A HISTORY OF McMASTER LABORATORY

By Dr L.E.A. Symons,

Formerly of McMaster Laboratory,

With a chapter and notes by Dr H. McL. Gordon.

CONTENTS

Foreword ... ... ... i

Acknowledgements . . . ... . . . ii

introduction . . . ... ... iii

Chapter I F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory and 1 Ian McMaster Wing.

Chapter II F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory - The Early Years by Dr. H. McL. Gordon.

Chapter I l l The Division, Finances, Admlnistratlon and Organisation of Research.

Chapter IV Animal Accommodation and Management - 26 (1) The Laboratory, (2) McMaster Farm, Badgery's Creek, (3) Armidale, New South Wales.

\

Chapter V Research: General Comments and Intersmi Parasites. 34

Chapter VI Research Continued: External Parasites, Bacteriology, etc.

Chapter Vll Ian McMaster Bequest.

Chapter Vill The Library.

Chapter IX Some Personal Histories of Former Staff.

Chapter X Visitors.

Chapter XI Chiefs, Associate and Assistant Chiefs of 120 Division, Officers-in-Charge and Heads of Laboratory, Research Staff.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Index

Pamphlets and Bulletins, Special 135 Publications, Special Reviews, Recent Chapters in Books

Science Sheep Show p

Or Symons is to be highly congratulated on the comprehensive and detailed history of the McMaster

Laboratory. It has involved a vast amount of study and enquiry together with contributions from members

of the initial staff, notably from Dr H. McL, Gordon. All members of the past and present staff are indebted

to Dr Syrnons. One of the earliest laboratories within the CSIR, it was established through the generosity

of (Sir) F. D. McMaster and the Estate of his son, Captain Ian McMaster, who died of wounds sustained at

El Alamein during World War 11. The purpose of the gift to CSIR was to establish a laboratory to study the

diseases of grazing animals particularly sheep.

The laboratory quickly established an international reputation, particularly through the work of (Sir) Ian

Clunies Ross, which it has maintained and indeed strengthened through the years. Its reputation was

maintalned through the appointment for limited periods of Ian McMaster Fellows distinguished in overseas

countries interested in similar fields of study and the establishment of Divisional overseas studentships

whereby promlsing young research workers were enabled to study at selected overseas universities or

institutes to qualify as research officers.

The initial interest of the McMaster Laboratory was In the eplzootiology and control of internal and external

parasites of sheep, but not solely, as bacteriological diseases such as footrot also occupied a prominent

place in the research programmes, which are fully described in the text.

Dr Syrnons has assembled the early history of the Laboratory and the development of the research

programmes admirably. The Laboratory developed a happy lialson with prominent leaders of the grazing

lndustry and wilh other CSIR or CSlRO Divisions or universities with similar interests.

It is fair to state that the McMaster Laboratory was a pleasant place to study and enjoyable relationships

were malntained within the staff. Dr Symons' account will further sustain the spirit of scientific fulfilment

and enjoyment.

Dr D. F. Stewart

Former Associate Chief of the Division

& Officer-in-Charge, McMasfer Laboratory

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank the many people who made this book possible. I especially want to thank Drs. Hugh Gordon and

Douglas Stewart. Hugh Gordon for his chapter on the early days of McMaster Laboratory and for his

notes about anthelmintics and epiderniology and his vast knowledge of the Laboratory. He helped me with

corrections of what I had written, especially before I joined the staff. Douglas Stewart provided me with his

long experience and knowledge of people at the Laboratory and wrote the Foreword. They both read

through and corrected what I had written about them. Similarly, I owe a debt to Drs. Ian Beveridge, Helen

Newton Turner, Pip Lipson, Ian Johnstone, Bunny Austin, Buddy Rogers, Alan Donald and John Dineen as

well as Harry Offord, George Merritt and Alma Culey, who also read and corrected what I had written

about them. I also thank Durno Murray, Drs. Bob Reid, Joe Boray, Doug Burrell, Peter Outterldge and

many others for my account of their research. I must not forget Michael Moran of the Archives of CSlRO

In Canberra and the Archivist of the University of Sydney wRo both provided me with much about the

origins of this laboratory. I also owe a debt to Mrs Jill Rsdford, Librarian, for her advice and assistance.

I accept responsibility for any opinions and the accuracy of the facts presented in this book and welcome

comment and criticism from readers.

INTRODUCTION

The F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory, as it was first known, was formally opened on November

26th, 1931, then became McMaster Laboratory when its name was officially changed in 1963. The

Laboratory took its name from Frederick Duncan McMaster, later Sir Frederick McMaster, a grazier of

"Dalkeith" near Cassills, New South Wales, who provided the money for its construction on the campus of

the University of Sydney. It was then a major part of the Division of Animal Health of the Council for

Scientific and Industrial Research (CSiR).

Sir Frederick McMaster was a farsighted grazier to whom the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial

Research Organisation (CSIRO) owes much for research into problems of animal disease, particularly of

Internal helminth parasites. But McMaster Laboratory was not the only benefaction of Sir Frederick.

When the Laboratory was opened in 1931 it had no associated field station, without which it was

incomplete and could not function. Sir Frederick leased the property known as "Hinchinbrook" not far

from Liverpool, then an outer suburb of Sydney. Part of "Hinchlnbrook he then made available as a field '

station for the Laboratory. This remained so until 1937 when the Division bought the F.D. McMaster Field

Station at Badgery's Creek west of the suburb of Cabramatta. Sir Frederick helped with the acqulsition

and development of this property.

He also provided the largest part of the cost of the Ian McMaster Wing of the original laboratory which was

formally opened on November 14th, 1956, shortly after his death the same year. The Wing was named

after his only son, Captain Ian McMaster, who died from wounds after the Battle of El Alamein in World

War II.

Sir Frederick also left much of his estate to the CSlR for use after the death of his only daughter, Miss

Thelma McMaster, for research into veterinary and agricultural problems. The sale of these shares in the

pastoral company, F.D. McMaster Pty. Ltd., were eventually used to set up the Sir Frederick McMaster

Bequest to fund the Sir Frederick McMaster Fellowships for very senior and distinguished overseas

scientists. It is administered by the CSIRO. However, this is available for research not only at McMaster

Laboratory but can be allotted to people to work at a large number of relevant Divisions or Units of the

CSIRO. The number per year or frequency of these Fellowships may vary, although the first of them was .

granted to someone to work at this Laboratory.

sir Frederick was not the only member of his family to benefit this Laboratory. The dividends from the

family pastoral company that passed to Captain Ian McMaster, his only son, have been used to establish

Fellowships and Scholarships. The former is for distinguished overseas scientists to work at the

Laboratory. These have come largely, but not entirely, from Britain. The Scholarships have been used for

iii

graduates to work for a year or more with someone overseas. Recent scholars have used the money to

assist them towards a Iiigher degree at the University of Sydney while under the supervision of research

workers at the Laboratory. The money has been used for other purposes, but the Ian McMaster Bequest,

as it is known, is described in more detail in Chapter VIII.

It is, therefore, obvious that McMaster Laboratory owes much more than just Its name to the McMdster

family, particularly to Sir Frederick. More details of their generosity, particularly of the story of the

foundation of the Laboratory, is told in subsequent chapters. This book is an outline of the history of

McMaster Laboratory, its construction, the animal houses and field stations, some of the outstanding

members of the staff, the library, the administration, its finances and above all, the research.

McMaster Laboratory was 50 years old in November, 1981. This auspicious birthday was marked by a

symposium in parasitology held at the University of Sydney, the proceedings of which were published as

"Biol~gy and Control of Endoparasites" by Academic Press, Australia in 1982. This book was edited by

L.E.A. Symons, A.D. Donald and 4.K. Dineen.

Although McMaster Laboratory is one of the first laboratories of CSIR, as the CSlRO was known until

1949, it is not the oldest. Before the construction of the Laboratory the Divisions of Animal Nutrition in

Adelaide and Economic Entomology and Economic Botany (later Entomology and Plant Industry) already

accupied a new building in Canberra. Because the Division of Forest Products, although it preceded the

Division of Animal Health, had only a temporary building in Melbourne, the F.D. McMaster Animal Health

Laboratory was therefore the fourth laboratory of the CSIR. Perhaps it is the third laboratory if the building

in Canberra is considered as one, although occupied .by two divisons. First, however, it Is necessary to

tell something of the background of the setting up of the original Division of Animal Health.

Representations by G A Julius (later Sir George Julius), then Chairman of the CSIR, and Professor A.E.V.

Richardson of the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide, af the imperial Agricultural Research

Conf~rence in London in October 1927 led to a visit to Australia by Sir Arnold l'heiier, formerly Director of

Veterinary Education and Research at Onderstepoort, South Africa. Sir Arnold visited all States of

Austraiia over six months to make himself conversant with the relevant problems of animal health and

made recommendations for the organisation of research. His report was subsequently published by the

CSIR in 1929 as the larger part of the publication 'The Health and Nutrition of Animals". The smaller part

was that of Dr.J.B. Orr from the Rowett Institute, Scotland, who reported on pastures in Australia.

Sir Arnold recommended that a Division of Anfmaf Health be set up with a central laboratory in Canberra

with separate laboratories in the States. Use should be made of existing organisatlons and institutes in

the various States, and there should be co-csperation with the School of Veterinary Science in the

University of Sydney and with the Departments qf Agriculture in each State.

iv

Undoubtedly thls report was influential in the organisation of research on anlmal health in thls country, but

eventually no central laboratory was built in Canberra. However, there has always been a close

relationship between the CSIR, and subsequently the CSlRO laboratories of the Division of Anlmal Health

and the Faculties of Veterinary Science at the Universities of Sydney and el bourne. This has always

been so between McMaster Laboratory and the Faculty of Veterinary Science in Sydney. Co-operation

between McMaster Laboratory and the Departments of Agriculture, particularly of New South Wales, has

varied over the years and has often depended upon co-operation between individuals.

Sir Arnold Theiler was eventually under strong pressure from Dr. A.C.D. Rivett, Chief Executive Officer of

the CSIR, and Professor Richardson now on the Council to accept appointment as Director of Research in

Animal Health. Although he had difficulty making a decision whether to accept the position, Sir Arnold

eventually turned it down because of his age and failing health. The full details of this story are included in

Thelma Gutsche's book "There was a Man, The Life and Times of Sir Arnold Theiler, KCMG, of

Onderstepoort".

This history is the story of McMaster Laboratory of the CSlRO Division of Animal Health up to the end of

1989.

CHAPTER l

F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory and Ian McMaster Wing

The Council of the CSlR recognised the importance of agricultural research in the first Annual Report of

1927. There was a conference attended by the Heads of the State Departments of Agriculture, the

Professors of Agriculture from each university, some agricultura! experts, as well as representatives of the

CSIR. A Standing Committee on Agriculture was appointed. In the second Annual Report of 1928 it was

recorded that a Division of Anirnal Health should be organised to investigate various diseases of animals.

This then is the background to the construction of the Laboratory.

The F.D. McMaster Anlmal Health Laboratory was the first laboratory of the Division of Animal Health. As

already stated in the Introduction, the Laboratory was named after Sir Frederick McMaster of Dalkeith,

whose generosity and close association with the CSlR made it possible.

In 1929 the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable S.M. Bruce, addressed the Sheep Breeders' Association

of New South Wales and drew attention to the serious economic plight of the wool industry. Increasing

competition from artificial fibres meant that the industry had to make the fullest use of scientific methods

and research. Although the Government, through the CS1R was prepared to meet the cost of research, he

challenged the industry or any individual pastoralist to provide money for laboratory buildings. The only

pastoralist to meet this challenge was the then Mr F D McMaster, who generously offered the CSlR the

sum of E 20,000 for a laboratory for the investigation of problems associated with animal health. This

deed of gift is the frontispiece to this book. The Laboratory is, of course, situated in the grounds of the

University of Sydney, close to the School of Veterinary Science. Why was it not built in Canberra as

proposed by Sir Arnold Theiler? Perhaps fhe most satisfactory explanation was contained in a

memorandum to the Prime Minister's Department dated February 17th, 1930, On answer to a question by a

Member of the Federal Parliament. The Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Canberra, pointed

out:

(1) that it was desirable that the Laboratory be close to the fully equipped and staffed Department of

Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, with which close contact was possible;

(2) that it be near Glenfield Veterinary Research institute which was the leading such institute In the

country; and

(3) thcf in Sydney it was practicable to maintain closer contaci with pastoralists and their Associations

when they visited the city, held their meetings and could visit the Laboratory. Furthermore, in an earlier

letter dated August 6th, 1929, to Professor R.S. Wallace, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Dr

A.C.D. Rivett then the Chief Executive Officer stated that as New South Wales was 'by far the most

Important portion of the Commonwealth from a stock-raising poirit of view, it goes without saying that the

headquarters of the Division should be within Its borders and it Is the warm desire of the Councll

establishing the Division to associate it as intimately as may be possible with the University of Sydney'. Dr '

Rivett went on to say that 'we have already had experience of co-operative arrangements with Universitles

and I hope you will agree with us in the decision that it is inadvisable to enter into any legal covenants. It

should be possible for two such bodies as a University and a Commonwealth Research Councll to define

an understanding by an exchange of letters, leaving the development of the proposed co-operative work

to proceed upon such lines as wisdam and experience may dictate'. He then asked whether the Senate of

the University would agree 'to co-operate with the Council by supplying the necessary land for the

erection of the proposed laboratory'. He also expressed the wish that 'the site be adjacent to the

Veterinary School....'. Because the eventual agreement by letters is so critical to the use d the land and

the Laboratory by the CSIR, and its successor the CSIRO, the correspondence is quoted In full. In letters

dated August 13th, 1929 to Dr. Julius and Professor Richardson, Dr. Rivett pointed out that there had been

the possibility of discussion of legal matters in the erection of the CSlR laboratory of the Divison of Animal

Nutrition in the grounds of the University of Adelaide, but that this had been avoided by the wisdom of the

Vice-Chancellor, Sir William Mitchell, and his colleagues. He also noted that the questian had never

occurred in the understanding about laboratories between the DSIR in England and other organizations

such as Cambridge University. Eventually such an understanding was reached between the CSlR and the

University of Sydney. The gist of this is that the CSlR retain the use of the land rentfree and the use of the

F D McMaster Animal Health Laboratory as long as It wished, but that the Laboratory would revert to the

University i f and when at any time the Council did not continue to use It. There is no formal legal

agreement. The understanding is made clear in the letters which were exchanged between the two and

which are reproduced below.

THE UNlVERSlN OF SYDNEY

3rd September, 1929.

Dr. A. C. D. Rivett, Chief Executive Officer Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 314 Albert Street, EAST MELBOURNE, VIC.

Dear Sir,

The Registrar of the University has already sent you the resolution adopted by the

Senate at its August meeting with regard to the suggested establishment within the

University of the Division of Animal Health of the Council for Scientific and Industrial

Research. In order to carry the matter a step further, I put forward for your consideration,

the following proposals as a basis for PRe co-operation between your Council and the

University:-

( 1 ) . That the laboratory, which it is proposed to erect on the University Grounds

to house the Division of Animal Health, will, on ceasing to be used for that purpose, or

for any other purpose connected with the work of the Council for Scientific and lndustrial

Research and mutually agreed upon between the Council and the University, become the

property of the University and come under Its control.

(2). That, so long as the !aboratory is used for the purpose Indicated in clause

(I), the University will make no claim on the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

for rent for the land on which the laboratory is erected.

(3). That the Council for Scientific and lndustrial Research will undertake all

responsibility for equipping and staffing the laboratory, so long as the laboratory remains

under the control of the Council.

(4). That the University, on its part, will endeavour, as far as possible, to place at

the disposal of the workers in the laboratory such facilities for the carrying on of thelr

work as exist in the University, while the Council for Scientific and lndustrial Research, on

its part, will endeavour, as far as possible, to place at the disposal of University offlcers

the facilities whlch the laboratory affords. It is understood that, while appointments to the

staff of the laboratory are entirely in the hands of the Council for Scientific and Industrial

Research, the Council will not insist on adding lo, or retaining on the staff, any person

who may for any reason be objectionable to the University, and i t is also to be

understood that ail appointees to the laboratory will be subject to the general discipline

of the University.

I shall be glad to know how you regard these proposals as defining a general

understanding under which the proposed co-operative effort may proceed.

Yours faithfully,

R S Wallace,

VICE-CHANCELLOR

September 9, 1929

Dr. R. S. Wallace, Vice-Chancellor, University, SYDNEY. N.S.W.

My dear Vice-Chancellor,

I have your letter of September 3rd and have discussed it with my colleagues on

the Executive Committee. We realise, as l am sure you do, that there is no essential

difference in our points of view regarding the proposed co-operation in animal health

investigations between the University and the Council. With your paragraphs 2, 3 and 4

we are in full agreement, but we would rather like to suggest that the form of paragraph 1

should be slightly altered. As it stands in your !otter it might be taken to suggest that

there was an expectation that the C.S.I.R. might cease to use the McMaster Laboratory

for animal health work. It is perhaps only a small point, but if you have no objection we

would rather like the wording to run somewhat on the following lines:-

That while the Council for Scientific and industrial Research fully anticipates that

the proposed co-operation between the University of Sydney and itself will continue

Indefinitely, it realises that circumstances may possibly arise which will render h unable to

continue the work. The Council recognises that in such an event and in the further event

of the laboratory not being required for any other purpose of scientific research

connected with the work of the Council which may be rnutually agreed upon between the

Council and the University, the laboratory building will become the property of the latter

and pass under its control. You will see fhaf what we desire to emphasise or, at any rate,

to imply is that in the work in which we are jointly engaging we are establishing a branch

of national scientific activity which is not likely to come to an end for a very long time, if

ever.

Yours sincerely,

A.C.D. Rivett

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

23rd September, 1929 Dr. A.C.D. Rlvett, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Council for Scientific and lndustrial Research, 314 Albert Street, EAST MELBOURNE.

Dear Sir,

Replying to your letter of 7th September, B am glad to note your concurrence with

the proposals of my letter of 3rd. September, defining a general understanding with

regard to the establishment and upkeep of a laboratory within the University for the

Division of Animal Health of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. P see no

objection to your re-draft of paragraph (1). I shall place the correspondence which has

passed between us before the Senate of the University at its next meeting and shall inform

you later if it meets with its approval. I realise, as I know you do, that in a co-operatlve

undertaking of this kind, the first essential for success is mutual good-will, which, I am

sure, will not be lacking.

