It is undoubtedly possible to check successfully an out-
break of contagious lung disease by inoculation. The usual
seat of this inoculation is the extremity of the tail, serum
collected from a diseased lung being introduced by means of a
hypodermic syringe. But whether the disease can be entirely
eradicated by this means is as yet open to question, because
apparent recoveries may always at some future time con-
taminate healthy animals if mixed with them. Unscientific
as the rifle and poleaxe may be, they were the means adopted
to stamp out this pest in England and on the continent of
Europe. In view of the uncertainty which at present exists
on this subject, not only should the diseased animals be
slaughtered, but also those which are known to have come
into contact with them. In any case, whether inoculation
eventually prove to be an adequate safeguard or not, it is
certain that the short quarantine of a few weeks allowed by
the Repatriation Department was practically useless in per-
manently checking the spread of the disease.
'Brandzickte,' or sheep-scab, is a contagious but not neces-
sarily dangerous disease. The actual losses sustained by the
department on its account were insignificant, but its treat-
ment entailed a great amount of labour and considerable
expense. Ordinary * brandzickte ' — for the Boers employ the
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIK TKEATMENT 107
same term both for mange and scab — attacks those parts of
the sheep's body which are covered with wool, beginning
generally along the back and croup, and extending later to
the root of the tail, to the neck, shoulders, and tlanks. To
relieve somewhat the violent itching, the infected animals
rub, scratch, and gnaw their skins, with the result that the
fleece becomes fluffy, stained, thin, matted, and torn. As the
disease starts with very small papules, its commencement
cannot always be easily detected ; but there is little difficulty
in recognising it after the small spots have become patches,
the skin inflamed and crusty, and the wool broken and
detached. The tiny parasites are concealed beneath the dried-
up serum which forms the scabs, and may be discerned with
the naked eye. As the insects are able to live for several weeks
in kraals and sheds, in locks of wool, and upon the skins
of dead sheep, the disease is not always an easy one to check.
Scab has had a strong hold on South Africa,^ chiefly
on account of the comparative poverty of the sheep ; and
the Cape Colony Government, in spite of its Scab Act, its
inspectors, and its simultaneous dipping, has not yet suc-
ceeded in stamping it out. It proved particularly tenacious
during the period of repatriation, on account of the exceptional
drought ; for there is nothing — dipping alone excepted, and
even that in many districts was at the time impossible — more
antagonistic to its spread than abundance of good grazing.
In combating scab, as in the case of other diseases, the
Eepatriation Department adhered to the ordinary method :
the sheep were dipped. But all animals with extensive scabs
and hard crusts underwent a preliminary treatment, during
which the diseased parts were well scraped, rubbed, and
softened. This operation not only smoothed the way for the
' ' Hitherto scab has been very prevalent amongst sheep and goats. It
is a disease which causes immense loss to flock-owners, and it is one
which, by care in the dipping of the animals and in keeping them free
from infection, could easily be eradicated. Unfortunately, it has been
common for such a long time in South Africa, and the Acts dealing with
it have been so badly administered, and so much money has been wasted
in connection therewith, that farmers have come to regard it almost as a
necessary and unavoidable evil ' (Cd. 2482).
108 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
antiseptic bath which was to follow, but in itself destroyed an
enormous number of parasites by squashing and removing
them. It was generally found expedient to use very strong
dip, and to always dip twice at least. Tepid water proved to
be more efficacious than cold.
The foregoing were the principal diseases which almost
paralyzed the Orange River Colony Repatriation Department
at the commencement, and which continued for many months
to hamper the work of resettlement. It is to be feared that
the difficulties in this connection experienced by the sister
organization in the Transvaal were no less serious, if the
troops of glandered mules examined by our veterinary officers
on their way to the north may be taken as any criterion.^
The debilitated state of the animals transferred from the
military depots has been already indicated, and it has been
pointed out that their exhausted condition rendered them
peculiarly susceptible to diseases of all kinds. When they
were taken over it was mid-winter. The country was a desert,
not only so far as man, but also so far as nature, was con-
cerned. The Resident Magistrate at Fauresmith wrote : * This
is the worst season of the year for grazing.' * We are entirely
dependent,' said the Resident Magistrate at Vrede, ' on the veldt
growing, and we can get no grazing for animals until it does.'
