 such as 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 to furnish the solution to be placed in the bath. 

 It is doubtful, however, whether any substance is more effective 

 than copper sulphate, and the latter is comparatively safe and 

 easy to manipulate. 



As a result of these experiments the following suggestions 

 are made as to the course of treatment : — 



(a) Bath of wood or concrete, 16 ft. long and 8 in. wide 

 (12 in. is unnecessarily 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. 



(J?) Solution to consist of 1 lb. copper sulphate in 1 gallon 

 of water. If prevention only is aimed at, half this strength 

 will suffice. Time to be allowed for thorough solution. 



(c) The copper sulphate should be bought under a guarantee 

 of purity (98 per cent.) and, if possible, in the form of powder, 

 not in large crystals. 



(d) Sheep, if badly affected, should have their hoofs pared 

 before they are put through the bath. 



(e) A day when the grass and soil is dry should be selected. 

 (/) Copper sulphate and most of the other substances which 



are used being poisonous, a cover for the bath to prevent stock 

 from drinking the solution may be an advantage. In any case 

 the bath must be well fenced in. 



(jf) 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 