Yours faithfully,

R. S. WALLACE

VICE-CHANCELLOR

In the letter dated September 23rd, the Vice-Chancellor stated that he would place the correspondence

between them before the Senate at its next meeting and that he would inform the Chief Executive Officer if

it met with its approval. On October 14th, 1929, the correspondence between the Vice-Chancellor and the

Chief Executive Officer of the CSlR in relation to the establishment of the laboratory was submitted and

approved.

On June 2nd, 1930, the Buildings and Grounds Committee successfully recommended to the Senate that

the plans submitted for the Laboratory by the CSlR be approved subject to the Vice- Chancellor and Dr.

Bradfield being satisfied as to details. The Minutes stated that these two had examined two sets of plans

submitted, and recommended the adoption of the plan showing a building without a tower. This plan was

the one originally approved by the CSIR. A letter dated June 4th, 1930, from the Acting Registrar to the

Secretary of the CSIR, confirmed this approval by the Senate.

The Minutes of the Senate meetings to the end of 1930 have been examined and found to contain nothing

about a formal legal covenant between the University of Sydney and the CSlR on the lease of the site by

the latter, nor any proposed action should the University wish to terminate the occupancy of the

LEabaratory by the CSIR, or should the Council wish to terminate its occupancy.

This understanding stated in letters between the CSIR and the University and wlthaut formal legal

agreement was subsequently the basis for the building in the University grounds occupied by the National

Standards Laboratory. This matter was agreed to in letters between the CSlR ancf the Vice-Chancellor in

After the agreement between the University and the CSlR was reached, building of the F D McMaster

Animal Health Laboratory was planned and begun. It was io run east-west close to the Veterinary School

and parallel to Parramatta Road.

Early planning was undertaken by Ian Clunies Ross, B.V.Sc., who, as a parasitologist, was employed by

the CSIR, although working at the University, and H.R. Carne, B.V.Sc., later Professor and head of the

Department of Veterinary Pathology. The new Laboratory was to provide facilities in practical classes In

veterinary pathology and for the latter's personal research into caseous lymphadenitis (CIA) of sheep that

was already financed by a grant from the CSIR. In fact, Sir George Julius had afready offered H.R. Carne

a post In the CSIR, which included work on the plans and specifications of the Laboratory. Although this

was a tempting offer he felt that he should not relinquish the lectureship to which he had recently been

appointed. There was also a close relationship with the University through Professor 4.D. Stewart, Dean of

the School of Veterinary Science, during the plannir~g and erection of the building.

Tenders for the construction of the Laboratory were called after revised plans from the Chief Designing

Architect were discussed between Sir George Julius and the Director of Works in New South Wales. The

possibility of a third floor in the future was then discussed and it was decided that some slight

I

modffications to the plan would be necessary and that sketch plans for these alterations would be

supplied. A third floor was never added.

A contract was signed between Beat Bros. Ltd. and the Commonwealth of Australia on September 8th,

1930, for the erection of a two-storey building at the University of Sydney to be known as the F.D.

McMaster Animal Health Laboratory. The originel price was E 20,207 which was revised to bring

expenditure down to approximately E 18,200.

There was also some further discussion over the final price of the building and furnishings which was not

to exceed the E 20,000 donated by Mr F. D. McMaster, because the CSIR could not provide any extra

money. Certain features such as the types of tiles inside the building were modified to bring down the

cost, which was finally just short of the E 20,000.

H.R. Carne supervised the selection and installation of fittings and equipment for the various iaboratorles,

service rooms, and photographic unit etc. This involved frequent consultation with architects and

builders.

The 34 weeks allowed for construction meant that the building would have been completed by April 24th,

1931. Unfortunately, this had to be delayed. A large part of the site that had been swampy had been

packed with earth filling. This provided an unsatisfactory bed for piles that had already been driven in for

a proposed building for the Veterinary School. These were tested for suitability and eventually removed,

and new piles driven for the CSIR Laboratory.

The F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory was opened by the Chancellor of the University of Sydney,

Sir William Cullen, on November 26th, 1931, in the presence of the Chairman of the Executive Committee

of the CSIR, Sir George Julius, the Minister of Agricu!ture for New South Wales, Mr. Dunn, as well as Mr. F.

D. McMaster and other leading people from the University and CSIR. Mr. McMaster in his speech stressed

the satisfaction he and his family felt in Raving made the benefaction that made the Laboratory possible.

He believed he had contributed in some srnall degree to furthering the primary industries and prosperity of

the country. After the conclusion of this speech, Sir William Cullen presented Mrs McMaster with a golden

key and asked her to open the doors, after which he declared the building open. Some of the origlnal

staff, including Hugh Gordon, uriofficially occupied some laboratories sometime before the official

opening.

it was subsequently decided that the headquarters of the Division of Animal Health would remain in

Melbourne.

Ian McMaster Wing

Since the opening there have inevitably been various additions in the University grounds for housing both

sheep and small experimental animals, space for garages, workshops, slaughter and post-mortem rooms

and an incinerator. Any addition that encroached upon their grounds was always made aRer agreement

with the University of Sydney. These must all be included in this history. However, a major addition to the

McMaster Laboratory was the Ian Mc41sster Wing.

In about 1954 Sir Frederick McMaster visited the Laboratory and saw how cramped the facilities were. At

that time Mr. Dudley Gill, then Chief of the Division of Animal Health and Production, had decided to

spend most of his time in Sydney and was using as an office the room he had previously occupied as 0-1-

C. Dr Douglas Stewart, who was then 8-i-C, had only a small room, Sir Frederick then said in effect that

he was not fulfilling his obligations to the Laboratory. Shortly afterwards he donated Commonwealth

bonds to be held in trust by the University of Sydney for the CSlRO to build an addition to McMaster

Laboratory. The addition was to be known as the Ian McMaster Wing in memory of his only son, Captain

Ian McMaster, M.C. Sir Frederick died shortly after making this generous donation. i

Again, there was close co-operation between the CSlRO and the University whose permission was

necessary before the wing could be built. The Registrar of the University wrote to the Secretary (General

Administration) in December 1954, agreeing to commission the architects and arrange for the

construction of the building. As with the original Laboratory, it was agreed that the University would have

the first option on the building should the CSlRO vacate it at any time. Unfortunately, although the face

value of the bonds was E 52,000, they were only expected to yield about f 40,000 when surrendered.

Because this was insufficient to pay for the Wing, the Chief of the Division decided that the short-fall

should come from the Ian McMaster Bequest also held by the University and normally used to pay for

visitors to or studentships with the Laboratory. Although this intention was opposed by Dr. B.F. Stewart,

the Chief did not press the CSlRO to make good the short-fall from its own funds.

The Ian McMaster Wing was eventually handed over to the CSlRO and opened by His Excellency Sir John

Northcon, Governor of New South Wales, on November 14th, 1956, before representatives of the CSIRO,

the University and graziers organizations. His Excellency was welcomed by Sir Charles Bickerton

Blackburn, Chancellor of the University. Sir Ian Clunies Ross presided over the gathering, whlch was also

attended by Lady McMaster and Miss Thelma McMaster. The Wing initially housed the headquarters of

the Division, a new Library and the Animal Breeding Section on the upper floor. There was also a

basement for a workshop and coldroom. Since then, the Wing has been put to other uses and at present

houses the administrative staff of the Laboratory on the ground floor and provides a staff room for

meetings and seminars, and is used as a tea room.

Buildings for animal accommodation, garages and workshop, etc., are described in Chapter IV.

CHAPTER ll

The F.D. McMaster Animai Health Laboratory - The Early Years

by H. McL. Gordon.

Towards the end of 1930 and on through 1931 there were, in the Veterinary School at the University of

Sydney, as we watched the building of the McMaster Laboratory, nine of us whose lives and careers were

to be moulded on our early years in that laboratory.

Dr. Ian Clunies Ross was then Parasitologlst to CSlR and lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology. Dr. G.P.

Kauzal had come from Hungary in 1927 and was engaged in parasitological research under the guldance

of Clunies Ross. N.P.H. Graham was House Surgeon, having graduated B.V.Sc. in 1930. Fred Hamilton

was a general assistant to George Williams who was in charge of the animals at the Veterinary School as

well as caretaker and lived in the cottage immediately west of the laboratory: Re taught us the care and

handling of livestock, including horseshoeing. W.I.B. Beveridge and myself were undergraduates in final

year (with S.P. Hebden and L.F. Rickard-Bell). V.G. Cole was laboratory assistant to Ciunies Ross. H.R.

Carne was lecturer in veterinary pathology and bacteriology. H.A. Offord was a general assistant in the

Veterinary School, (referred to by Professor J.D. Stewart as 'the boy').

We watched and heard the driving of the great concrete piers on which the laboratory was built. These

piers were 25 feet long, 12 inches square, with a steel core, and were driven by a great pile driver into the

ground which was 'fill' from the excavations for the underground railway in the city. The laboratory was

thus built on reclaimed ground which had been a deep gully west of the Veterinary School.

Little did 1 think then that the McMaster Laboratory was to be my 'working home9 for the rest of my Ilfe,

and that those other eight men were all to have an enduring influence on my research and professional

reDationships and on the enduring importance of research in the McMaster.

Having graduated early in 1931 (graduation ceremonies were then held in the year following the final year

of the course: a four year course in those days), I was awarded a Walter and a Eliza I-iall Veterinary

Research Fellowship, and then, sharing a tiny laboratory with G.P. Kakrzai, began to work with the

parasites and parasitic diseases of sheep. This small laboratory was located at the north end of the

upstairs corridor of the Veterinary School.

There were four pens for sheep located where the east end of the present Annexe of the McMaster is

situated. Fred Hamilton attended to the sheep, did our washing up, and generally helped most of the staff

in the Veterinary School, including Graham in the Clinic. Ciunies Ross had an office cum taboratory In the

same corridor to the south of the library (with its rounded windows above the entrance to the School)

Which was opposite the head of the stairs. Victor Cole had a few metres of bench in this room.

Thus we watched with keen anticipation, the completion of the McMaster and on a memorable day In

August 1931 we began to move into a new and truly sumptuous laboratory, soon to be joined by Helen

Newton Turner, recently graduated Bachelor of Architecture, who became secretary to Clunles Ross who

had hls office immediately west of the northern, and main, entrance to McMasfer. H.R. Carne had an

office immediately opposite. Offord had come from the Veterinary School with Carne and was In charge

of the 'kitchen' where media making and the preparation of glassware soon became his province. In the

'scullery' was Mrs Mary Glover who did the washing up, made morning and afternoon tea and generally

'mothered' us. Mrs Wardman was cleaner - quite a task as the laboratory staff grew.

The McMaster was opened officially on 26th November 1931 when Mrs (later Lady) McMaster turned a key

in the front door - Harry Offord being inside in case the key did not work.

From early 1932 the staff began to expand. Upstairs the south-eastern section had a large laboratory

shared by Kauzal and me. Next door Clunies Ross had a laboratory in which much of the studies on tick

paralysis, begun some years earlier in the Veterinary School by him, was carried on. His technlclan, Cole,

became adept at dissecting out the salivary glands of the licks. Cole had a sarge laboratory in the north-

east corner and there we carried out worm egg counts, made and incubated faecal custures and made

worm counts on material from autopsies conducted in the post-mortem room immediately below. This

laboratory had a small annexed 'hot room' where temperature could be controlled for the Incubation of

sheep faeces for the supply of infective larvae of the nematodes under study. Also in this 'working'

laboratory was a battery of Baermann Funnels used by Kauzal who was investigating the bionomics of the

free-living stages of the parasites by exarnination of soil and pasture samples from the field station

"Hinchlnbrook".

The libra~y occupied the small room opposite the Read of the main stairs, and safer expanded westwards

and was very cramped until the Oat-i McMaster Wing was opened In 1956. Further west upstairs there was

a large room where RNo members of the Division of Plant industry (located ln Canberra) carried out work

In Australian grown tobacco. Occasionally 'experimental' cigarettes were made and offered to the

smokers on the staff for testing. This room became our first 'common room9 and was later subdivided.

Further west again a laboratory housed N.P.H. Graham, joined later by K.L. Taylor (one of my cousins

who was an agriculture graduate who subsequently went to Canberra and was Technical Secretary of thd

Division of Entomology, and later still went to Tasmania to work on the Sirex Wasp, a predator in pine

plantations.) He and Graham began to study the ectoparasites of sheep, especially the Ked (Melophaaus

ovinus) and body louse m a l i n i a ovis). Graham was designated 'Field Officer' and had most of the

responsibility for the development of fencing, yards, pasture sowing and top-dressing at 'Hlnchinbrook'.

His experience as a jackeroo in northern NSW (at 'Dungalear' Walgett, where later he and D.A. Gill carried

out a series of most important studies on sheep blowfly) proved very useful. For some years (1932 - 1937)

Graham was seconded to the George Aitken Pastoral Research Trust with a roving commission in which

he travelled widely in eastern Australia establishing contact with the grazing industry and maintaining

I

liaison with Departments of Agriculture in the investigation of diseases of sheep. (see section on field

trials). In this role he took laboratory findings to the field and brought field problems to the laboratory: a

highly important enterprise which went far in establishing the name and reputation of the ~ c ~ a s t e r .

Nowadays it might have been termed public relations, and indeed it was just that and a great deal more as

it kept well to the fore the immediate as well as long term needs of the sheep industry for research Into

disease and production. He travelled initially in a tiny 'Baby' Austin car, later in a red Ford 'Ute'. (There is

a remarkable photograph of Clunies Ross standing up in the Austin as he surveys the sweep of the Old

Man Plain in the western Riverina - it is reproduced in Pioneers of Wool.) I had great pleasure and

instruction from Graham as we travelled and worked together in the field. When we were developing the

use of arsenical enemas for treatment against Nodule Worm (Oeso~haaostomum coiurnbianum) he and I

spent a week near Jugiong NSW administering 2 quarts (about 2 litres) to each of 2008 sheep.

Also upstairs on the south side just w ~ s t of the top of the stairs a large room was fitted with benches and

plumbing and served for practical classes in bacteriology and pathology for the 3rd year undergraduates

in Veterinary Science: a nice cooperative facility between CSiR and the University. This arrangement

continued for some years until the pathology laboratory in the School was extended.

Downstairs the south-east corner had the post rnortem room with wide windows affording a vantage point

to see who came and went via the Veterinary School. Many hours were spent there on autopsies on

sheep used in the testing of anthelmintics and in studying the oesophageal reflex and washing large

quantities of faeces through sieves to collect the large bowel parasites. Next door was the hlstopathology

laboratory where Len Whitlock, shared between CSlR and University, developed his skills in the

preparation of tissue sections. He had come into McMaster fs service the needs of practical classes and

of CSIR staff. His meticulous technology was mirrored a few years later when his younger brother,

Harold, came to replace Cole wRen he entered the course in Veterinary Science in 1933. Among Harold's

skills and ingenuity is the McMaster Worm Egg Count technique, and its many advances and variations

throughout the parasitological world. In the south-western corner a photographic darkroom was the

domain of Ed Parrish, a skilled and affable photographer and in spite of a spinal deformity expert rifle shot

and a fine tennis player as well as a man of charm and character. One remembers him with appreciation

and affection, as we did of his successor, Ian Roper. Many a good evening's tennis was enjoyed at Harry

Offard's club in Leichhardt, with Harry, Len Whitlock, Ed Parrish, Victor Cole and me. I lived in Glebe and

spent many evenings in McMaster at the microscope, and in the Veterinary School as l 'worked' the

ancient projector to show slides to illustrate a series of lectures in genetics given by Clunies Ross to the

Workers Education Association Group.

There were laboratories for W.I.B. Beveridge who began his meticulous studies on footrot which did much

to illuminate the pathology and epidemiology of the disease, point the way to control measures and

gained him his D.V.Sc., then we had a place for W.A.Carr-Fraser, Sydney graduate in Veterinary Science

recently returned from attaining his Ph.D. from Aberdeen - and representing Scotland in Rugby. He

brought improved techniques in haematology and introduced us to mathematical statlstics whlch had us

looking more closely at our data: it was not just sufficient to 'see the difference'. He and Clunies Ross dld

not always see eye to eye in such matters. Carr-Fraser had tremendous energy and enthusiasm as he

began to look at the relationships between nutrition and resistance to helminthosis. His enthusiasm for

mathematical statistics encouraged Helen Turner into this discipline which she developed and extended

and went on into sheep breeding and genetics. The Bachelor of Architecture went on to become a

Mistress of Genetics! Having advanced from caring for the secretarial needs of the Officer-in-Charge

Helen Turner acquired an assistant - a quiet and gentle lass, Violet Willis, whose severe asthmatic attacks

eventually were fatal. She was the first of the few who have died while members of the staff. There is a

photograph of her in McMaster.

Last but not least of the early staff was Bill Charleton who presided over the small animal colony: later he

went on to become a qualified Meat Inspector.

One may look back to the attributes and experience of those of us who might be regarded as 'the Old

Hands'. Clunies Ross had worked on Tick Paralysis, Hydatid Disease (which earned him his D.V.sc.,) and

with A.G. McKay (who was a Walter and Eliza Hall Fellow, as was Clunies Ross earlier) on Liver Fluke, and

with Sydney Dodd in testing Black Disease vaccination, and with H.R. Seddon (Glenfield Veterinary

Research Station) on anthelrnintics, and had spent some time at the Molteno lnsfitufe In Cambridge, and

in England had contact and instruction from R.T. Leiper and T.W.M. Cameron. (My colleague, L.K.

Whitten also employed for a short time at the Laboratory, used to refer to a s~ccession of teachers of

parasitology - Leukart, Looss, Leiper, Cameron, Clunies Ross, Gordon. Later after his time, there were

Arundel, Rickard, Beveridge, Kelly, Dunsmore - and Whitten himself lectured in Malaysia). Clunies Ross

spent part of 1929 - 1930 in the Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Imperial University, Tokyo. Thus

he brought a wealth of experience and contacts in the wide field of parasitology to McMaster.

Kauzal, who graduated from the Veterinary School in Budapest, had worked with Professor Kotlan, then

an internationally acknowledged parasitologist, before coming to Australia in I927 when, with financial

assistance from Pastures Protection Boards, he began a series of surveys of the geographical and

seasonal occurrence of the worm parasites of pigs and sheep. Later, with Clunies Ross he worked on the

life-cycie, pathogenicity and control of the Kidney Worm (Ste~hanurus dentatus) of pigs. He was an

experienced parasitologist.

Graham had been an undergraduate for a year or fwo in the Faculty of Agriculture before 'going bush' to

work as a jackeroo on 'Dungalear' at Walgett before entering the Faculty of Veterinary Science in 1926.