Moreover, the little winter veldt available in an ordinary
season lay blackened for hundreds of miles, as may be seen
from the reports of various districts. ' All the veldt between
Vredefort, Parijs, the Rhenoster, and the Vaal is practically
destroyed by fire.' The country round Heilbron ' for many
miles lies charred and black from the great grass fires follow-
ing the " drives." All the grazing round Lindley is burnt.'
To the inadequate accommodation provided for its animals
by the Repatriation Department, and to overcrowding in the
first instance, were largely due the numerous outbreaks of
^ ' The transport has also suffered from several outbreaks of virulent
diseases — notably glanders among the mules and red-water and rinderpest
among the oxen — the effects of which were aggravated by the difficulty of
procuring an adequate vetermary staff' (Report on Transvaal Repatriation,
Cd. 1551, p. 30).
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 109
contagious and other diseases which immediately followed the
transfer. Although there was considerable delay in handing
over on account of haggling over prices, this transfer was
effected before any suitable arrangements had been made for
the reception of the animals to be delivered. Sites had not
been selected, water laid on, or kraals built. A veterinary
staff had not been organized ; transport officers had not been
appointed ; no conductors and ' boys ' had been engaged.
Under these circumstances, the animals had to be temporarily
placed in such unfurnished wire enclosures as the military
authorities could conveniently spare. In an incredibly short
space of time germs were here sown of diseases which later
took months to check.
The complete isolation of suspects and the segregation of
impoverished animals, together with the adoption of strictly
sanitary precautions, were among the immediate essentials
required if the spread of disease was to be curbed, and if
animals were to be brought within anything like a reason-
able period to a healthy and workable condition. Insidious
in their growth as many of the diseases already outlined
were, they took no long time to establish themselves under
such favourable conditions as were in this instance allowed,
and they had secured a firm hold before the situation
was fully realized. The department had not foreseen the
difficulty, and seldom, perhaps, has a lack of foresight been
so severely visited. Yet it must be pointed out that no
grazing was available, that labour was difficult to obtain, and
that material was not to be found outside the stores in the
hands of the Army Ordnance Department. The erection
of suitable accommodation was indeed no lengthy undertaking,
and the transfer of the military animals should undoubtedly
have been postponed until such accommodation had been
provided. At the time, however, the cry of ' Back to the land !'
was sufficiently urgent to drown all others, and to it every
other consideration had to give way.
The paralytic effect wrought by disease upon the work of
repatriation can probably be better imagined than described.
110 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
It lent to that work an element of uncertainty which was not
always appreciated. It was tantalizing to a degree, because
it invariably sprang up where least expected, and seemed to
delight in upsetting at the critical moment the most carefully-
thought-out arrangements. It was particularly whimsical,
and seemed callous of everything except its mission of annoy-
ance and destruction. Its favourite sphere of operations was
undoubtedly in the animal ranks of the Repatriation Depart-
ment, which had accorded it so hearty a welcome. "Without
fear or favour, however, it bestowed its benefits on all alike.
Under circumstances which have alreadj^ been described it
had succeeded in getting a fair start, and that start it managed
for some time to maintain. Its pursuers were at first ill
supplied with the medical equipment required, and the
necessary drugs for its destruction. Moreover, no sooner had
an officer begun to deliver his attack upon the parasites of
one district than he was summoned to perform a similar
operation in another ; in fact, it sometimes seemed as if the
war had recommenced, but the objective had changed from the
elusive Boer to the more elusive microbe. The tactics of the
microbe were not unlike those of the Boer. No sooner had he
been driven from the main depots than he sprang up in the dis-
tricts, and, after evacuating the latter, he reappeared on the
farms.
