The Argus at KellyGang 1/12/1879

THE PLEURO-PNEUMONIA SCARE

Mr Shaw, inspector of stock, has reported as follows concerning the alleged outbreak of pleuro pneumonia in the neighbourhood of Wahgunyah - Melbourne Nov 28 1879

The Chief Inspector of Stock, Melbourne

Sir,-I have the honour to report that as directed by your letter of the 19th inst, I proceeded to Wahgunyah, and commented my work by visiting the Gooramadda neighbourhood. There I found that on the farm of Morris one beast had died of pleuro and he had, he stated, "got vaccine matter from Mr Mitchell, and inoculated his herd of working, bullocks, 60 in number and that the operation killed 20 of them. I next visited the farm of Mr Lees where 10 were reported to have died. He informed me that he had had pleuro, and that he had shot 10 head each on the first symptom. In both cases there was no disease left. After some trouble, I ascertained that the New South Wales mob was sold at Beechworth and as I telegraphed on arrival, I found they were all fat cattle, all sold to butchers. I saw some of the nine -prime. I have also visited Chiltern, Indio Creek and Barnawatha, with following results. At Chiltern or four cattle have been killed on the common, at Indigo Creek, one supposed to be pleuro, was dead in the creek. From a rumour I heard I went to Stockyard Creek, and I there found a cow in the small paddock of a widow, diseased. She consented to have it killed, so l obtained a revolver from the police at Chiltern and shot it. This was the only instance of disease. I saw, and I saw many cattle. To sum up then, at Chiltern, three or four killed , at Gooramadda, one died, 10 killed and 20 died from inoculation; at Indigo Creek, one in creek, doubtful, at Barnawartha, one found diseased, and shot by myself. The inclemency of the weather has rendered my investigation a difficult one, but I have in all cases met with the readiest, assistance from those I have made inquiry of, and I have met most of the herdsmen of the commons, who, being under no control of the councils, are in a measure made responsible for the state of the stock, as to reporting disease, &c. Of course the fact of my being a stranger in the district, and not knowing either people or localities, placed me at a considerable disadvantage; but from all can learn-and I have had many conversation with persons, whose opinions I consider can be relied on-1 have come to the conclusion that there has been far leas pleuro in this district than there was last year, which I attribute to the dryness of the season.

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JF Shaw