He was House Surgeon in the Veterinary Clinic in 1930. His experience as a jackeroa was well applied

when he supervised the constructie~ I of fencing and especially sheep yards at 'Hinchinbrook' which used

a 'bugle' design which facilitated the free-movement of the sheep as they approached the drenching and

drafting races on a curve. (This was an old desigp which only in more recent years, 1980's, Ras come to

the fore again when decreasing availability of farnr labour necessitated better sheep handling facilities).

Dr. H.R. Carne, although never on the staff of the Laboratory, had recently returned, 1928, from a year In

France at the Laboratoire Nationale de Researche Veterinaire and Pasteur Institute, and had from that year

been lecturing in veterinary pathology and bacteriology. From him we had kindly advice and instruction

and the need for meticulous application in research: reflected in his studies on caseous lymphadenitis.

Carr-Fraser had recently returned from taking his Ph.D. at the Rowett Research Institute at Aberdeen and

brought new techniques in haematology and an infectious enthusiasm for mathematical statsstlcs which

was transmitted to Helen Turner who brought the precision and imagination of the architect to her

secretarial duties and then on into the world of research. Ian Beveridge and 1 were raw graduates but we

had useful bacl<grounds from growing up in the grazing industry and we were keen to discover. (Ian's first

book, 'The Art of Scientific Investigation9, reflects his deeper interests in the 'philosophy' of his science.)

Thus the McMaster had a rich and varied background: its name endures and one trusts will endure.

Our facilities were by modern standards, meagre and simple but they sufficed. The laboratory was

'modern' - even advanced, for the times (60 years ago). There were four pens for sheep - 10 sheep each - and a small shed for storage of fodder. Fred Hamilton was in charge. (I think that these pens had been

built by the University a few years before). One pen was converted' for Beveridge's footrot work by having

its edges raised to provide a shallow pool in which sheep had to stand: it was extraordinary the efforts the

sheep made to keep their feet out of the water. Later when Graham began to work on ectoparasites a

small dip and yards were added, and then, to cater for the need to raise sheep free from worm parasites, a

cage shed was built with open front and small raised pens with slotted (grating) floors. For a time we

grazed sheep on the lawns surrounding the laboratory, and we utilised sheep from the nondescript flock

used by the University groundsman to keep the grass short on the sporting ovals and surroundings (no

power mowers in those days). The ravages of stray dogs eventuasly led to disbanding this flock.

Thanks to the generosity of Sir Frederick McMastsr we were able to use 300 acres of the 2000 acres of

'Hinchinbrook', which he had rented to graze cattle. It was located near Kemp's Greek, a few kilomotres

from the present McMaster Farm at Badgery9s Creek. it was in cattle at 'Hinchinbrook' that we found what

appeared to be a new species of Cooperia - one of the nematode parasites of the small Intestine. It was

named Cooperia mcmasteri (it is almost certainly C.surnabada) and we had it on display at the opening of

the laboratory. Lady McMaster remarked that there was no family resemblance! The 300 acres provided

six 15 acre paddocks for experiments on the effects of different degrees of infection on the productivity of

sheep, and the remainder of tlie area was used to maintain a breeding flock which provided lambs to be

raised worm-free at the laboratory, for work with caseous lymphadenitis, and a small programme of cross-

breeding to examine the inheritance of wool and mutton charscters. (Some ewes from the Camden Park

flock were crossed with Border Leicester rams).

There was a small hut which served as field laboratory and on a few occasions Victor Cole, then an

undergraduate in Veterinary Science but working for CSlR in spare hours and weekends, (we were in the

laboratory on Saturday mornlngs in those days) and a fellow student (Ron Greville) spent the weekend

there when field experiments required daily care. We commuted to 'Hinchinbrook' in a second hand

Austin with trailer for carrying sheep, and some of us in addition if there was a large party. (On one

occasion the Austin carried Clunies Ross and Dr. J.A. Gilruth, then Chief of the Division ('Old Jock' as we

irreverently but affectionately called him). The pastures were top-dressed and seeded by a few of us

walking abreast, each with a bag of seed and superphosphate. Water came from troughs fed by siphon

from the open channel which corlveyed water from the upper Nepean dams to the Prospect reservoir of

the Sydney Water Board.

'Hinchinbrook' served our needs for field studies until 1936 when CSIR and the University of Sydney

acquired Badgery's Creek from the Buffier family, with financial help from Sir Frederick McMaster. The

University section became the McGarvie Smith Farm (funded from the McGarvie Smith Institute which

produced the first anti-anthrax vaccine in Australia). A dairy farm was established and there H.J. Geddes

developed his water harvesting system. The students In final year of the course in veterinary science (by

then a five-year course) spent most of that year in residence on the farm. The CSlR section became the

McMaster Field Station where the fate R.B. Kelley established what was later to become the Division of

Animal Production, and the McMaster Farm where we conducted parasitological work and bred lambs

which were brought to the laboratory and raised worm-free for the maintenance of 'pure' hfections with

individual species of helminths and for immunological studies which required parasitologically naive

sheep.

Early Field Work

Most of the field work devesoped via personal contacts with sheepowners. Clunies Ross had been

engaged In field work in the early testing of Black Disease vaccines developed by Dodd (then lecturer in

pathology and bacteriology in the Veterinary School during the early 1920's). Clunies Ross was well

known through his activities as a speaker on foreign and other affairs over the radio and through

progressive contacts with members of the grazing industries. Sir Frederick McMaster often introduced

fellow pastoralists and Clunies Ross was also a steward, with Sir Frederick, In the beef cattle section of the

Royal Agricultural Society show. Graharri had many country contacts which were extended when he was

seconded to the George Aitkin Pastoral Research Trust. Beveridge and myself came from grazing

properties in the eastern Riverina and New England regions respectively and consequently had many rural

contacts and were soon known to be concerned with research on sheep diseases at the McMaster

Laboratory. Beveridge's secondment to the Australian Pastoral Co. at "Noondoo" On southern

Queensland, and my secondment to Grazcos (1935) further extended contact with the sheep Industry.

The early field trials at 'Frodsley' in Tasmania, 'Gundowringa', Crookwell, NSW and 'Meteor Downs' in

Queensland aroused much interest among rocal graziers. In the early 1930's the State Departments of

Agriculture had few veterinarians on their staffs and were not fully served by research and extension

functions, especially the more specialised aspects, e.g. the diseases caused by hehinth parasites,

footrot, flystrike, ectoparasites, and as information on these and allied problems developed in CSIR,

largely at the McMaster, there were increasing calls on the staff for investigation and instruction.

Beveridge was seconded to 'Noondoo', then a very large property (around 1 million acres) where he

investigated flystrike, including the Mules Operation, then a very new intervention In the control of the

disease. My year with Grazcos was the stimulus for the epidemiological work In New England.

Clunles Ross was early recognised as a 'man for the future' with the prospect - fully achleved - of

becoming of considerable importance and influence. This recognition brought further contacts 0.g. E.H.

Lefroy of 'Cranmore Park', Moora, W.A.

All of these circumstances contributed to the early and extensive application of work at McMaster Into the

field. The close and essentially practical nature of this aspect of research provided a strong sense of

participation between research and industry, and above all it enabled an early assessment of the

applicability and practicality of research findings.

'Frodsley', located at Fingal some 70 km south-east from Launceston, Tasmania, is In a high rainfall region

with rather poor soil and sowiy productive natural pastures. There were serious problems with

malnutrition, exacerbated by parasitic diseases including fasciolosls and gastrointestinal helmlnthosls.

The owner, K.E. Brodribb, was enthusiastic In the 'improvement' of pastures and disease control and was

keen for investigations. Field work was initiated by C8unies Ross and resulted In an extensive program of

drainage to reduce the extent of the habitats of the snails and thereby assist in tRe control of fasciolosis. (I

spent an extra few days of my honeymoon at Frodsley in February 1937 to cReck the effectiveness of the

drainage system). A series of simple trials with anthelmintics - remembering that in the early 1930's the

efficiency of these drugs was very limited - showed that general thrift and especially wool quality could be

improved even though the control of the parasites was not highly efficient.

These trials, as with most field trials, raised further problems and ttiere were many further investigations,

later carried out by the Tasmanian Depaflment of Agriculture. The transfer of investigation from @SIR to

the Department of Agriculture was a feature of much of the field work initiated at the McMaster Laboratory.

The trials at "Gundowringa" (near Croob~ell on the Southern Tablelands in NSW) had their genesis In the

concern by graziers that one of the fruits of the 'pastoral revolution' as manifest in the development of

highly productive sown pastures with consequent increased stocking rates might greatly increase the

hazards of parasitic diseases and perhaps also adversely affect wool quality. improved nutrition might

increase fibre diameter and later the colour and 'character' of the fleece. The results are well summarised

in the paper by Clunies Ross in the old CSIR journal and it is felt that as these concPusions also express

much of the qualities of expression and 'philosophy' of Ciunies Ross that a full quotation is merited.

In the "Gundowring" trials Corriedale sheep were used and there was some concern that the possible

effects of highly improved pastures on Merino wool might be different. Accordingly a trial was carried out

with sheep in the "Merryville" (Yass) superfine wool flock, with the collaboration of Walter (later Sir Walter)

Merriman, noted breeder of superfine Merino sheep. The results are in the last scientific paper which

bears the name of Clunies Ross (with Helen Turner, Norman Graham, Harold Carter and Hirsh Munz). The

results dispelled most of the doubts expressed by the breeders of fine and superfine Merino wool that the

Improved nutrition provided by improved pastures might adversely affect wool quality.

A similar trial at "Frodsley" in Tasmania supported these findings and there was a general conclusion that

while the higher plane of nutrition might result in a slight increase in fibre diameter this did not detract from

the value of the fleece which was heavier and the fibre more everliy grown than that of sheep grazing

natural pastures.

The trial at "Meteor Downs" in the southern part of the Central Highlands of Queensland (near Sprlngsure)

was prompted by the serious outbreaks of haemonchosis which occurred In the region, not regularly but

periodically depending on the incidence of rainfall. The results showed that sheep could tolerate

moderate numbers of Haemonchus contortus without serious detriment to health and productivity, and

provided field evidence that carbon tetrachloride was very effective against this parasite. This trial was

carried out in 1932. Epidemiological studies were begun in the more northerly part of this reglon from the

late 1940's in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, and similar trials were conducted in the

western Darling Downs region of Queensland during those years.

During the mid to late 1940's limited trials were carried out In South Australia in collaboration with John ,

Lee of the CSlR Animal Nutrition laboratory in Adelaide. Trials were located at Kybybollte In the south

east, at Clare, north of Adelaide and at Pillana on Eyre Peninsula. From the early 1950's trials began In

Tasmania (to extend the earlier findings at "Frodsley") located in the Branxholm-Bridport region in the

north east, Triabunna on the east coast and at Cressey Farm in central Tasmania. During this period trials

were conducted in Western Australia over a wide area extending from Moora in the north through

Toodyay, Beverley and Kellerberrin to Kojonup, Williams and Bridgetown and Cranbrook in the south

west. During 1959 - 60 I.W. Parnell moved from MchAaster to Perth where he conducted a more extensive

trlal based on the CSlR Field Station at Kojonup. From the late 4940's trials began in the Southern and

Central Tablelands region in NSW, first at Yass, Canberra and Bungendore then at Goulburn, Oberon and

Mt. Lambie (Rydai) and several of these trials were continued until I retired In 1974, each adding to

knowledge of epidemiofogy, affects of parasitic disease on productivity, and control, including extended

observations on prime lamb production in the Bberon region. it was during this period that the extensive

work on the application of molluscicides in the control of fasciolosis was in progress.

CHAPTER Pil

The Division, Finance, Administration and the Organisation of Research

The Divlsion and the Institutes

Changes to the name and organisation of the Division of Animal Health are relevant to the history of the

Laboratory because, if for no other reason, they have determined the range of research therein.

Initially, as it is now, it was known as the Division of Animal Health, but there have been changes since

January, 1930, when it was first formed as part of the CSIR. Dr Gifruth was appointed as Actlrrg Chief and

was formally Chief of the Division by June 30th, 1934. He was stationed in Parkville, Melbourne, which

was then, and has almost continuously been, the headquarters of the Division.

In 1935 Dr Bull became Chief of both the Divisions of Animal Health and Nutrition. He had been at the

University of Adelaide. After only about a year Re became Chief of the combined Divislon of Animal Health

and Nutrition, a position he held until Animal Nutrition was split off to become the Division of Biochemistry

and General Nutrition in 1944 under H R Marston. The Division of Animal Health was then renamed the

Division of Animal Health and Production, but Dr Bull remained Chief.

The Council for Scientific and lndustrial Research became the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial

Research Organisation in 1949.

In 1959 Dudley Gill, the 0-I-C of the laboratory, also became Assistant Chief of the Division.

Some of the staff of the Laboratory, notably Helen Newton Turner, were transferred to the Division of

Mathematical Statistics but remained at the Laboratory. When the Animal Genetics Unit, under Dr J M

Rendel, was formed in 1952 some of the staff of the new unit, previously on the staff, were transferred, but

also remained at the Laboratory.

When Dudley Gill, who took Dr Bull's place as Chief of the Division, retired in April, 1959, It was split into

three; (1) the Division of Animal Health, with Dr Gregory in Melbourne as Chief and Dr D. F. Stewart at

McMaster Laboratory as Associate Chief; (2) the Division of Animal Genetics On North Ryde, Sydney, with

Dr Rendel as Chief; (3) the Division of Animal Physiology at the Ian Clunies Ross Research Laboratory,

Prospect, Sydney, with Dr I. W. McDonald, as Chief.

The Division has been known as the Division of Animal Health ever since then. The headquarters

remained in Melbourne, although Dudley Gill as Chief was at McMaster Laboratory. When Dr A K

Lascelles became Chief, he too, always had a0 office at the Laboratory, whereas the headquarters

remained in Melbourne. Furthermore, when Dr Donald became Chief, he too, had an office nearby,

although the headquarters of the Division did not come to Sydney until the retirement of Kevin Hodges as

Divisional Administrative Officer. During the term of Dr. Dineen as Acting Chief of the Division the

headquarters remained in Sydney until he retired. When Dr Bagust became Acting Chlef and the

headquarters returned to Melbourne, Dr Donald became Director of the new lnstitute of Anlmal Products

and Processing. This occurred early in 1988. Since early in 1989, Dr M. D. Rickard has been Chief of the

Division. Although changes to the head offices of the CSlR and the CSIRO obviously affected the

organisation of the Division and hence the Laboratory, they need not be outlined in this history. On the

other hand, the grouping and general organizaton of related Divisions dicf reflect the overall outlook of the

management of the CSlR and CSIRO.

In the CSlR the Chief Executive at Head Office, then In Melbourne, did directly Influence the staff and

outlook of the Divisions, and hence, of the Laboratory. For instance, before Barbara Johnston was

employed as a librarian at the Laboratory, she had to yo to Melbourne to be interviewed by Sir George

Julius. As the size of the CSlR and then the CSlRO grew, the influence became less direct and the

supporting bureaucracy inevitably also grew. Details are interesting, but are not the concern of this

history.

When the Division was split into three, each Chief became a member of the Animal Research Committee

of which Dr. Rendel was Chairman. On the retirement and sudden death of H. R. Marston, Br A. T. Dick,

became Chief of the Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, as it was then called, and joined the Committee.

Dr Stewart, as Associate Chief of the Division of Animal Health also became a member In 1961. In 1974 Dr

K A Ferguson Assistant Chief of the Division of Animal Production, became Chairman and moved to

Canberra. This Committee discussed research problems and Initiatives of these Divisions.

The Animal Research Committee was in existence until 1978 when the institute of Animal and Food

Sciences was formed with Dr Ferguson as Director. From 1975 to 1977 he had been an associate

member of the CSIRO Executive. The Divisions in this Institute have changed from time to time with

changes in the organization of the CSIRO, but originally included Anirnas Production, Fisheries Research,

Food Research, Human Nutrition as well as Animal Health and two or three Units which included

Molecular and Cellular Biology. When Dr Fergerson retired in ApriD 9986, Dr Donald, who had been Chief

of the Division of Animal Health, became Acting Director until the formation of the institute of Animal

Products and Processing of which he was appointed Director in 1988. The Divisions In this new Institute

consist of Animal Health, Animal Production, Wool Processing, Tropical Animal Production, Food

Processing and Human Nutrition. Again it is obvious that there has been a regrouping and renaming of

some Divisions, but this is not the concern of this history.

The functions of these two Institutes reflect changes in the outlook of research in Austrasia and of the

greater control by government and industry. This control, or accountability, reflects the financial

restrictions and outlook in many countries, not only Australia. It must also influence research and Its

L

finance in the Laboratory.

Financial Organization

The research undertaken at the Laboratory is described below. It is its finance and changes with time that

is described in this section.

Originally, in the days of the CSIR, all research was financed by appropriations from the Federal Treasury.

This was then allotted to Divisions. The finance of the Division of Animal Health was, in turn, allotted to the

constituent laboratories, one of which was, of course, the F. D. McMaster Animal Research Laboratory.

No doubt there was then, as there has been for some years, discussion and even argument with the Chief

as to how much was required and how it should bedivided.

Later, members of the Australian Wool Research Committee (AWRC) and the Australian Meat Research

Committee, which consisted of representatives of the respective rural industries, provided additional

money for research. The Laboratory was more involved with the former because its research was directed

to the sheep industry. Members of the Committees, particularly the AWRC, visited the Laboratory perhaps

twice a year to learn about the research undertaken and usually to be addressed by the researchers

involved. Dr Stewart said later that the Committees did not influence the direction of the research at the

Laboratory and that they never criticised or ever made a formal protest about the work. He was able to

use the grants as he wished.

Durlng those years the support from private firms was negligible. There were occasional donations from

some drug firms for such things as equipment, etc., but these were not directed to particular projects and a

were used at the discretion of Dr Stewart. He has en amusing story of a donation from the local branch of

a well-known drug firm which was subsequently not approved by the overseas head office, but which had

already been spent.

Since about 1982 the financing of CSlRO research, including that of the Division of Animal Health and

hence that of this Laboratory, has changed radically. This change is related to restriction of money for

research in line with the genera! restriction of money and a call for accountability of spending.

Furthermore, the Australian Government decided that there was insufficient input into research by the rural

industry. For this reason several appropriate committees were re-formed into the Wool Industry Research

Council (ultimately the Wool Research and Development Corporation), to which all projects were to be

submitted for approval. A three-year period has allowed the CSlRO to adjust to this plan, after which it

would be on the same competitive basis as ail other applicants for funds.

To a large extent this possibility has been answered by changes within the CSIRO. During 1989 the

CSIRO and the Officers' Association agreed that the majority of research appointments were to be

Indefinite and that there were to be only a small numbers of term appointments with well-defined criteria.