It is perhaps unnecessary to trace in detail the ravages
made by disease and the inconvenience and disorder which it
caused. It rapidly entangled nearly every district, and only
very gradually were its coils loosened. Its history is peculiarly
monotonous, because, although its varied symptoms may have
afforded a scientific study of no small interest and importance,
its effect was invariably the same. The district reports for
many months were merely repetitions of the same story —
plans frustrated, hopes blighted, schemes defeated, supplies
scarce, transport disorganized, ploughing impossible. All
these difficulties — and there were others — must be placed to the
debit of disease. Repatriation was frequently a thankless
task ; disease made it appear at times a hopeless one.
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT 111
The tale is not entertaining, and a few instances culled
haphazard must suffice. In September, 1902, rinderpest
broke out at Lindley and Heilbron, glanders at Winburg
and Smithiield, lung-sickness at Vredefort and Boshof. The
experiences of the Bethlehem Commission are typical of many
other districts. On August 8, 1902, they wired : * Is it not
possible for us to have ten or more mule waggons, as oxen are
very weak and work of repatriation is practically at a stand-
still ?' On August 14 : * Have sent two members to take over
ten mule waggons at Harrismith. They report that out of ten
spans only three fit to do any work. Mules in such poor
condition are absolutely useless. May we refuse to take
unsuitable animals ?' On August 25 they reported : * Glanders
broken out amongst mules.' In his report for October the
Resident Magistrate stated : * The ten spans of mules taken
over in August are still as much of a "white elephant" as
ever. They are still dying from mange and glanders. They
are, and have been, useless except as a means of consuming
fodder.' Along the whole of the southern border, in the
districts of Rouxville, Smithfield, Bethulie, and Fauresmith,
ox had been replaced by mule transport on account of rinder-
pest in the Cape Colony.^ No sooner had this been done
than glanders attacked the mules. On September 3, 1902,
the chairman of the Smithfield Commission reported an
outbreak of glanders in his district, and added : ' As re-
maining mules are segregated, everything is at a standstill.'
Mange was rampant everywhere, and in some districts became
formidable. The Resident Magistrate at Vredefort reported
for October : * Out of 150 mules originally received I have
only 105 left. Of these 48 are in trekking condition. The
remainder are sufi"ering so severely from mange that they are
absolutely unfit for even the lightest work.'
The following report of a stock inspector on repatriation
' ' Agricultural Department, Cape Town, objects to ox transport being
used to remove refugees from Aliwal North Camp. I am, therefore,
arranging to rail thirty waggons and spans of mules from Kroonstad to
Springfontein for Smithfield and Eouxville ' (telegram No. B. 1421 to
Eesident Magistrate, Bethulie).
112 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
animals at Kroonstad, dated September 9, 1902, is quoted
merely as a specimen. From it may be gained some idea of
the trouble caused and the measures adopted to deal with it ;
for in this case, as in most others, every endeavour was made
to carry out the suggestions put forward.
' Please receive following report on live stock at this centre :
* Horses, 569, at remount depot. These animals are in
very fair condition, but they are infected with glanders.
Three of them were shot by order of veterinary surgeon in
charge on 4tli inst. All suspects are isolated. They are
also very badly infected with mange, and for this disease no
dressing is on hand. A large quantity should be forwarded
immediately. They are paddocked near township, and are
getting a full allowance of feed. I would suggest that every
animal be thoroughly and uniformly dressed. When they
have been dressed, they should be placed in a new paddock,
and the old paddock, with all its paraphernalia, should be
thoroughly disinfected. It would be still better if, instead of
being kraaled after dressing, they could be given a clean run
on some farm. They are, of course, unsaleable at present,
and the chance of working out either disease is remote where
animals are confined in a limited space. At least three
complete dressings will be necessary, and a change of run
after each. This course would minimize likelihood of disease
spreading, and the expense of feeding would be reduced.
The present staff would, I think, be sufficient for new arrange-
ment.
' Horses, 600, at Botha's Farm, near township. These
animals are now looking very well indeed, and their condition
constitutes a strong argument in favour of plan suggested.
