HUGE AVOIDABLE LOSSES. 
Huge Avoidable Losses. 
Observations on the Introduction and Spread of 
Stock Diseases and other “Pests” with Special 
Reference to “Cattle Tick” and “Worm Nodules” 
and the Loss Sustained through the Absence of Early 
Scientific Control. 
By Dr. J. A. GILRUTH.* 
ILE necessity for the application of science in the conduct of industry has 
been emphasized during the progress of the war. It has become 
manifest to every one, especially in the manufacture of means of 
offence and of defence. Inferentially, the loss from its absence in the 
past is becoming realized, but hardly yet in every-day affairs, and 
it is now generally accepted the Germans have suffered Jess in this respect than 
any other community. 
As cattle, sheep, and horses were not indigenous to Australia, it might have 
been possible to prevent the introduction of any contagious animal diseases 
when the foundation of our herds and flocks was laid. It is true many com- 
plaints common elsewhere were not introduced, but before an effective system 
of inspection and quarantine was established serious diseases gained entrance, 
and still cause annual losses. Some of them, such as tuberculosis and pleuro- 
pneumonia of cattle, because of the absence of symptoms in all but the later 
stages, it would have been difficult to prevent with the knowledge then avail- 
able. Others could have been prevented had scientific knowledge been applied. 
Notably this is the case with sheep-scab, which was happily eradicated years 
ago, but at considerable expense. : 
Cattle Tick and Redwater—In August, 1872, an incident occurred at Port 
Darwin which, though apparently of only local significance, was fraught with 
disastrous effects to tropical Australia. The population then mostly consisted 
of a few officials and the officers of the British Australian Cable Company, 
which had established the first telegraph link between Australia and the 
rest of the world. ‘The settlement was short of fresh meat.. The nearest 
supplies in Australia were distant a month’s journey by sailing yessel. The 
company’s schooner was therefore sent to Java for cattle, and in due course 
eight cows and four bulls were landed. These were of the Brahma or Zebu 
variety, characterized by the shoulder-hump. No examination was made for 
disease, and the presence of external parasites was ignored. ‘That these cattle 
must have carried ticks is undoubted. All cattle in the East are more or less 
affected, but, being immune to redwater and carefully tended, the parasite causes 
little or no harm. Still, it is equally certain that had they been examined by 
‘an entomologist or veterinary surgeon, some steps would have been taken to 
prevent the introduction of such parasites to a new and empty country. Tad 
these cattle all been killed off for meat, nothing serious would have occurred, 
but several escaped into the bush, and for a number of years were not heard of. 
Although there is no official record of this importation written at the time, | 
was able some years ago to secure the facts from several gentlemen who were 
present during the disembarkation. Prior to that, where and when the tick was 
imported into Australia was a mystery. 
The Queensland records of tick fever showed clearly that it first appeared 
as a serious complaint in the Gulf district about 1898. In the Territory, the 
first outbreak which I have been able to trace occurred in 1881 near Glencoe 
Station, 100 miles from Darwin, in a mob of cattle brought from Queensland by 
Mr. W. Lawrie. In the previous nine years several mobs of cattle had been 
overlanded from Queensland to Port Darwin with no appearance of redwater 
en route, or after arrival, while they were being held for slaughter. Yet. of 
* Administrator of the Northern Territory. 
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