This means that Divisions must put aside funds to enable them to change research projects according to

their assessment of what is required, to pressures from industry and possibly, from politicians. Research

staff must accommodate to these changes or become redundant. These changes in appointments must,

of course, affect this laboratory.

But of course, a growing proportions of funds for research do not now come from appropriations.

According to Dr Peter Waller, the 0-i-C of McMaster in 1988, about 72% to 73% of funds available to the

Laboratory still come from appropriations, and the remainder from industry. Industry funds come from the

Australian Wool Corporation, the National Biotechnoiogy Research Grant Scheme, which is administered

by the Industrial Research Development Board, other government agencies, as well as from private

pharmaceutical firms.

As the CSlRO is actively encouraged to look for funds from industry it is highly probable that the

proportion from this source will grow. Research in association with pharmaceutical firms is tactical rather

than strategic. Some are stricter than others, but in general, these arrangements range from collaboration

In research at the Laboratory to contracts which stipulate the nature and extent of the agreement. In

general, the value of the contract covers the salaries, overheads and operating cost of the project. The

difference between this total and the contract figure i.e. the 'profit margin' is retained for strategic

research. As the firm owns the results of that research, its publication may be restricted, although it Is

often subsequently published, for example, after one to three years.

These pharmaceutical firms have an incentive to contribute to research funds because there is a taxatlon

reduction of 150% on any money they offer. Research scientists within the Division, hence at the

Laboratory, also have an incentive to seek out these contracts which are taken into account In

performance evaluation.

As Dr. Dineen said, the past Chiefs of the Division would not now recognise the responslbllltles of the

present Chief who has to spend much of his time making and examining collaborative agreements and

contracts with private firms and has insufficient time for planning and management of research. No doubt

the 0-i-C of the laboratory must also be involved in this type of work.

The main role of the CSlRO is to do strategic and tactical research, and, where appropriate, to transfer the

results to industry and produce funds through licensing arrangements where appropriate for future

research.

The opinions ot the Laboratory scientists on these financial changes vary. Some are uneasy to various

degrees, others accept them as inevitable. It can be argued that the Australian government Is only doing

what the governments of other countries are also doing.

It is obvious that big changes in the funding of rural research are underway. These have been dealt with in

some detail because they affect the future of this Laboratory.

Divisional overseas studentships to enable promising staff to obtain Ph.D.s and qualify as research officers

were funded from salary savings. C.H. Gallagher, D.S. Roberts, P.K. Briggs, A.D. Donald, P.J. Waller, B.A.

Panaretto, J.H. Thomas and D.B. Adams were included in this method.

Administration

Administration and the necessary staff grew with the Laboratory. Dr Ian Clunies Ross as the first 0-i-C

had what was then known officially as a Clerical Assistant, but to everyone else as a secretary. This was

Miss Helen Newton Turner whose distinguished career as a genetist and statistician is descrlbed In

Chapter IX. She occupied this position until 1934 when, according to the staff list, she became known as

Secretary and Statistician. The latter is an indication of her future career. She is listed in this position until

1937 when she became a Technical Officer (statistician) when D A Gill was 0-i-C. According to Helen

Turner, H H Wilson became the Clerk about 1939 and took over from her when she returned from

overseas. Harry Wilson's career was interrupted from about 1941 /42 by his service as a navigator with

the RAAF. For some time he was with a flying boat squadron of the RAF in West Africa.

He is again listed as a Clerk in the Annual Report of 1946/47. According to the staff lists he was known as

Laboratory Secretary in 1954/55 when Dr D F Stewart was 0-i-C. In 1965166 he was known officially as

the Administrative Officer of the Laboratory when Dr Stewart was Associate Chief of the Division.

Harry Wilson had a long, distinguished administrative career. He was well-known to everyone at the

Laboratory and outside the Division, for example, at Head Office of the CSlRO and at the Regional

Administrative Office in Sydney. He was everitually invalided out of the CSlRO early in 1969 and died not

long afterwards.

He was succeeded by T A Lewis as Administrative Officer. Tom Lewis, who had a very long career in the,

CSlR and CSIRO, had been Senior Clerk at the Laboratory. He held the position as Administrative Officer

or Laboratory Secretary until his retirement in March, 1979.

At this point it is necessary to ask whether the terms Administrative Officer or Laboratory Secretary meant

anything more than names conjured up by Head Office. In fact, there was no difference between the

duties of each position.

Tom Lewis is named the Administrative Officer in one list and Laboratory Secretary in another, both of the

same date. After Tom Lewis, W J Carpenter became Laboratory Secretary until September, 1982. He had

also been Senior Clerk. Then in December of,that year, when Dr A D Donald was 0-i-C, G C Boswell

became Laboratory Secretary. L J Callachor became Laboratory Secretary in June, 1985, when Dr J K

Dineen was 0-i-C of the Laboratory and Assistant Chief of the Division. Leo Callachor held this position

until June, 1988, when he was succeeded by R I Gilbert. Ros Gilbert had also been Senior Clerk. Dr P J

Waller was 0-i-C at this time. Ros Gilbert was the first woman to become Laboratory Secretary, a position

she holds at this time. At present all the administrative staff are female.

When Dr Helen Turner began as Clerical Assistant or Secretary there was no other administration staff.

Later she had an assistant who died in tragic circumstances. The number of administration staff gradually

Increased. They are now known as Administration Staff Officers of various grades from one to six, but

nevertheless, are still known by their occupations. At the head of the group is the Laboratory Secretary,

beneath her is the Senior Clerk, but there is also a Purchasing Officer, an Assistant Purchasing

Officer/Stores and a Staff Clerk responsible for files, pay, mail, etc. There is a Steno-secretary, a Word

Processing Typist and a Receptionist, who is also the telephonist.

There is also a Technical Officer, who is visually the electrician, and a Laboratory Craftsman who attends

to all other problems the Laboratory may have. In fact, these two are so capable that it Is seldom that

anyone outside is called upon for assistance.

Earlier there were a stores officer, a driver, a mechanic responsible for the upkeep of the Laboratory

vehicles and at least two cleaners responsible for the individual laboratories and passage-ways. These

positions have now been eliminated.

Organization of Research

Research is, of course, the reason for the existence of this Laboratory. This section describes the

changes in organization that have taken place. The actual research is described in chapters V and VI.

The organization of research at the Laboratory changed with the change from the CSlR to the CSlRO and

the growth and sophistication of the latter. Involved too, were the availability of funds, the sources of

these funds and the accountability demanded by the Federal government.

In the years of the CSlR and before the formation of the then Divisions of Animal Physiology and Animal

Genetics, research at the Laboratory covered a very wide field. Research, although emphasis was upon

problems of internal parasites, included work with external parasites, bacteriological diseases,

biochemical studies, wool biology, nutrition and fertility of sheep. There was also studies of the hybrids of

Zebu cattle breeding problems at the F. D. McMaster Field Station at Badgery's Creek. The emphasis in

the early work with external parasites was with blow-fly strike. Biochemical studies included that of

mineral metabolism of sheep, the effect of poisonous plants, drought feeding, ram feeding and later, some

endocrinological studies. Wool studies included fleece chemistry and the physical characteristics of wool.

Bacteriological studies emphasized footrot and CLA of sheep and Corynebacterium species. Pregnancy

toxemia of ewes, enterotoxaemia and black disease of sheep were also investigated.

The formation of the Divisions of Animal Physiology and Animal Genetics reduced the range of work at the

Laboratory by taking away some of the research staff and their fields of work. Then in March 1982 that

part of the Division at lndooroopilly in Brisbane became part of the new Division of Tropical ~ n i m a l

Sciences.

As Dr Ferguson said on his retirement as Director of the Institute of Animal and Food Sciences, McMaster

has influenced the development of research in the CSlR and CSIRO. From people at the Laboratory come

the Divisions association with the wool industry, for example, the Division of Textile Physics, as well as the

Divisions of Animal Physiology and Animal Genetics. The early Fleece Analysis Laboratory at Villawood,

but closely associated with the McMaster Laboratory, was critical to the formation of the Division of Textile

Physics.

In the formative years of the Laboratory there was little formal division of research into well defined

groups. The inter-relationship between groups then and later is now uncertain, but undoubtly it did exist

between some groups and from time to time. Sometime after the CSlR became the CSlRO In 1949,

research was more formally divided into appropriate groups. Diseases from internal parasites was one

such group and included research on helminthiasis in New South Wales. Amongst those was listed

ecological, immunological, metabolic and anthelmintic studies, as well as some work on liver fluke

disease. Another group on bacteriological diseases included foot diseases of sheep and lumpy wool

(caseous lymphadenitis). There was a third group concerned with diseases due to external parasites,

while a fourth covered other areas of research such as antimicrobial factors in wax and melanotic livers in

sheep. But these groupings changed with time so that in the Divisional Annual Report of 1969/70 are

included biochemical studies of the host-parasite relationship in sheep, the isolation and identification of

the toxin of the dog tick (Ixodes holocvclus) and skin gland secretions of the wild rabbit.

By 1970 the work of these groups were often more widespread throughout eastern Australia, for example,

work on internal parasites included work in the Melbourne and Brisbane laboratories as well as at

McMaster. The work between two or three laboratories was becoming integrated.

The separate programs, which might include more than one laboratory within the Division were numbered.

Program I , Diseases caused by Bacteria, included Project 1 . I , foot diseases of sheep. Program 4,

External Parasites, included Project 4.1, Biting Insects of Livestock. Programs 5, Internal Parasites,

included projects on ecology, anthelmintics, pathology, biochemistry and immunity. Programs 9, Other

Areas of Research, included a project on organic chemistry. These are projects at this Laboratory and

each was accompanied by a statement of its objective.

There were, of course, changes with time in the names of these programs and of the projects within them.

For instance, in 1971 the programs on external parasites was expanded to contain projects on ecology,

on potential vectors of ephemral fever and on lice and the dog tick. The programs on internal parasites

included projects on the natural history of haemonchosis, on epidemiology control of helrninthosls of

sheep and on pathophysiology. Sometimes individual projects were widened to become speciflc

programs, for example, in 1974 pathophysiology became Program 5. In 1977, Infection and Immunity

became Program 10. In general, each program dealt with a specific problem, for example, diseases due

to external parasites or the various programs dealing with internal parasites. The latter covered a

widening field because of its importance to the Laboratory.

In the Divisional Annual Report of 1979/80 the word "programs" was dropped and the groups were merely

numbered, for example, 7 was external parasites and 8, internal parasites, but the projects were

numbered as before with a statement about aims or an outline of research.

Then in 1987 the McKinsey Enquiry that examined the structure of the CSlRO recommended changes that

had far-reaching effects on its organization and on funding and management of research.

Dr Stewart, O-i-C from 1954 and Associate Chief of the Division until 1974, has described the development

of a research program. About then he said that this was a gradual affair, depending on the gaps to

knowledge which are necessary to fill, the availability of staff and their special training and interest,

programs of the laboratories, the facilities and finance. Overall planning is always something of a

compromise influenced by these factors, but the major objective remains clearly defined.

This statement is true no longer when research is even more closely determined by the sources and

availability of finance and accountability to the politicians of the moment. In his introduction to the Annual

Report of 1981 /82, Dr Ferguson, Director of the Institute of Animal and Food Sciences, of which the

Division of Animal Health was part, stated that ".....the Government policy of restraint on public spending

has meant an overall contraction in the resources available ...." Later in the Report he went on to say that

"steady progress is being made to reduce levels of staffing and funding and to changing research needs,

with programs in all Divisions undergoing change".

At least three reports into the CSlRO had major effects on the direction and management of research at

the Laboratory. The first of these was a review of the Division commissioned by the Executive in 1981 at

the end of Dr Lascelles' term as Chief. These reviews were always held at the end of the term or on

retirement of a Chief of a Division. This review decided that research of the Division was to be on diseases

of sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry, with emphasis upon immunology. For the Laboratory, this entailed

emphasis upon internal parasites. The second was the McKinsey enquiry already referred to, and which

had a radical effect on the management of research in the Organization.

Apart from describing the present arrangements, it is unnecessary to follow in detail the progressive

changes to research and its management that has followed these two reports. First, the rural industry

must determine the projects undertaken by the Division. Doubtless there must be some compromise

between the rural industry and the Division, but it is the former that is overridingly important. Secondly, as

recommended by the McKinsey Enquiry, the CSlRO as a whole, must be run on more business-like lines.

Thirdly, the management of research within the lnstitute and the Division has changed. As a result of

these provisions, as Dr Donald, now director of the new Institute of Animal Products and Processing, has

said, the description by Dr Stewart, of the organization of research is no longer valid.

Until quite recently there were three programs at this Laboratory. Program K covered a wide field'of

parasitology related to molecular and biochemical pharmacology antiparasitic agents and their

pharmacokinetics and metabolism, population dynamics, epidemiology and control, molecular genetics of

anthelmintic resistance, sustainable control and self medication of ruminants in tethered husbandry

systems. It also included helniinths and nutrition of sheep in Northern China. Not all of this was at the

Laboratory, some was at Armidale and Parkville (including the last named project). However, Dr. John

Steel at the Laboratory was Program Manager. Program M, of which Dr. Ken Beh was Program Manager,

included molecular approaches to disease control, vaccine performance in farm animals (from Armidale)

and immunity to nematode infections of sheep. Program D was centred at the Animal Health Research

Laboratory at Parkville, but included some bacteriology at this Laboratory, namely fleece rot and vaccines

against salmonellosis and haemorrhagic septicaernia in sheep. However, with the advent of the new

Chief of the Division of Animal Health, Program M has been eliminated so that all work on aspects of

internal parasitism, including immunity is now part of Program K.

Briefly, the Chief will now decide priorities and aims of the Division and the staff necessary to achieve

them. The Chief is responsible to the Director of the Institute who now has a more authoritative position

than in the past. On the other hand, work within each project within a given program is decided upon by

the Project Leader, who is responsible for the day to day decisions. The Leader, in turn, is responsible to

the Program Manager, who is responsible to the Chief of the Division. The Head of Laboratory, as the 0-i-

C is now known, is responsible for the management of the Laboratory as a whole, which, of course,

includes its administration.

As described here, the system appears rather rigid. In fact the actual situation depends very much upon

the personalities of the people involved. At this Laboratory there may be frequent consultation between

the Program Manager and the Project Leaders, who come to agreement before the Manager discusses

the matter and comes to some agreement with the Chief. The Head of Laboratory may also be Involved In

these discussions.

I

This series of responsibilities reverses those of previous years. Much now depends upon the Program

Manager and Project Leader. The whole system also effectively reduces the responsibility and necessity

of the bureaucracy at Head Office in Canberra to be involved with decisions on the direction and control

of research by the present Izrge number of Divisions. Furthermore, this system s x u l d please the

research scientist as it apparently reduces the size of the hitherto growing bureaucracy at Head Office.

A feature of the programs in the Division of Animal Health is that projects within them frequently involve

research scientists in Melbourne and Armidale as well as this Laboratory in Sydney. For instance, more

than one project in Program K, includes scientists at all three sites, whereas others involve two of these

sites.

This was written not long after the present system had begun. Doubtless there will be changes wlth time

as the system becomes established. Details of this system are included in the chapters on research at the

Laboratory. Despite the changes in funding and management over the more than 50 years of the

Laboratory's existence, there can be no doubt that the standard and value of its research depends finally

upon its quality and personalities. One has only to read annual reports or to hear scientists talking about

their predecessors or contemporaries to be aware of this.

CHAPTER IV I

I

Animal Accommodation and Management I

L

Supply of animals, almost entirely sheep and small animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits), Is

essential for research at the Laboratory. They have been bred at the Laboratory, (particularly small

animals), or at a field station. Some experiments have also been carried out at a field station. This

chapter tells the story of accommodation and management at both.

At the Laboratory

Accommodation for sheep and small laboratory animals has always been a major problem and the source

of much discussion and correspondence between the Laboratory and the University of Sydney on whose

property buildings and pens had to be constructed. Copies of much of the correspondence Is available at

the Laboratory or in the GSIRO Archives in Canberra, but Dr. Gordon, who was on the Laboratory staff

from the beginning and for many years thereafter, is a source of much relevant information.

In 1931 there were four sheep pens, each of which could hold ten sheep, at the eastern end of the present

Annexe. (Dr. Gordon thinits that these pens were built by the Veterinary School). One of these was

converted for Dr. Beveridge's work on footrot by building up its sides so that it could hold about four

inches of water. Another pen was converted later into a small dip for early work with keds and Ilce. Later,

a small galvanized iron feed shed was added. There were garages and a blacksmith's shop.

In the early days of the Laboratory some sheep were grazed where the front lawn now Is and also

between the Laboratory and the original wooden buildi~ig of the Veterinary School. That buildlng still

exists at the eastern end of the present Evelyn Williams building of the University. The University also had

a very nondescript flock of sheep which grazed the nearby oval and its surroundings, and which was used

by the Laboratory for early field work. This flock was finally dispersed because of attacks by dogs that

occasionally also attacked the sheep in pens.

Part of the animal house for small animals owned by the Veterinary School was also shared by the

Laboratory. The Laboratory thus avoided building its own small animal accommodation.

The small feed shed was eventually extended by building an open shed with six wooden pens with slatted

floors to house worm-free and infected sheep. initially these pens were used for work with Haemonchus

contortus, Ostertaaia spp. and Trichostronavlus colubriformis. Then more pens were added in a westerly p-

direction, where the Annexe now stands. Later still another group of pens was built towards the present

Veterinary School sheep house. Finally, another group was built at what is now the eastern end of the

Evelyn Williams building of the University. By about the mid-1940s the Laboratory could accommodate

about 200 sheep.

2 6

Then finally the Annexe was built. This runs in an east-west direction, south of the buildings and exercise

yard of the Veterinary School. There is an access road in front of the building.

The first form of the Annexe was opened in 1946 when D A Gill, then the 0-I-C, received the keys.

However, the building of the Annexe was delayed because a drain, through which flowed the original

creek in the vicinity, had to be strengthened by the Metropolitan Water Drainage and Sewerage Board.

This also involved the University of Sydney. The Annexe largely accommodated sheep, although some

small animals were kept there under the coritrol of Jack Stone. The remainder were housed nearby In the

Veterinary School small animal accommodation. Subsequently, plans were proposed in 1950 to extend

the Annexe in an easterly direction to house all small animals and to build a third floor. Much of the

original Annexe was destroyed during these additions, but the new building was corr~pleted in about 1951.