There is, however, mange amongst them, and they should
therefore be subjected to a similar course of treatment. There
is some green grass round here among the veldt. This is
capable of keeping animals which are not working in fair
condition until the "brandts," or burnt patches, are suffi-
ciently strong for use.
' Mules, 400. Of these, 81 are paddocked near horses at
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT 113
remount depot, and used for local transport. They are mainly
in fair working condition. The balance, 319, are kept on
lines near refugee camp, and are also used for local work.
They are badly infected with mange. The needs of the
district are so great that these animals cannot be spared.
The wisest course would be to place them on farms, but such
a course is at present impracticable. Clean kraals should,
however, be erected, the old ones disinfected, and a method
of treatment followed similar to that recommended for the
horses.
' Mules, 351, at Naudie's Farm, eighteen miles from township.
These animals are too poor for work, and are dying from
glanders. The losses number 39 since August 29. They
are very mangy, and are being dressed. Suspects are isolated,
and the nostrils of all disinfected to prevent spread. In other
respects they are gradually improving, and have good grazing
and water.
* Transport oxen, 350, at Jordaan's Farm, near township.
These animals are being used for local transport. They are
very poor, and fit only for light duty. Mange is very much
in evidence ; otherwise they are healthy. No necessity exists
for inoculation. Surroundings are healthful, and grazing is
satisfactory.
' Transport oxen, 230, at Latigan's Farm, near township.
These are a duplicate of foregoing. They have mange
amongst them, and are being dressed. Grazing is good.
Inoculation is unnecessary. These two herds should be fed
when worked.
' Transport oxen, 421, at Mrs. Botha's farm, near township.
These oxen are in a terribly low condition, and mange is very
pronounced. They are dying by twos and threes daily, and if
a spell of cold rain should come, the mortality amongst them
will be much greater. They are otherwise healthy. The
grazing is excellent, the surroundings healthy, and manage-
ment satisfactory.
' Remarks. — Owing to the genial rain which has now fallen
in this neighbourhood, the growth of green grass should not
8
114 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
be long delayed. A couple of weeks will make a great deal of
difference in all kinds of stock if they are sent to graze on
good runs.'
This report — and it is but one of many — serves to emphasize
repeatedly the dangers of keeping large numbers of debilitated
animals in a confined space, and wisely insists on segregation.
One instance, the only one available in this connection, will
now be given of the success of segregation, on the necessity of
which so much stress has previously been laid.
Two districts only, and those two of the richest in the
colony, succeeded in escaping the ravages of disease which
played such havoc elsewhere. These were Ficksburg and
Ladybrand. The immunity of the latter, to which, be it
stated, no horses or mules from the original military lot were
issued, although favoured by local conditions, must be mainly
attributed to the wise foresight of the district commissioners.
The Ladybrand District Board had to deal in one way and
another with 4,550 oxen. Of these, some 2,000 were taken
over locally from the military authorities in the pitiable con-
dition which was so generally characteristic of all the animals
transferred. The danger of an outbreak of disease among
such animals was immediately recognised, and they were dis-
tributed without delay, in lots of six or eight, to all the poorer
farmers in the district. Although a few died from poverty
and from inability to walk to good veldt, no losses from
disease occurred. Each farmer or bijwoner carefully tended
the little herd allotted to him, because he was promised the
use of the oxen as soon as they had sufficiently recovered to
be fit for work. Moreover, he was guaranteed the option of
purchase should they turn out satisfactorily, and should be
wish to buy. Roughly, one half of these oxen were disposed
of to the farmers to whom they had originally been allotted.
The remainder were, eighteen months later, recalled and sold.
Although taken over in a most wretched state under excep-
tionally adverse circumstances, they met the immediate needs
of the farmers concerned, and subsequently proved a source of
profit to the department.
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIR TEEATMENT 115
Towards the close of 1902 the general situation improved.
Disease continued, indeed, to hamper the work of the depart-
ment until the end ; but its outbreaks gradually became less
frequent and less deadly, as the veterinary officers and stock
inspectors got thoroughly on to their work, and the transport
officers and conductors adopted the necessary precautions.
