The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Wednesday, November 22, 1967 — Sheep valued at more than £1 500 have died on farms in the Inyati-Turk Mine district recently, said farmers yesterday.

These deaths were not due to the brown killer tick — the rhipicephalus tricuspis — but to a particularly bad season for sheep, aggravated by the cold wet spell at the end of October, said most farmers interviewed.

But farmers in other areas, including the Bulawayo and Figtree areas, said they had no losses. They considered the present season excellent for sheep.

Mr Lt Molam, chairman of the Matabeleland Branch of RNFU, said 36 sheep died in one day on Gloag Mission Farm. Altogether, the farm had lost more than 80 sheep. “I estimate that loss at not less than £250”. Most of the sheep died from pneumonia contracted in the wet spell between the end of October and early November, he said.

Sheep weakened by previous droughts and by the fact that the grass cover was not suited to them fell victim to any ailment that came along.

“From all over Matabeleland I have heard reports that the grass this year is no good for sheep”, he said.

“I know of adult sheep that have died this year from tapeworm — a most unusual complaint in adult sheep.

“You will probably find there are as many reasons as there are farmers to account for sheep losses I think this is the worst season for sheep I have experienced in the last eight years”, he said.

He said he estimated the losses in the InyatiTurk Mine area at least £1 500 — based on £3 10s a sheep.