There have been numerous alterations and additions since then, but the present form and use of the

Annexe is described below. The Annexe has had added l o it a workshop, a double garage and stores for

gas cylinders and spirits at the western end. These are all ground floor additions.

Small animal accommodation remains largely as originally planned, but Is suitably Isolated from the

remainder of the building. There were appropriate rooms for all species, including a large room for guinea

pigs, but for a long time no animals were bred there. They all came from a special breeding unit, Including

a specific pathogen-free unit (SPF), at the farm at Badgery's Creek. Now almost all small animals are bred ,

in the Annexe.

Also on the ground floor, and next to the post-mortem room, is a cool room. This present cool room

originally housed a small incinerator, but this was removed when the University built a large incinerator

nearby. The Laboratory now uses this incinerator and allows the University to use the cool room. The

ground floor also has a staff room and, of course, pens for sheep.

The middle floor has rooms at the eastern end for the cultivation of infective nematode larvae, a wash-up

room for apparatus, various work rooms and an office. There is a surgery on the south side of the central

corridor. Again, there are several sheep pens.

At the eastern end of the upper floor is a large fodder slore reached by an external block and tackle which

moves freely inside the room. This large room also contains a fodder mixer. In addition to various sheep

pens there is also a large metabolism room towards the western end and on the north side of the building.

It must not be overlooked that besides sheep and small animals the Annexe has also from time to time

accommodated some cattle and goats. It is appropriate here to discuss the management of the Annexe.

Finally, of course, it is under the control of the 0-i-C, but latterly rnembers of the staff have had delegated

authority over t h e sheep and the animal attendants. Dr. J.W. Steel was in charge, followed by Doug

Burrell, who, as a veterinarian, was responsible for the disposal of sick sheep or their carcasses. Since

then there have been various changes of authority.

I

The surgery was initially closely associated with Fred Hamilton, a Technical Officer, who was in charge of

the Annexe for some years until he left to go to a pharmaceutical firm. He was a very good assisting-

surgeon, particularly for the insertion of cannulae into the gastrointestines of sheep. It was, for a time,

under the supervision of Dr. David Stewart until he left to go to the Divisional laboratory at Parhville. Then

Don Himsley, who was then in control of the sheep in the Annexe, was in charge, but it then passed

directly to the control of the O-i-C. The surgery has been modernized from time to time, especially with

improvement in the methods of anaesthesia. It is respected and used by people outside the CSIRO,

particularly from the University of Sydney.

The supply of infective larvae was set up by and under the control of Dr. Hugh Gordon, but when he

retired in 1974, Dr. Alan Donald took charge. There have since been changes of control. Infective larvae

are also cultivated for people outside the GSIRO, for example, for pharmaceutical firms for which a charge

Is usually made. Sorne larvae go interstate, for example, formerly to Professor Rogers, then of the

University of Adelaide. The Annexe has frequently had short-term assistants, particularly veterinary

students when free to do so. There have been working visitors from countries such as India and Fiji, some

of whom became quite well known in their own countries.

Neither must one overlook the people who have passed through the Annexe or the workshops. Some of

these have been with McMaster Laboratory for many years. These people are indispensable for the

functioning of the Laboratory. Some of their names are mentioned in Chapter IX.

Donations of Sheep

1

When "Hinchinbrook" was acquired as a field station in 1933 donations of sheep came from Sir Frederick

McMas.ter, E.D. Ogilvie of Glen Innes, J. Busby and from Camden Park Estate (descendants of the John

Macarthur flock). The Camden Park ewes were mated with Border Leicester rams donated by L.A.

Hamilton of Rylstone. The progeny were "wild" and often difficult to handle in yards.

In later years there were many donations. Sheep from "Burindi" of Barraba provided by W.S. Capper,

were used by M.C. Franklin in a nutrition trial. For a number of years E.K. Bowman, "Wargundy" of

Craboon provided 100 weaners each year (something over 1000 in all) which were used chiefly in trials

with antheimintics, and some immunological work. The sheep from "Burindi" and "Wargundy" came as a

result of a letter to Country Life newspaper at a time when CSlR funds were not available to purchase

sheep. There were offers from a number of other graziers, but pen space was limited. Later still there

were donations of sheep from Clifton's Pharmacy in Crookwell, Wollogorang Pastoral Co of Goulburn,

Tom Lawson, Bruce Turner both of Oberon, R.B. Murray of Mt. Lambie, Nivison Bros of Walcha and from

"Gidley" at Bungendore.

In the early years of CSlR at Armidale, donations of sheep came from Saumarez Estate, Wallamumbi,

Standbye, Mihi, Gostwyrk and Cherry I-lill through cooperatior) with owners and managers.

These donations were of tremendous value in enabling research projects and the monetary value was

many thousands of pounds. Benefactions of this nature reflected the close association between CSlR and

the grazing industries and were an expression of appreciation by industry of research.

McMaster Farm at Badgery's Creek

The first field station for the Laboratory was 'Hinchinbrook' on the Old Cowpasture Road, not far from

Liverpool. This was a gift from Mr Frederick McMaster, as he then was. He leased the property for three

years from October 1932. Three hundred acres were made available to the Laboratory. These were

selected by the CSlR as suitable for the Laboratory's purposes. This area was then divided Into small

experimental paddocks of various sizes, two of which were large enough for running larger groups of

sheep. Water was siphoned from a nearby race belonging to the Metropolitan Water Board.

A small field laboratory containing necessary equipment was also erected and about 100 Merino ewes

were maintained to supply the Laboratory with worm-free lambs.

Much of the development and supervision of the management of 'Hinchinbrook' was the responsibnity of

Norman Graham. The experimental work conducted there is described briefly In Chapter V. Stories about

'Hinchinbrook' are included in Chapter II written by Dr. Gordon.

However, by 1935 'Hinchinbrook' was inadequate for the range of work, such as sheep and cattle

breeding, which became part of the work of the Laboratory. A larger field station was required. For this

reason the Australian government on behalf of the CSlR approved the purchase of 860 acres whlch was

part of the property known as 'Bangaroo', near Badgery's Creek and owned by Mr. Norman Buffier. Mr.

Buffier generously contributed up to L500 for the erection of an appropriate building as a memorial to his

father. An advantage of this purchase was that the University of Sydney also purchased 430 acres of

'Bangaroo' for the Veterinary School. Thus, the F.D. McMaster Field Station came into being in 1936.

Dr. R.B. Kelley became 0-i-C of the Field Station in 1938. He had been a geneticist at the Laboratory

since 1936 when he was originally appointed by Dr. Gilruth, the first Chief of the Division, for research on

the feasibility of ir~troducing Zebu cattle into Austraiia. Dr. Kelley was appointed Assistant Chief of the

Division of Animal Health in 1949/50. He had a distinguished career supervising the cross-breeding of

beef and some dairy cattle with Zebu strains originally imported from the U.S.A. His scientific career is

described in more detail in Chapter IX.

After Dr. Kelley retired in 1953, R.H. Hayman became 0-i-C and remained in this position until 1959. The

F.D. McMaster Field Station was then split between the new Divisions of Animal Health, Animal Physiology

and Animal Genetics after the retirement of Dudley Gill as Chief of the then Division of Animal Health and

Production. Bob Hayman continued as 0-i-C of that part of the Field Station that became part of the

Division of Animal Genetics.

Even before the F.D. McMaster Field Station was divided between the three Divisions, that part now

known as the McMaster Farm was designated the Parasitology Block was used by the Laboratory for

parasitology experiments. Then, in 1963, that part of the F.D. McMaster Field Station allotted to the

Laboratory became known officially as the McMaster Farm.

There have been a number of additions of land and of buildings, etc. 01-1 the McMaster Farm since its

allocation to what became once again, the Division of Animal Health. Perhaps the most important of these

was the addition in 1976 of some acres from the Division of Animal Genetics after the retirement of Bob

Hayman. The house previously occupied by Bob Hayman and the office and laboratory on a portion of

the land was also transferred to the Farm. This house was rented by Erik Nielsen and his family after the

erection of the SPF unit. \

There have also been a number of sheds erected for shearing, hay and other uses, as well as silos for the

storage of fodder. As important as these was the erection in 1966 of a field laboratory that also Includes

an office for the farm manager and a common room for the staff. A cottage for the farm manager was also

built in 1966 and enlarged from three bedrooms to four in 1969. The farm manager pays rent for this

cottage.

McMaster Farm has always provided worm-free lambs for the Laboratory, but now breeds less than before

because of the purchase of weaner sheep from properties known to be relatively free from parasites and

footrot. They are kept in pens and drenched when they arrive at the farm. Some worm-free sheep are

occasionally supplied to others outside the CSIRO, particularly to the NSW Department of Agriculture. On

the other hand, there have always been some experiments conducted at the Farm. This is dealt with In

more detail in subsequent chapters. The early work with Zebu crosses have already been mentioned.

There were also sheep breeding experiments in the early days. Here it is necessary only to add that other

experiments involved parasitology, including liver fluke. Experiments with footrot were long carried out at

the farm. The entomology group set up traps for insects.

It Is also necessary to say something about the management and staff at the Farm. Obviously, McMaster

Farm is ultimately under the control of the 0-i-C of the Laboratory, but since it became independent there

has always been a farm manager. Almost all of these have lived in the cottage. Some of them stayed

some years, others, perhaps less satisfactory, did not stay long. The farm manager is responsible for the

conduct of experiments at the Farm, which are, of course, primarily the responsibility of the research staff

at the Laboratory. The number of olher farm staff has varied, but has been four for some time, despite the

doubling of sheep numbers.

Although money Is now short, as it is throughout the Division, the present farm manager, John Pearce,

claims that there has been sufficient for equipment and that there is enough to continue the function of the

Farm.

A major project on McMaster Farm was the erection of the SPF unit, and then a conventional extension so

that all small animals could be bred there and transferred weekly to the Laboratory. The original SPF unit

was completed in January 1975 and the other breeding unit in 1978. Since then, because of costs, all

guinea pigs and rabbits are bred at McMaster Laboratory. By 1990 the SPF unit Is maintained with

assistance from the University of Sydney. When this assistance ceases it is probable that the unit will also

cease. In fact, it was closed at the end of 1990.

There was originally some co-operation with the Division of Animal Production for whom the unit has bred

guinea pigs and rabbits. The University of Sydney also contributed an assistant for breeding mice and

rats in the SPF unit. Although most money came from the Division of Animal Health, outsiders provided

some feed.

The Laboratory at Armidale, New South Wales

The laboratory and field station at Armidale has a tortuous history but nevertheless a close but variable

association with McMaster Laboratory. It was first associated with the Division of Animal Health and

Production and was known as the Regional Pastoral Laboratory (RPL) from 1947.

Even before February 1944, when Ian Johnstone became the first 0-i-C and before it was known as the

RPL there had been some research at Armidale when the University of New England, as it eventually

became, was a university college of the University of Sydney. Hugh Gordon with lan Montgomery as his

Field Officer, set up a parasitology outstation with headquarters in an old stone and shingle building in

1938. This eventual!^ became Ian Johnstone's office for the next eleven years. From the beginning, Ian

Montgomery started a study of the epideniioiogy of the rise and fail of parasite numbers in sheep. This led

to a pattern of the use of anthelmintics and management for the control of parasites.

Much of the early research was on properties with sympathetic owners and/or managers. These included

'Saumarez' belonging to the White family. Eventually, in the autumn of 1946, there was a meeting chaired

by Colonel H.F. White of Bald Blair with Miss Elsie White representing the remainder of the family, A.G.

Brett, the manager of 'Saumarez' and Ian Johnstone representing the CSIR. Ian Johnstone pointed out

that rotational grazing and stocking rate, improved nutrition and parasite control research required greater

areas than then available. Rotational grazing trials had been inconclusive up to that time. Nearly 4,500

acres, or about 1,820 hectares from the south-eastern corner of 'Saumarez' was eventually sold to the

CSIR and became known as 'Chiswick' which had been the name of one of the paddocks. Ian Johnstone

says that he was responsible for the name Chiswick for the whole block. Dr Bull, Chief of the Division, D A

Gill, 0-I-C of McMaster Laboratory and the Executive of the CSIR all supported the purchase. In Ian

Johnstone's opinion the word regional in RPL was important because the unit was becoming a centre for

research for the New England district and in fields outside the immediate interests of the Division.

Nevertheless, the association with McMaster Laboratory remained close. However, the concept from the

beginning of Chiswick was one of soil-plant-animal and environmental relationships. The Laboratary has

continued parasitological studies extending to animal production and other aspects of animal health. So

the present day, Division of Plant lndustry then represented by Dick Roe, a co-founder of the concept and

an important contributor to the development of the research station, had interests in native and introduced

pastures and other nutritional trials. The Division of Soils was involved with the soils and vegetation of the

New England district and so on. The Wildlife Section, as it then was, used the RPL as a centre for their

rabbit observations. The Division of Entomology had an interest in the early years and the Bureau of

Agricultural Economics stationed an officer there to gain field experience. He, Doug McRay, later became

Director of the Bureau. In the early years, before the establishment of Chiswick, samples were sent to

Sydney for faecal egg counts and the identification of parasites. This was cumbersome, so that as the

RPL became more independent and the necessary laboratories were built, these were done locally.

Buildings, water and fences were established with time. The first was a petrol and oil store early In 1947,

but this was followed by shearers' quarters, etc., overseer's hut, shearing shed and yards and sheds for

machinery, cars and storage. By 1954 there were cottages for a manager and two overseers, bachelors

quarters, a field laboratory, stables, a dairy and slaughter and lambing yards. Other laboratarles and

buildings for records and a library were also built. These were initially at the University and later at

Chiswick. In fact, there was originally a close relationship between the libraries of the RPL and McMaster

Laboratory. This included occasional visits of the Laboratory librarian to the RPL. Chiswick became a

complete experimental station for animal, pasture and related research.

Water was originally an urgent necessity. This demanded new windmills, reticulation plpes and eventually

a substantial dam. The homestead and laboratories also needed water supplies. Internal fencing was

also required, as well as a netting boundary alongside the railway line to keep out rabbits. Trees were

planted for afforestation, etc. Then in 1959 it became part of the Division of Animal Physiology which was

subsequently renamed the Division of Animal Production. In about 1960 it was renamed the Pastoral

Research Laboratory (PRL).

Then, in about 1977, the Division of Animal Health, and hence, McMaster Laboratory became formally part

sf PRL and built an immunology laboratory. Neve~Theless earlier both Drs. Ian McDonald and Trevor

Scott, Chiefs of the parent Division, encouraged research, particularly in parasitology associated with

McMaster Laboratory. There were interdivisional meetings that included the Division of Plant lndustry

after part of that Division became interested in parasites. Dr. W.H. Southcott, who retained his Interest in

parasitology and was originally with the Division of Anirnal Health and Production, transferred to the

Divisions of Animal Physiology and Animal Production and finally to the Division of Animal Health.

Bill Southcott became 0-i-6 at Armidale and Assistant Chief of the Division of Animal Health. He says that

he never had any difficulty getting sufficient animals and land for parasitological research from the two

earlier divisions. 1

Research in RPL and PRL is described under appropriate headings in Chapters V and VI. Dr. Hugh

Gordon, together with Drs. McDonald and Helen Turner and Dick Roe of the Division of Plant Industry had

a large part in planning the experiments on rotational grazing and stocking rates at Armidale.

CHAPTER V

Research: General Comments and Internal Parasites

Assistance

Research staff have been assisted by many people and organisations. It is not possible or even desirable

to name them all. They include the State Departments of Agriculture, particularly of New South Wales, but

the association with the latter has varied from time to time. Sometimes it has been close, sometimes not.

Perhaps there has been antagonism between us when one has believed that the other was trespassing on a

their ground. At times the co-operation has been between individuals rather than with the Department as

a whole. Veterinary Inspectors in various parts of New South Wales have also co-operated most usefully.

Individual stock owners have worked with scientists from the Laboratory. This co-operation has often

been voluntarily given and has been gratefully received. It has often been a critical part of the research by

individual scientists.

There has also been good co-operation with other Divisions of the CSlR & CSIRO. Thls has been an

important aspect of research of many scientists from the Laboratory. Equally important has been co-

operation with universities in New South Wales.

There has been close co-operation with pharmaceutical and allied firms. Particularly in the early years of

the Laboratory different firms provided anthelmintics and the where-with-all to administer them. One firm

provided formulations and measurements of different particle size of phenothiazine.

For some years after McMaster Laboratory was built it was dependent upon the availability of money from

appropriations, that is, from the Australian government. Later, it was assisted with money from the

appropriate Boards, particularly from the Wool Board. This continues to this day, even though the names

of the granting bodies have changed and there is now far greater control of the sort of research that 1s

acceptable to them. Since about 1982, pharmaceutical firms have co-operated with the Laboratory. The

nature of this co-operation is explained in more detail elsewhere in this book. This form of asslstance has

involved several firms, many from overseas, but usually with branches in this country. To publish a list of

these firms would be invidious and perhaps some might object.

A General Account

There is a general statement of the organisation of research in chapter Ill. This told the story of the range

of research, how this changed with the re-organisation of the Division and its organisation at the

Laboratory. This and the following chapter is a more detailed account of research, which, after all, is the

reason for existence of the Laboratory.

Research at the Laboratory has been largely on sheep, particularly diseases of sheep, with ernphasls on

parasitic diseases, especially in recent years. Research into internal parasitic infection has always been a

major interest. Whether this was due to the personal interest of Sir Ian Clunies Ross, the first O-l-C, who

was originally CSIR parasitologist at the University of Sydney before the Laboratory was built, or whether

this primarily reflected the original interest of the Division is debatable. Nevertheless, research at Its

inception in 1931 covered a wide field and was responsible for the eventual setting up of other dlvlsions

which developed research started at the Laboratory, for example, Textile Physics, Animal Physiology and

Animal Genetics, as they were originally called.

Research before the Laboratory was built has an important bearing on subsequent research. Most

researchers were veterinarians. This was a policy which persisted for many years, although from time to

time the Divisions did employ scientists who were not veterinarians. It was not until recent years that

anyone who was not a veterinarian was appointed to a senior position such as Officer-in-Charge or, as It is

now known, as Head of Laboratory.

Research Prior to the Laboratory

Dr Ian Clunies Ross, as he then was, was described as a parasitologist in the second annual report of the

CSIR in 1928. We then worked in the School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, before he

became the first O-i-C. Prior to and after his departure for post-graduate training at the Institute of

Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, he had a number of publications in CSlR Bulletins on F. hepatica in sheep, the

use of carbon tetrachloride for the treatment of this infection, an investigation of the life cycles of this

parasite and of its intermediate host, a snail, and on the hydatid parasite (the intermediate stage of

Echinococcus aranulosis) and on the control of hydatidosis. He had also worked on field trials with a

vaccine against Black Disease developed by a lecturer in veterinary pathology and bacteriology and on

Tick Paralysis of dogs (see Chapter VI for more details of the latter).