The animals were by degrees more and more distributed. As
the winter passed away and the early rains improved the veldt,
grazing became comparatively plentiful, and both mules and
oxen began to mend. Their condition was still far from satis-
factory, but they were more or less workable, and could with
less risk be sold to farmers who had long been anxious to buy.
Moreover, the military authorities, having first wisely got rid of
their worst animals, presently consented to part with better ones,
and each lot taken over improved in quality. In the case of
these later consignments the department played the part of
a middleman without profits, and they were quickly bought
up by the Boers. Disease, then, although by no means
eradicated, had been in some degree curbed, and the question
of restocking the country had next to be considered.
The necessity and advisability of importing animals from
abroad for this purpose was never questioned in principle,
because, as already pointed out, the indigenous stock had been
almost exterminated, and what few remained demanded the
introduction of new blood if the breed was to be improved,
and if it was ever to reach a satisfactory standard.
It was evident, however, that the country had not been
cleared of disease, and that the importation of live-stock
would be attended with considerable risks. The records of
previous importations on an extremely limited scale had been
mainly chronicles of disaster, and great care and caution were
required if a repetition of these was to be avoided. There
were few data to go upon, and it was impossible to forecast,
with any degree of certainty what breeds of stock, other than
native breeds, were likely to be successful.
It is true that the Transvaal Repatriation Department had'
already decided to take what was more or less a leap in the;
8—2
116 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
dark. Following up a trial shipment of 500 Texan cattle,
that department had arranged for the purchase of 5,000 two-
year old heifers from Denver, in the United States, and for
larger numbers of live-stock to be imported from Madagascar,
Texas, Queensland, and the Argentine. But the circumstances
of the two colonies were somewhat diffeient. While the
Transvaal could claim a larger number of diseases than the
Orange River Colony — and prominent among these was red-
water^ — an efficient department to deal with these diseases had
already been organized at Pretoria. The Transvaal Agri-
cultural Department was formed in May, 1902, and by the
following August twenty-five assistant veterinary surgeons
had been engaged, and one or more of these officers appointed
to each magisterial district.^ Attention has already been called
to the somewhat unusual lethargy of the Orange River Colony
Government in connection with animal diseases. The Orange
River Colony Agricultural Department was not established
until the latter part of the calendar year 1903, and had no
proper organization until the beginning of the financial year
1904.^ The resources of the Orange River Colony Repatria-
tion Department had already been severely taxed in dealing
not only with the legacy of disease left by the war among its
own animals, but also in performing to the best of its ability
the veterinary duties of the whole colony. It was felt,
therefore, although the demand on the part of the more
progressive farmers for well-bred animals of every description
was extremely keen, that, until disease had been got more
thoroughly under control and local conditions were better
understood, the importation of live-stock should only be
undertaken on a very limited scale.
1 ' Now, gentlemen, could any greater calamity have befallen this
colony than that the Rhodesian red-water fever should have got a footing
inside it ? It would be a calamity so great that one scarcely dare con-
template it. Yet I say without hesitation that the instrument which has
saved the Orange Eiver Colony from Rhodesian red-water fever has been
the South African Constabulary ' (extract from Lord Selborne's Speech,
Cd. 3028).
2 Cd. 1551, p. 121.
3 Cd. 3028, p. 40.
ANIMAL DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT 117
The desire of the Eepatriation Department to launch out
was not unnatural. It was best acquainted with the require-
ments of the various districts in this respect ; it was looking
to the future welfare of the country. It already possessed not
only the machinery for internal distribution, but also, in the
establishment of its coast agencies and railway depots, the
mechanical means by which importations could be effected
with least chance of loss in transit. Since the termination of
hostilities every effort had been made not only to purchase
stock for the poorer farmers, but also to assist landowners,
who were in a position to do so, to bring stock into the
colony. The demand, however, for stock of all kinds was
still greatly in excess of the supply, and it was anticipated
that this demand would increase in intensity in proportion as
the military receipts and the claims for compensation for war
losses were paid. The dangers attendant on importations by
the Government, to which reference has been made, were in a