W. A. Carr Fraser worked on the paralysis of pigs under the supervision of Dr H. R. Seddon, Director of

Animal Research at Glenfield. R. C. Cramp was seconded by the Meat lndustry Board of New South

Wales to the CSlR to work under Professor J. D. Stewart of the University of Sydney on CLA of sheep. He

examined the incidence of the disease at the abattoirs, the distribution of the lesions and some

bacteriology. G.P. Kauzal had worlced on Stephanurus dentatus in pigs. H.R. Carne, who was with the

Department of Veterinary Pathology at the University, had a grant from the Science and lndustry

Endownment Fund to work on methods of the serological diagnosis of CLA and had a close association

with the CSIR. In fact, from 1931 until the temporary fibro pathology laboratory was built in 1946, he had

an office and laboratory in the Laboratory. Research after its completion, when it was first known as the F.

D. McMaster Animal Healtii Laboratory of the CSlR and then, in 1949, of the CSIRO, depended upon the

inevitable development of animal accommodation at the Laboratory in the grounds of the University of

Sydney and at the associated field stations. This is described in Chapter IV.

4

Research at the Laboratory

Before describing this research it is appropriate at this point to record the movement that occurred to and

from the Laboratory of young promising workers and senior visitors from overseas with an interest in

similar fields as the Laboratory. However, the latter sometimes also Involved other laboratories of the

Division, not solely McMaster. Dr D F Stewart, the O-i-C from 1954, had an important, but not sole

responsibility, for this innovation. Divisional studentships were made available to suitable research

workers to study at appropriate institutions for a Ph.D. or D.Phll. to qualify them as a Research Officer, as

the appointment was then known. At that time tan McMaster Fellowships were granted to distinguished

scientists from overseas to work in appropriate fields at or from the Laboratory (see chapter VII). The first

Fellowship was granted in 1954. There was, therefore, a very valuable exchange between promising

workers who studied with noteworthy people at their laboratories before qualifying as Research Officers

themselves and distinguished scientists from overseas. These international contacts continued for many

years.

Internal Pmsitolagical Research

Because internal or endoparasitic infection has always been the principal interest of this Laboratory the

remainder of this chapter is confined to research on this subject. As infection with helminths, particularly

with nematodes, is of major significance to the animal industry it was inevitable that internal parasitism

became an important subject of investigation.

Internal parasitology can be conveniently divided, as if was for many years, into anthelmlntics, resistance

or immunity and epidemiology etc. As investigation became more sophisticated these divlslons became

less obvious and justified. For instance, the control of parasitic infection depends upon the

interrelationship of resistance to anthelmintics, immunity and epidemiology and nutrition. Nevertheless, In

the description of much of the research, these divisions have been retained. The interrelationships of later

years have been made clear. Early research into anthelmintics and epidemiology of internal parasitic

infeclions of sheep was done by Hugh Gordon and his colleagues. These colleagues included, Drs. Ian

Clunies Ross, Peter Kauzal and Norman Graham from the Laboratory and Ian Johnston, the 0-1-C at

Armidale. The separation of anthelmintics and epidemiology was originally relatively straight forward,

despite the obvious connection between them. As early as 1948 Hugh Gordon stated, "infrequent and

Irregular use of anthelmintics, implies that timing must be based on epidemiological considerations". This

obviously tied the two together. This connection between the use of anthelmintics and epidemiology has

been the basis of much of the research by Drs. Donald, Waller and Prichard and later by Drs. Steel and

Hennessy.

Anthelmintics

This section was written appropriately by Dr I-.(. McL. Gordon who, up to his retirement in 1974, was in

charge of this aspect of parasitology.

In 1931 the anthelmintics for sheep in common use were arsenic (as a solution of sodium arsenite),

copper sulphate, alone or combined with sodium arsenite, and later with mustard. Carbon tetrachloride

had come into use in 1926 against Fasciola hepatica. It was highly effective against adult fluke but not

against immature forms unless the dose was increased. Although it had unpredictable toxic effects many

millions of sheep were treated over many years but overall losses were very slight. Tetrachlorethylene

was also on the market, largely following testing by H.A. Veron (Vita-Lick Ltd).

Very little thorough testing of anthelmintics had been carried out on adequate numbers of sheep and

utilizing worm egg counts as a quicl< preliminary test of efficiency. it was generally recognised, from

clinical (practical) observations that the efficiency of sodium arsenite and copper sulphate was erratic:

following drenching many sheep still showed symptoms of helminthosis, particularly haemonchosis. (In

1931 we had very little knowledge of the pathogenesis and symptoms of infections with the 'small

trlchostrongyles' - it was not until there were extensive outbreaks of trichostrangylosis, especially In the

eastern Riverina in the mid 19301s, that it was appreciated that these parasites were common causes of ill-

thrift and diarrhoea.

Early Trials at McMaster

The first trials were designed to determine whether fasting prior to drenching Influenced the efficiency of

copper sulphate and carbon tetrachloride against H. contortus. Fasting did not appear to influence

anthelmintic activity. Carbon tetrachloride was uniformly effective in all sheep, while copper sulphate was

effective in most sheep, it was quite ineffective in others. At this time studies on the oesophageal groove

reflex especially the effects of copper sulphate in by-passing the rumen were in progress. Following

further trials including sodium arsenite and tetrachlorethylene it became clear that the efficiency of certain

anthelmintics was strongly influenced by their destination after drenching. Sodium arsenite, copper

sulphate and tetrachlorethylene were not effective against H.contortus unless they by-passed the rumen.

The effect of copper sulphate on the oesophageal groove reflex ensured that it, and other drugs mixed

with it, or administered immediately following the dose of copper sulphate, by-passed the rumen in a high

proportion of sheep. In contrast carbon tetrachloride was equally effective whether It by-passed the

rumen or not: this was confirmed by direct injection into the rumen via the flank. Tetrachlorethylene given

In this way was not effective, but was usually effective when administered with or immediately following a

dose of copper sulphate. Similarly the mixture of copper sulphate and sodium arsenite was generally

effective but the latter given alone gave very variable results. Further trials were carried out to determine

efficiency against immature parasites and dose rates for adult sheep.

Anthelmintic efficiency against H.contortus was usually satisfactory once these considerations were kept

in mind, but the small trichostrongyles were generally but little affected. A variety of compounds and

mixtures were tested against Trichostronavlus SDD. but only three showed promise: copper sulphate plus

nicotine, copper sulphate plus carbon bisulphide, copper sulphate plus tetrachlorethylene. The two latter

presented difficulties in formulation, administration and toxicity. In 1935 the copper sulphate-nicotine

sulphate (as Black Leaf 40) mixture came into use in the field, especially when trichostrongylosis was the

problem. (During 1935 1 was seconded to the Graziers' Cooperative Shearing Co, 'Grazcos', when this

mixture was introduced and saw its variability and toxicity in the field. Nevertheless, it was for some years,

until the advent of phenothiazine, the only useful anthelmintic against Trichostronavlus SDD.)

In 1936 R.H. Watson made extensive studies on the physiology of the oesophageal groove reflex and had

well confirmed and extended the simple observations initiated by Clunies Ross, working with sheep at the

Sydney Meat Preserving Co with the considerable help from the manager, Mr Mills, and the slaughtermen.

Watson carried out further studies following his transfer to the CSlR laboratory in Adelaide.

(It should be noted here that at the time the observations on the effects of copper sulphate on the

oesophageal groove reflex were in progress at McMaster, H.O. Monnig in South Africa was carrying on

similar work).

Phenothiazine - the advent of this drug, the first of the broad spectrum anthelmintics, changed the whole

concept of the application of anthelmintics in the control of the helminthoses. Truly preventive programs

based on the epidemiological findings from the @SIR activities in New England were now possible.

Studies on phenothiazine began in 1939, but i t was mot until after World War I I that the commercial

application of the drug became possible. A great deal of work was necessary to determine its range of

activity, efficiency against immature worms, formulation, effect of particle size on efficiency, methods of

administration to minimise staining of the fleece, toxicology, activity of related compounds, and later,

when W.P. Rogers came to McFAaster, mode of action.

In much of this work the McMaster had considerable help from a number of proprietary firms: Drug

Houses of Australia through the late Ross Anderson with formulations and drenching apparatus, N.J.

Phillips with drenching 'guns', Imperial Chemical Industries with formulation and particle size

measurements. In McMaster, G.P. Kauzal invented drenching apparatus arid W.V. Whitlock developed the

principles and use of the oesophageal tube which minimised staining of the fleece by delivering the dose

into the oesophagus rather than the mouth. The oesophageal tube was an extension added to the nozzle

of the drenching 'gun'.

The activity of phenothiazine was not affected whether it by-passed the rumen or not, and thus means for

controlling the oesaphageal groove reflex were no longer required. As a result studies on the reflex

virt~~ally ceased, (Similarly, studies on the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride ceased when other fluklcides

became available).

Until the advent of phenothiazine the only useful treatment against ~eso~haaostomum columblanun and

other large bowel parasites was an enema of sodium arsenite, administered first by a modified drenching

'gun', developed by Kauzal, later with a 600 mi syringe developed by N.J. Phillips Pty. A great deal of field

work was carried out to check the efficiency, safety and technique of administration. In one large-scale

trial 2000 sheep heavily infected with Chabertia ovina were treated at 'Dalkeith' (Sir Frederick McMaster's

property at Cassilis), by the late Captain Ian McMaster and myself, in 1936 - a five-day operation. With

N.P.H. Graham we treated 2000 sheep at Jugiong, also 1936. This treatment was very effective but

tedious. The advent of phenothiazine saw its demise in 1939.

In an effort to find an anthelmintic effective against Oe.columbianum, Mennig in South Africa devised a

mixture of copper arsenite and copper tartrate, administered from a spoon after stimulating the

oesophageal groove reflex with a dose of copper suiphate. Extensive trials were carried out with this

mixture at the Laboratory and in the field at Armidale. Anthelmintic activity was somewhat erratic and

there were toxic effects, and the method of administration was awkward and tedious. However, the gag

developed by Msnnig to facilitate depositing the powder over the tongue proved particularly useful when

one wished to examine the molar teeth of sheep. (Later observations using the gag in Australia and in

Scotland (1949) provided evidence that individual sheep which were not thriving often had abnormal

molars).

During World War II there were shortages of many drugs including anthelmintics. A wide range of

compounds were tested in search of substitutes, by both rumenal and abomasal injection. Among the

compounds 1 :8 dihydroxy anthraquinone (commonly used as a purgative for horses) proved very

effective against large bowel parasites including Trichuris spp. It had little effect on other nematodes and

it was used in field trials in Western Australia to investigate the effects of infections with C. ovinq on wool

quality (treated sheep showed a reduced occurrence of tenderness and 'break' in the staple).

Following World War II there were extensive developments of new anthelmintics by proprietary firms. The

research at McMaster had given the laboratory some authority on the use of anthelmintics in the control of

the helminthoses of sheep and it was essential that to investigate the efficiency and safety of new

anthelmintics. Accordingly extensive trials in the laboratory and field were carried out with the

piperazines, organophosphorus compounds, anthraquinones, bephenium, methyridine, chlorinated

benzenes and in due time with the highly effective, broad spectrurn compounds (benzimldazoles,

levamisole, pyrantel, morantel).

The application of chemotherapy - in its widest sense as the role of chemical control In the treatment and

prevention of parasitic disease - required the basic knowledge of efficiency and toxicity and precise

recommendat~ons through extension (including advertising) on the timing of application, in relation to the

constraints of husbandry practices and the indications derived from seasonal patterns of changes in the

parasite population. Epidemiological studies provided these patterns.

In addition the techniques of application as in drenching, application of insecticides (dipping, spraying,

jetting), and spraying molluscicides required an understanding of the apparatus including its care and

maintenance. While these activities may not have appeared to be 'proper' research they were

nevertheless essential for the proper realization and achievement of the efficiency of chemotherapy and it

was incumbent on CSlR to attend to these needs. To this end we had the admonition of the Chief of the

Division, Dr. L.B. Bull, in his summing up of the Joint Blowfly Committee recommendations in 1941 - 'Telling people what to do will not meet the case: you must show them with all due skill." The "due skill"

was developed from experience in field trials, and was demonstrated during such trials, at meetings of

graziers (Field Days, Agricultural Bureau) and as opportunities arose on individual properties and flocks.

In these activities we had active support from Clunies Ross. These activities might nowadays be classed

as 'public relations', but in the earlier times I think we regarded them more as an obligation, and as skills

were developed, perhaps as 'showing off', to demonstrate that there was sound 'practical' support for

what CSlR research was doing. in later years these activities had less support, even discouragement,

which may have contributed to declining support and appreciation of CSIRO.

With the development of the newer broad spectrum anthelmintlcs and the increasing knowledge of

epidemiology and immunology it was interesting to partition the activities of anthelmintics. Eventually In

1973 eight uses were designated, perhaps a somewhat artificial separation, but serving to emphasis the

complexity of the host-parasite relationships, and to indicate where in the biology of the relationship a

chemotherapeutic attack might be made. Briefly, these uses were: Curative to deal with clinically manifest

disease, Tactical when an emergency was recognised, Strateaic based on an epldemlological pattern,

Diaanostic to assess the economic importance of parasitic disease and in the differential diagnosis of ill-

thrift, Experimental to manipulate the experience of infedion, lmmunoloaical to assist, and not delay, the

acquisition of immunity, Special to take advantage of particular attributes, e.g. the DDP System (daily

dose phenothiazine), the protective effects of 2,6 diiodo-4-nitrophenol (Disophenol) (and nowadays

closantel and slow release mechanisms), and Extended, as a combination of tactical and strategic

required to have an extended or covering application which would counter PPRR (peri-parturient

relaxation of resistance) and hypobiosis.

The advent of the highly effective, broad-spectrum anthelmintics presented new perspectives in the uses

and application of chemotherapy. These drugs were used in field trials, chiefly on the central tablelands in

NSW (Goulburn, Mt. Lambie, Oberon) firstly to measure the effects of parasitic disease on production

(growth and quality of wool, body weight in Merino sheep, and achievement of market weight in prime

lambs). In this work there was tremendous assistance by the stockowners who provided sheep, use of

land and often help with labour. (One should record Wollongong Pastoral Co. at Goulburn through John

Watson and Brian Pearson, at Mt. Lambie, Bruce Murray; at Oberon, Bruce Turner and Tom Lawson).

Most o.f these trials were conducted, with variations, over 10 - 12 years.

These trials were in many ways production trials and the anthelmlntlcs were applied in a diagnostic

capacity, utilizing the concept 'diagnosis through control'. It was necessary to guard against 'interactions' I

with trace elements and with parasites other than those controlled by the particular drugs In use. The

basic groups of sheep were treated monthly with thiabendazole (first of the newer drugs) and sub-groups

were given supplementary treatments e.g. against Trichuris spp., Fascioia hepatica, Moniezla spp, and

coccidia. In initial trials, sub-groups were given supplements of either copper, cobalt or selenlum in order

to ascertain whether these trace elements were deficient. This again was an example of 'dlagnosls

through control'. In trials both with prime lambs and Merino weaners no benefits were recorded from the

additional treatments against Moniezia spp., but in some years there were benefits, as earlier access to

market weight, in prime lambs from repeated treatments with sulphadimicline suggesting that coccidosis

was adding to the adverse effects of helminthosis. The regular weighing and close observation of the

sheep in these triais emphasised the multiple causes of ill-thrift and repeatedly illustrated the value of

'diagnosis through control', by the use of highly effective anthelmintics.

The conventional application of an anthelmintic, as an occasional single treatment clearly had limited

effects on the parasite population unless supported by managerial manoeuvres, e.g. preparation of 'clean'

pastures ('safe', 'low worm'), based on knowledge of epidemiological patterns. Considerable attention

was given to utilizing the 'Special' attributes of certain compounds, e.g. the effects of repeated small daily

doses of phenothiazine (DDP System) on egg laying by the parasites and in killing larvae in faeces. When,

with the collaboration of Anlmeals Pty. (Dr. G.P. Kauzal - one of the original research group In McMaster)

an attractive excipient, as a solidified moiasses block, was developed and a reasonably assured repeated

intake of phenothiazine was achieved, there were useful results in field trials in the control of helminthosis.

The remarkable effects of Disophenol in affording protection against reinfection by H. contortus for several

months (as long as five months in some sheep) were confirmed in field trials. This activity is confined to

blood sucking parasites and there was some evidence that the suppression of infections with H.contortus

may have favoured the development of heavy infections with Trichostronavlus sm. (This evidence of

'interactions' between species of trichostrongylids requires careful consideration when a narrow spectrum

drug is used to control haemonchosis, and there may be analogous problems when a monovalent vaccine

is used.) A disadvantage of Disophenol is that it must be administered by Injection and that it stains the

wool, and there are obvious problems with tissue residues. In recent years closantel, which has a similar

but rnuch shorter protective period, has proved useful with almost a key role in control programmes in

regions where haemonchosis is of regular and severe occurrence.

The application of slow-release devices lodged in the rumen-reticulum Is a recent use of the special

application of anthelmintics.

Studies on the mode of action and pharmacokinetics of anthelmintics began when W.P. Rogers came to

McMaster in 1945, concerned with phenothiazine and related compounds. In recent years this work has

been extended to the modern broad spectrum drugs, with added urgency due to the development of

anthelmintic resistance. The identification of the enzyme systems concerned and especially the role o#

tubulin have been prominent features of these studies. 1 '

41 i

Anthelmintic resistance has come to the fore in recent years. Drs. Peter Waller and Keith Dash began

working on this problem at McMaster Field Station after Dr Alan Donald became 6-I-C of the Laboratory,

and later, Chief of the Division. They later co-operated with the New South Wales Department of

Agriculture and Pastures Protection Boards.

The history of anthelmintic resistance is interesting. Early in the 1970s there was resistance, particularly

with H. contortus and T. colubriformis, to thiabendazole at Badgery's Creek. There was also resistance

and clinical disease due to these two parasites following treatment with thiabendazole in the Northern

Tablelands. Drs. Alan Donald and Hugh Gordon recommended changing to another broad-acting

anthelrnintic, but this was not taken up. There was, however, an eventual change to levamisols for

another nine years until Dr. David Stewart working with footrot at the McMaster Field Station found that

sheep did not respond to this anthelmintic. Sheep with ostertagiasis at Canberra were resistant to

oxfendazole and fenbendazole. Anthelmintic resistance was extremely high in the Northern Tablelands

and not as high, but nevertheless, too high, in the Southern Tablelands. Reduction of the dependence on

anthelmintics reduced the development of resistance, the biggest problem in parasitic control In Australia

today. From 30 to 80% of farmers, depending on the ability of the local adviser, can now control

anthelmintic resistance. This is due principally to research work in the Division of Animal Health,

particularly at this Laboratory.

This control is due to the Wormkill program, which is principally due to the effort of Dr Keith Dash and has

had a spectacular success. Wormkill is now used by over 90% of farmers in H. contortus endemic regions

in the Northern Tablelands. Farmers have been encouraged to use the Drenchplan program in the winter

rainfall areas of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia as well as southern New South Wales.

The aim of the Wormkill program was to reduce the number of drenchings per year of ewes and lambs

with narrow spectrum closantel to control H. contortus by strategic treatment. The smaller number of

broad spectrum drenchings would reduce selection for resistance by Tr lchos t rona~ lu~ spp. and

Ostertaaia spp. -

Resistance and Pharrnacakinetics o f the Benzimidazoles and other Anthelmintics

It was decided that because of resistance in sheep to benzimidazoles and other recent anthalmlntlcs and

because the emphasis was upon their pharmacokinetics a separate section was justified.

Research in the pharmacokinetics of anthelmintics was the responsibility of Dr R K Prichard with the

assistance of D R Hennessy from about 1976 until early in 1984 when Roger Prichard resigned to become

Director of the Institute of Parasitology and Professor of Parasitology at McGill University at Ste Anne de

Bellevue, Quebec, Canada. Des Hennessy, originally a Technical Assistant, then an Experimental Officer,

was awarded a Ph.D. in 1985 and became a Senior Research Scientist shortly afterwards. Or Ernest

Lacey also belongs to this group. They are now responsible for the research in aspects of

pharmacokinetics, but In turn are responsible to Dr J W Steel, Manager of Program K.

in about 1974 to 1976, resistance in parasites of sheep to the new benzlmidazole anthelmintics first

became apparent in Australia. Research was therefore commenced at the Laboratory into the behaviour

of benzirnidazoles. Since then a number of commercial firms have become involved with this group in

collaborative research on the pharmacokinetics of these anthelmintics. For instance, they have paid the

salaries of Technical Assistants and Experimental Scientists, as the latter are now called.

The initial methods were relatively crude, for example, oxfendazole could be examined by radio

immunoassay, but there was some cross-reaction with fenbendazole. Then radioactive metabolhes and

eventually High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) became available in about 1979 so that all

metabolic profiles could be assessed. These enabled metabolic profiles of benzimidazoies such as

thiabendazole and fenbendazole to be determined in blood, at different sites within the gut and in urine

and faeces.

In about 1981, it became apparent that much of these benzimidazoles must have passed through the liver ,

and been secreted in the bile. For this reason a bil? pump was fixed to the side of sheep from which bile

was released into the small intestine. Thus, bile flow rate was determined quantitatively and the sequence

and chemical structure of the metabolites assessed. From this it was shown that the aromatic

benzimidazoles were substantially metabolized in the liver, secreted in the bile and then excreted In

faeces, whereas the aliphatic compounds underwent minimal metabolism and were secreted In the urine.

When the aliphatic parbendazole was examined it substantially slowed the bile flow rate, and could be

usefully used in conjunction with other benzimidazoles to slow metabolism of the latter. The potentlatlon

program arose from this finding. It then became possible to control the effect of these anthelmintics by

manipulating their presentation or metabolism. In fact, the CSlRO patented the combination of

parbendazole and oxfendazole.

It was also shown that the benzimidazoles were more effective if the majority of the dose went into the

rumen and not into the abomasum. Syntex, a firm with an interest in research in appropriate

pharmacokinetics at the Laboratory, then developed an apparatus that ensured that all such drugs went

directly into the rumen.

The third generation of benzimidazoles remain the anthelmintics of choice despite the enormous

resistance in parasites of sheep and goats. Undoubtedly, research into the pharmacokinetics of

benzimidazoles at the laboratory has played an important part in coping with parasite resistance to these

compounds. After Roger Prichard left in 1984, a large emphasis in research has been in defining new

strategies for drug presentation, that is, in changes in molecular design. Netoblmin, a pro-drug for 1 I

4 3

benzimidazoles, that is water soluble and could therefore be given both parentally and orally, was

subsequently introduced.

1 I

Dr Ernest Lacey has used pharmacological techniques to examine changes in the structure of

benzimidazoles in relation to their action and changes in resistance in sheep. This research is carried out

In vitro using larvae of parasites so as to avoid using variation in the host that 1s inevitably introduced.

Biochemical research has used radioisotopes so that specific assays can determine the she of action of

benzimidazoles.

Dr. Lacey is now examining the action of ivermeclin, another anthelmintic. It is appropriate here, because

it is related to resistance to drugs, to include research in ivermectin which was released In Australia in

1987. Most of this research has been with H. contortus and T.colubriformis, but cestodes and F. hepatica

have also been used.

There has also been some research on "Fasinex", another benzimidazole, but not a carbamate, which Is

for liver fluke (F. he~atica) and will not affect other parasites.

In addition, Dr Norman Anderson from Parkville and his co-workers, including John Steel and Des

Hennessy, are involved with the sustained intraruminal release of the anthelmintic albendazole at three

sites, Armidale in the north, Werribee in Victoria in the south, and roughly midway from this Laboratory.

An industrial firm is involved and the capsule designed by the CSlRO is now marketed worldwide.

There is also a co-operative work with Dr. N.C. Sangster of the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the

University of Sydney on the pharmacokinetics of anthelmintics in goats, and with the University of Sydney

and Dr J C Boray of the New South Wales Department of Agrlcuiture at Gienfield, on resistance

anthelmintics and insecticides.

One major success of the original Program K was the Wormkill pian briefly described elsewhere in this

account of research at the Laboratory.

Epidemiology

Much of the earlier work on the epidemiology of parasitic infection was due to Dr. Hugh Gordon until his

retirement in 1974. Here it is irr~portant to acknowledge Hugh Gordon's contribution to epidemiology in

Australia.

Studies on the epidemiology of the helminthoses of sheep began in Armidale in 1938 under the direction

of I W Montgomery. He and his associates worked on private properties from a laboratory within what

eventually became the University of New England at Armidale. They needed to apply anthelmintics in a

preventative capacity against life cycles by reducing the parasitic infections before seasonal conditions

favoured the development and survival oi free-living stages. They determined the appropriate tlme for the

use of anthelmintics.

What follows up to the appointment of Dr. Alan Donald was written by Dr. Hugh Gordon.

The early work which began in New England in 1938, was largely due to me and my colleagues. It was

concerned with the whole range of nematode parasites of sheep and was extended to the Central

Highlands and Darling Downs in Queensland, and to Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania,

and from the late 1940's to the Southern and Central Tablelands in NSW (Yass, Bungendore, Goulburn,

Oberon, Mt. Lambie (Rydal)). In the States there was close collaboration with Departments of Agriculture,

as well as with CSlRO (WA and SA), and from WA and Tasmania laboratory technicians came to

McMaster for training in techniques. There was little epidemiological work in Victoria untll Norman

Anderson began his work in the western district from the early 1960's.

The aim of the epidemioiogical studies was to seek and define seasonal patterns of change in parasite

pop~~latlons with the object of applying anthelmintics in a preventive (strategic) capacity. When seasonal

patterns were discerned trials included the application of anthelmintics in order to determlne the optimum

times for application. Where circumstances were suitable the newer anthelmintics were applied in their

role in "diagnosis through control" to measure the effects of helminthosis on the productivity of sheep,

including growth and wool production (quantity and quality) and the progress of prime lambs to market

weight. These studies were carried on, as combined observations on epidemioiogy and the application

and efficiency of anthelmintics in the field until I retired in 1974. One trial continued during a period of

drought (Goulburn) when worm burdens were generally very light, but sheep treated with thiabendazole

had higher survival and production rates than untreated controls. During drought the parasites which

persisted were Nematodirus spp and Trichuris spp., due to the resistance of their free-living stages to

desiccation, and the propensity of Nematodirtls_ spp. eggs to accumulate and mass hatch following even

moderate falls of rain.

Other epidemiological studies were concerned with changes in the parasite population and consequent

output of worm eggs during the peri-parturient period: a source of infection for the iambs. There were

clear differences in worm burdens between pregnant and non-pregnant ("dry") ewes, being much higher in

the former. Increases in worm burdens, and egg output, may begin some weeks M o r e lambing, but were

more marked during lactation. The development of heavier infections in pregnant ewes was associated

with the resumption of development of hypobiotic worms and the establishment of newly acquired

Infections. Parasites already in the ewes increased their egg production thereby adding to the

contamination of pastures and increasing the hazards of helminthosis for the lambs. Trials concerned

with these aspects of epidemiology were carried out in the field (Goulburn, Mt. Lambie) and at McMaster

Field Station.

1

Observations in the field (Goulburn, McMaster Field Station) showed spectacular changes in the utillsation

of pastures between treated and control sheep harbouring naturally acquired infections. Treated sheep

tended to graze the pastures evenly to produce a lawn-like profile, while control sheep were more

selective and their pastures were ragged and tussocky. This difference was attributed to the restoration of

normal appetite in treated sheep which then needed to graze heavily and evenly to satisfy their appetite.

The control sheep suffered depressed appetite: thereby confirming the observations made in the

laboratory in the 1940's with trichostrongylosis, and even more markedly with oesophagostomosis (Oe.

columbianum). In the trial at McMaster Field Station it was necessary to remove the treated sheep from

their pasture because there was not enough herbage for their needs. (Statisticians suggested, facetiously,

that if sheep were treated with a highly effective anthelmintic they may die of starvation! However, it may

well be that if sheep are harbouring only a very light infection and possess their normal appetite they may

have to be provided with extra grazing - lighter stocking - in order to attain full productivity).

Concurrently an extensive series of observations were made in the laboratory concerned with hypobiosis,

persistence and loss of infection, effects of varying the magnitude of the dose of larvae and the program

of administration e.g. single, spaced, repeated, superimposed doses. The results were complex and clear

Interpretation difficult when consideration is given to the interactions between and within species of

parasites, the influence of age, nutrition and resistance/immunity, the phenomena of hypobiosis and 'self-

cure', population pressures in heavy infections, and removal of parasites with an anthelmintlc before

challenge. These 'reactions' are undoubtedly seen in the changes in parasite populatlons in the field and

thereby complicate the relating of such changes to the parameters which can be measured, and which

form the basis for the development of models concerned with the prediction of fluctuations In worm

burdens. The recognition of variations in susceptibility between sheep, the high and low responders,

added a further variable to the epidemiological picture.

The epidemiological observations in New England began in a very limited way in 1938 and, retarded

during the war years, were expanded and enhanced with the development of the Regional Pastoral

Laboratory at Chiswick from the late 1940's. The control of oesophagostomosis (0e.columblanum) in

New England, and other regions of NSW and Queensland having predominantly summer rainfall pattern

was a very pressing need. This disease affectecl the health and productivity of sheep for most of their

lifetime and was a most irnportant component of the syndrome of ill-thrift. Haemonchosls was a killer

disease, trichostrongylosis and oesophagostomosis were more cfironic and had persisting adverse

effects on productivity, and rendered sheep very susceptible to fly-strike. Haemonchosls could be

controlled with the anthelmintics available in the pre-phenothiazine days, but until the advent of

phenothiazine treatment against trichostrongylosis was based on the copper sulphate-nicotine mixture

and had to be supported by better nutrition, while an arsenical enema was the only effective treatment

against 0e.columbianurn and other large bowel parasites. In the 1930's and 1940's improvement of

pastures through sown grasses and clovers and the application of superphosphate was scarcely

beginning. Improvement of nutrition to supplement natural grazing depended on fed supplements e.g.

maize, or grazing cereal crops e.g. oats. In trials in New England weaners grazing on an oat crop made

4 6

good gains and were not unthrifty and it was observed that they shed their large bowel parasites wlthin a

few weeks of beginning to graze the oat crop. There was no similar effect on H.contortus or

Trichostronavlus spp. This observation was followed up at McMaster Field Station and it was confirmed

that sheep quickly rid themselves of 0e.columbianum and Trichuris spp. when they grazed on oat crops.

Further trials in New England showed a similar but less marked effect when sheep grazed on a phalaris

pasture, but not on clover pastures. (Phalaris tuberosa, as it was then called, formed the basis of much of

the early pasture improvement work in New England). The extended use of phalaris pastures and the use

of phenothiazine, especially during winter months, greatly reduced the numbers of 0e.columblanum and

following the introduction of thiabendazole in the early 1960's 0e.columbianum has practically

disappeared from New England; curiously, seemingly replaced by 0e.venulosum. These observations

owed much to Johnstone, Southcott and Dash. (A somewhat similar situation was seen in Western

Australian trials where sheep shed their infections with Chabertia ovina when they began to graze the

fresh growth of Capeweed [Arctotheca calendula) in autumn).

There were some limited observations on the changes in worm burden between sheep grazing on

irrigated and dry-land pastures at the Falkiner Memorial Research Station at Deniliquln In the

Murrumbidgee irrigation Area, in collaboration with the Division of Plant Industry.

With the development of the Regional Pastoral Laboratory in New England the whole range of

relationships was examined between parasite populations, seasonal changes (year long and for shorter

periods), nutrition, type and quality of pasture, stocking rates, individual susceptibility, resistance and

resiliency, variations in the structure of the parasite population as sheep aged, larval population (survival

and availability) and the particular situation with Nematodirus spp. (Lengthy survival of eggs and larvae,

accumulation sf eggs and mass hatching after rain.)

With the accumulating knowledge of the relationships between trace element deficiencies (copper, cobalt,

selenium) it was necessary to determine whether these nutritional deficiencies might complicate the

findings of trials concerned with the effects of parasitic disease on thrift and productivity; for example, It

might be possible to achieve improved production following a regime of treatment with anthelmlntics, but

It might be negated if a trace element deficiency was present. Accordingly when a field trial was planned

in a region where the status of trace element deficiency was not known the initial grouping had sheep

treated monthly with thiabendazole (or other broad spectrum drug) with sub-groups treated wlth

supplements of the trace elements, and where circumstances warranted other sub-groups were treated to

control fasciolosis, tapeworm infection (Moniezia) and coccidiosis. (Outbreaks of cocc~diosis occur in

lambs from time to time and in some trials with prime lambs those treated every two weeks wlth

sulphamethazine made more rapid weight gains). These sub-groups served as 'controls' to detect factors

other than the common nematodes, which might contribute to LOP (less than optimum productlvlty)

('diagnosis through control').

With the appointment of Dr Alan Donald in 1961 epidemiology, or ecology as it was then called, became

more sophisticated with the development of a statistical approach. This is not to denigrate the research

before this, but is a reflection of the times. The people involved became known as the helminth ecology

group.

It was first necessary to examine the methods hitherto available for the recovery of eggs and free-living

larvae from pasture. Eventually it was found that the constant flow centrifuge method for separating and

concentrating larvae was relatively highly efficient and saved time. It was a method that could also be

used for rumen fluid and faecal suspensions.

However, early research examined the effect of humidity on the development and hatching of

Nematodirus s~athiqer. The critical relative humidity was 75%, below which mortalities occurred. Eggs

hatched immediately following rain or dew.

Studies on the distribution, development, survival and theoretical observations on populations of Infective

larvae and eggs on pasture were based on models developed by Drs. G.M. Tallis and Alan Donald. These

were eventually modified by Dr Tallis of the Division of Mathematical Statistics.

Research on the free-living stages of H.contortus and T.colubriformis was continued at McMaster Farm

where separate plots were contaminated with faeces of known numbers of eggs at regular Intervals

throughout the year. The difference between these two species was largely due to deslccatlon of

developing eggs, hence the presence of H.contortus in the summer rainfall districts. As T.colubriformlg

had a far greater survival from desiccation, there were trials that examined the development of its embryo

after transfer from high to low levels of humidity and at different temperatures with the same saturation

deficits of air. When the ecology of the free-living stages of I-l.contortus and T.colubriform1s was

compared, it was shown that the latter parasite had a greater probability of becoming infective larvae on

the herbage. Nevertheless, much depended upon the actual output of eggs through successive parasitic

generations. The results of these trials over some years with these two species suggested that the

weather in any one year had important effects on the number of infective larvae available. T.colubriformis

could be recovered from pasture for six to eight weeks without rain in the summer, whereas no

H.contortus survived. However, as larvae of both species persisted on improved pastures for longer

periods than was thought possible, sf~ort term rotational grazing to reduce worm burdens significantly was

untenable.

Work at McMaster Field Station on the comparative ecology of these two parasitic species ended about

1970. Nevertheless, there was some research in the population dynamics of parasites in ewes and lambs

until about 1971. The results can be summarised into three parts:-

(1) that the larval intake by ewes at the end of winter failed to produce adult egg-laying so that the

worm populations in lambs were stable in the last five weeks before weaning.

(2) when the eggs deposited by ewes on pastures was high after weaning, there could be severe

trichostrongylosis in lambs in about five weeks after weaning.

(3) if ewes lamb on pastures with over-wintered larvae, and if the lambs are weaned at 12 to 14 weeks

of age, drenched and moved to clean pastures, there may be little, if any, advantage In drenching

ewes about lambing time.

After this research, the ecology group collaborated with Drs. F.H.W. Morley, J.R. Donnelly and A. Axelsen

of the Division of Plant Industry at the Ginninderra Experimental Station in ACT from about 1972. There

were fruitful large scale grazing experiments with sheep and cattle and with no difficulties wlth assistant

staff and money. This research work continued until about 1978 or 1979 when the group from the

Laboratory had certain parasitological research they wished to continue and the group from Plant Industry

had agronomic questions to answer.

It is unnecessary to follow the details of the research at Ginninderra, but recommendations put Into

practise for grazing sheep and cattle were evolved and which have now continued for some tlme:-

(1) anthelmintic treatment together with grazing management allowed the abandonment of

suppressive anthelmintic treatment. Suppressive treatment involved treatment at short intervals.

(2) the development of efficient methods of control based on seasonal variation of larval development

on pasture.

(3) the acquisition of natural immunity by grazing animals.

Studies on Fasciola hepatica and liver fluke disease ,

'I

The studies involved work on the epidemiology, chemotherapy and control of fasciolosis. Some work

before the laboratory was opened has already been mentioned in this chapter. The account is again under

appropriate subjects, not in chronological order.

In 1955 Hugh Gordon suggested in a brief review that more work should be carried aut on the

epidemiology of liver fluke disease, the use of the latest anthelmintics, the control of snails and the

immunological aspects of the disease. Dr J C Boray, a veterinarian who came from Hungary, answered

many of those questions.

Joe Boray clarified the taxonomy of lymnaeid snails, and determined the identity of the intermediate host

snail of F. he~atica, called Lvmnaea tomentosa. The geographical and seasonal occurrence of the snail

was defined and its biological characters, including reproduction, survival and dispersion were studied In

the laboratory and in the field. The studies on the snails were of an ecological nature as they defined

generation time, optimum temperatures for oviposition and seasonal variations. The population usually

increased in the spring, continued through summer and declined in autumn. Dry seasons reduced snail

populations through reduction in the size and suitability of habitats and death of snails through

4 9

dessication. However, the high reproductive rate and the ability to survive for many months in mud even

when it had dried as surface water evaporated, enabled a rapid restoration of the populatlon. These

findings explained the apparent failure of the application of molluscicides and emphaslsed the need to

restrict the area and change the form of snail habitats by drainage and conversion of bogs and swamps

into dams before applying moluscicides. The wide dispersion of snails and their persistence in small

isolated habitats stressed the need for thorough application of the moluscicides.

Studies were carried out on the suitability of other lymnaeid species as intermediate hosts for F. hemticq,

some of which were conducted while Joe Boray held a research scholarship at the Veterinary School of

Hannover, Germany. I1 had been suggested previously that a common European snail, L. Dereara, may

have been a progenitor of L. tomentosa having been brought to Australia and New Zealand in the water

barrels of ships in the early days of settlement. However, Joe Boray's studies showed that L. tomentoa is

an indigenous species of Australia and New Zealand highly susceptible to the introduced F. he~atica. It

was found later that another species, L. viridis, which is widely distributed in China and the Pacific region,

is the intermediate host of liver fluke in Papua New Guinea.

There were extensive studies on the bionomlcs of the stages of F. he~atica In the Intermediate host

including the multiplication from sporocyst through radiae and cercariae. The periodicity of the discharge

of cercariae from the snail was also studied. The infectivity of metacercariae for sheep depended on the

vitality and vigour which is influenced by the time of emergence from the cyst as well as some earlier

environmental effects.

Many past and present staff of the laboratory will remember the successful work to breed snails and

produce metacercariae. The necessary equipment took up much space arld this equipment and the

method undement several modifications. The stated aims of the system were to produce a large number

of metacercariae for anthelmintic trials and for the experimental investigations on fasciolosis. Joe Boray

also sent metacercariae to laboratories as well as universities and chemical firms I r a Australia and

overseas.

The epidemiology of fasciolosis in sheep and cattle was investigated, beginning with the survey of the

incidence in New South Wales by observations at abattoirs and extended to the field. The epidernlological

studies were carried out especially in the Central Tablelands (Hampton) and at the Murrumbidgee

Irrigation Area (Griffith) where heavy infections were found. There tended to be two seasonal peaks In the

acquisition of infection in early spring and late summer and these coincided with the release of

overwintering cercariae from the snails and the subsequent availability of metacercariae produced by

snails which obtained their infection in spring and summer.

Based on the above epidemiological studies, strategic application of anthelmintics were recommended for

many regions of Australia, including a simple and effective system of chemotherapy combined with

pasture rotation.

A number of native animals including possums, wombats, grey kangaroos and Tammar wallables became

Infected as well as the introduced rabbit but were not regarded as "efficient reservoirs".

In the laboratory, the pathology of acute and chronic fasciolosis was studied, including the anaemia as

described in the section on pathophysiology. Other observations included the susceptibility of two breeds

of cattle; there were no differences in the number of flukes which established but the dairy breed (Jersey)

showed more severe clinical effects than the beef breed (Hereford). In a comparison of parasite burdens

in subclinical infections in sheep there were no differences in numbers between sheep on high or low

planes of nutrition, but in those on the low plane there was earlier and greater production of fluke eggs.

The onset of severe pathological changes was delayed in sheep on the high plane of nutrition. Fasciolosls

resulted in a significant reduction of wool growth even wRen only a moderate number af flukes were

present in the sheep.

Acquired resistance to fasciolosis was studied in sheep and cattle. There was no evidence of resistance to

challenge infections in sheep either following prolonged infections or vaccination with irradiated

metacercariae. In cattle there was apparent resistance after single and repeated infections, but this may

have been due to the unfavourable habitat which resulted from pronounced fibrosis and calcification of

the bile ducts; very much more marked in cattle than in sheep. In cattle, age may have been more

Important than an earlier infection in the development of resistance.

The possible effects of sciomyzid flies in the control of snails was investigated. Although the larvae of

these flies consumed a variety of snails, including the lymaneids, the overall snail population was not

significantly reduced.

Studies on the paramphistomes (Calci~horen calico~horum and Param~histornurn Ichikawai) included the

life cycle of the flukes and their pathogenicity in a field outbreak of acute paramphistornosis at the

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The biology of the intermediate host planorbid snails, Gvraulus and

Helicorbis spp., was also studied. Experiments for the successful treatment of acute pararnphlstomosis

was also carried out.

A number of older and new anthelmintics in diffcrent formulations were tested for efficacy agalnst

he~atica of different ages including toxicology. A widely accepted method of "standardized anthelmintic

test" has been developed in sheep and in rodents, suitable for the screening of new anthelmintic products.

A sensitive quantitative diagnostic method for fasciolid and paramphistome flukes was also developed in

the laboratory.

Studies on molluscicides and their application are described above.

In the laboratory and in the field Dr Boray had skilled assistance from an Ian McMaster scholar, Miss

Jenny C Andrews, B.Sc., from a visiting veterinarian from Germany, Dr Fred A Happich, and later from an

51

agricultural graduate, Frank B Roseby.

Immunology I ' I

I / , )

I

Early observations on the behaviour of infections with H. contortus suggested that sheep which appeared

to have developed resistance to experimental infections might become susceptible again when

maintained on a low plane of nutrition. In a preliminary trial (initiated by Carr-Fraser before he resigned)

there was some evidence that sheep on a diet adequate in phosphorus were more resistant to the effects

of infection. Later observations resulted in a general conclusion that a high plane of nutrition did not

protect sheep against the establishment of an infection with H. contortus or T. colubriformis. but the

infections did not persist as long as those in sheep on a low plane of nutrition and there was a degree of

resistance to reinfection. It was difficult to assess the influence of tRe plane of nutrition on infections with

Oe. colurnbianum because of the variable and lengthy prepatent period which results In immature worms

emerging from the mucosa as long as 4-5 months after the infection was acquired.

Research on the resistance of sheep to H. contortus and Trichostronavlus spp. was continued by Dr D F

Stewart from about 1952 to 1960. Essential to this was the development of a complement-fixation test for

circulating antibodies. By boiling at 1 0 0 ~ ~ for ten minutes an antigen was extracted from eggs, third

stage infective larvae and young adults of H. contortus, whereas antigen was extracted from third stage

Infective larvae and adults of Trichostronavlus spp. A lipid was the essential constituent of the boiled

antigen which could be extracted from a number of species of nematodes, but not from the two

trematodes that were tested. No antibody response was stimulated by ground mature H. contortus or by

Infective larvae of either species of parasite when killed by heat. It was also found that larval antlgen from

H. contortus reacted with antisera from sheep infected with H. contortus or Trichostron- spp.,

whereas antigen extracted from Trichostronavlus spp. reacted with antisera from sheep infected with that

species alone.

The occurrence and persistence of resistance to H. contortus was irregular and was not an acquired

immunity. Individual sheep might be resistant to several doses of larvae and yet subsequently succumb

to a further dose of larvae after a few weeks before eggs appeared in the faeces. Deaths often resulted

from acute haemonchosis before worms had reached egg laying maturity. This compared with the

vigorous and sustained antibody response to both larval and adult forms of Trichostronavius spp. The

difference between the two species of parasite was thus quite distinct.

Vaccines from ground infective larvae of either H. contortus or Trichostronavlus spp. were found to be

unsuccessful. This is interesting because of the later attempts by others to vaccinate sheep against

parasites.

'Self-cure' had been noted in the USA in the late 1920s and was examined in New England, New South

Wales, in 1938. It was not until Douglas Stewart extended his investigation in about 1947 on the

immunology of helminthoses of sheep that 'self-cure' was re-examined.

It was then shown that 'self-cure' could be produced by the administration of infective larvae to sheep

hypersensitised from previous experience of infection. The reaction was commonly accompanied by a rise

In blood histamine, skin sensitivity to an antigen prepared from infective larvae, oedema of the habitat of

the parasite concerned, a rise in circulating antibodies and often an oeslnophilia.

The direct observation by laparotomy of the abomasum of hypersensitive sheep following the Injection of

exsheathed larvae provided further support for the hypothesis that there was a change In environmental

conditions at the time of 'self-cure'. The effect of the intake of larvae of one species of nematode upon

other species appears to depend upon their respective location in the alimentary tract and suggested

local rather than systemic reaction. Antigenic material from parasitic larvae in the abomasum passed

readily to the small intestine and led to the displacement of the local T. colubriformis, but antigenic

material generated by T. coluhriformis in the small intestine could could not pass to the abomasum. There

was, therefore, no cross 'self-cure' against H. contortus when larvae of T. coiubriformis were administered.

When grazing sheep were examined weekly over 18 months it was found that faecal egg counts fell as

serum titres rose and vice versa. Seven periods of 'self-cure' were observed. Naturally grazing flocks

were found to 'self-cure' after summer rains and this indicated that sheep then received large doses of H,

contortus.

The part played by blood histamine was also examined. It was found that the administration of an

antihistamine drug prevented the fall in faecal egg count, but not a rise in the serum titre. In over half the

occasions when 'self-cure' was observed, it was associated with a rise in blood histamine between days

two and four after the administration of infective larvae. in no instance was there a rise in blood histamine

when sheep failed to 'self-cure'. However, blood histamine rose in infections with other species of

parasites when sheep were 'self-cured' when Trichostronavlus spp. larvae were given In prevlous

infections of the same parasite. On the other hand, histamine in the wall of the abomasum in sheep

resistant to H. contortus was comparable at the height of the reaction to that of normal sheep. There was

no evidence, however, that 'self-cure' was directly caused by blood histamine.

It was found that there was oedema of the abomasal mucous membrane and a rise in blood histamine In

sheep previously infected wilh H. contortus and then given infective larvae of this species. A similar, but

less marked oedema of the small intestine occurred in sheep infected with Trichostronavlus spp. after

being given larvae of the same species.

It was also shown that continued infection with mature forms of either species of parasite, did not sensitize

sheep, nor did they 'self-cure'. There was no reaction to the intraderrnal inocuiation of H. contortug

antigen.

I 1 Dr J K Dineen joined the Laboratory in 1961 to work on the mechanisms of Immunity to parasitic infectio . 1 For his personal history Chapter IX must be consulted. He has been assisted by a number of Research

Scientists, Experimental Scientists and Ph.D. students from the Department of Veterinary ~ a t h o ~ o ~ y ,

University of Sydney. Amongst these have been Drs. Wagland, Rothwell, Adams, Kelly, Windon, Emery

and Outteridge. Some of these were Ph. D. students when they first came to the Laboratory.

John Dineen believes he was given a free rein. At all times some fundamental work was necessary.

Although he came to believe that the application of his research must be foremost, there must be a sound

knowledge of the basic principles. The dynamics of the host-parasite relationship was studied with the

recognition that the role of the immune response promoted the survival of both host and paraslte. The

Immune response regulates this relationship rather than eliminates the parasite.

For these reasons John Dineen and his co-workers studied the mechanism of the immune response in

which nippostrongylosis of the rat and trichostrongylosis of the guinea pig were models. The technique of

the transplantation of cells was used. John Dineen and his colleagues were, in fact, the first to use cell

transfer immunity against parasites. The aim was to determine whether a humoral antibody immunity or a

cell-mediated phenomenon was involved. It was shown that the latter was so, at least in Infection with I,

colubriformis. Surgery was used to demonstrate that immunity in the guinea pig was probably due to a

specific cellular response, but that there were also non-specific effector inflammatory mechanisms

Involved.

Subsequently the inflammatory response that accompanied intestinal parasitism and its role in the effector

mechanism was studied. This also demonstrated the possible relationship between immunity and the

pathophysiology of parasitic infection.

After this fundamental work, immunity to T. colubrlformis in sheep with irradiated larvae as a vaccine was

begun. It was found that about 50% of young sheep respond to vaccination whereas the remainder do

not. if the mean of all sheep is calculated, then irradiated larval vaccination is not successful. The report

of earlier studies that the technique is unsuccessful is thus explained.

Clearly, genetic factors determine whether an animal responds to vaccination or not. Responsiveness

was also found to be correlated with productive performance, for example, wool growth. It Is therefore

possible to select animals with a high level of responsiveness to vaccination without prejudicing their

performance.

A search for a genetic marker was commenced. When Peter Outteridge moved to the Laboratory from

the Animal Research Laboratory at Parkville, he found that there were antigen atlotypes that corresponded

to high responders. This should, therefore, be a practical proposition. There were no technical difficulties,

but it is necessary to develop the typing of antisera.

also examined.

Although Dr Rogers cancluded that the action of phenothiazine remained uncertain, it was shown that it

became attached to fatty substances in the parasites from which it could not be separated by acid or

alkaline hydrolysis. Furthermore, the anthelmintic property is due to phenothiazine itself, not to Its

oxidation derivatives.

Shortly before Dr Rogers resigned from the CSlRO in 1952, Dr Judith Koch joined the staff to work with

him. She took up the study of the biological activity of complex ions that were made with the co-operation

of the Chemistry Department of the University of Sydney. The effects on enzyme systems in solution were

believed to be due to the charge on these complex ions. For instance, the inhibition of acetylcholine

esterase was shown to be due to the cationic charge on a complex ion. The effect of complex Ions on

carbohydrate metabolism and their niolluscicide activity were also investigated. This research continued

for some years until they could no lor~ger be produced by co-operafion with anyone from the University of

Sydney.

Abomasal histology, exsheaihment and in viin, cuttimtion

This is the research of Dr. R.I. Sommerville from 1951 to 1963 when he left the Laboratory to join the

Department of Zoology at the University of Adelaide.

Ian began with a study of the histotrophic phase of the entry of the larvae of Ostertaala spp. Into the

abomasal mucosa of sheep when they are inaccessible to anthelmintics. He mapped the peptic, parietal

and argentaffin cells of the rnucosa and, most importantly, identified globule leucocytes in the abomasum ,

and intestines of sheep infected for at least five .~eeks. Finally, Ian demonstrated that the third stage

larvae enter the gastric pits and glands of the pyloric and cardiac regions of the abomasum between 72

and 96 hours after administration. Thereafter thelr development is variable. Some may quickly leave the

mucosa, whereas others are undeveloped for whet may exceed three months. They may develop to the

adult stage in the mucosa before rnigrating to the lumen of the abomasum.

Ian then studied the exsheathment of parasitic larvae. He reported that they exsheathd in that part of the

alimentary tract anterior to where the adults were found, for exampie, H.contortus exsheathed in the

rumen, T.colubriformis in the abomasum and Oe. columbianum in the duodenum. He then developed an

understanding of the mechanism of exsheathing.

First, there is extrinsic factor in the rumen which Is dialysable and has optimum activity at about 40oC. It

is related to the hydrogen ion concentration and low oxidation-reduction potentials, which probably act

upon a centre, which may be in the posterior half of the larval oesophagus. This determines where

exsheathing takes place, for example, in the rumen or abomasum. Larvae so activated produce an

exsheathing factor that may be released from the excretory pore. This exsheathing fluid contains a

It was found that an infection prdduced by the administration of irradiated larvae of T. co~ubriformi~

produced a high level of immunity in high responder sheep. ~l thoudh light infections developed following '

challenge there were only slight temporary effects on the productivity of the sheep. In general the high

responder sheep performed better than the low responders, and their productivity was similar to that of

controls which had not been given khallenge infections.

John Dineen then became interested in examining the possibility of developing sub-unit vaccines with

recombinant DNA. With this work he collaborated with Ian O'Donald of the Division of Protein Chemistry

who was fractionating TrichostronavIus spp. A highly selective vaccine was tested. John Dineen then had

a large team working on this project, but he could spend little time on it as he was then the O-1-C of the

Laboratory and subsequently Acting Chief of Division.

I

W.O. Jones, in association with Dr. John Steel and formerly with Dr. Peter Outteridge, studied the

intestinal cytology and endogenous mediators of parasitic expulsion. This is at the interface between

pathophysiology and immunology where not much is known.

Parasite Physiology and Toxicology

Research into what was officially known as parasite physiology and toxicology began with the

appointment of Dr W P Rogers and was first mentioned in the 20th Annual Report of the CSlR of 30th

June, 1946. It is rioteworthy that he introduced the use of radioisotopes and geiger counting to the

Laboratory. (Dr Rogers was joined by various research scientists over the following years Including

Misses M. Lazarus, H.B. Esserman and Dr. P. Whitfield.) .

Dr Rogers was primarily interested in fundamental biochemistry of helrninths, but was formally concerned

with that which might explain the anthelmintic action of phenothiazine, etc. Nevertheless, the group did

examine some of the more basic biochemistry of a number of parasites of sheep and other animals. The

oxygen metabolism of various parasites, including oxygen uptake by eggs, larvae and adults and Its

utilization was investigated. Oxygen tensions close to the intestinal mucosa and aerobic and anaerobic

metabolism were determined. Nitrogen metabolism was examined, together with nucleic acid metabolism

af a malarial parasite of man. Other work included the effect of pH on the development and the uptake of

nutrients by larvae of H. contortus. The uptake of phosphate by parasites and the small intestine of sheep

was also examined, as well as the physical characteristics of haemoglobin from two intestinal species of

parasite and its biological significance in nematode parasites.

The investigation of the action of phenothiazine included its inhibition of acid phosphatase activity, its

uptake in vitro and in vivo by parasites and its relative toxicity and effectiveness against various parasites.

It was found that phenothiazine was taken up by the cuticle rather than by ingestion by the parasite. The

effectiveness or otherwise of derivatives of phsnothiazine was investigated. The uptake by respiring

mitochondria and the absorption and excretiorl by sheep of different particle sizes of phenothiazine was

I

protein and a dialysable cofactor and contains antigenic substances, some of which may be specific.

I 1

Ian examined the in vitro cultivation of larval parasites, first of ~.brasiliens~s and the;, In more detail,

H.contortus. He looked at the effect of crowding of larvae, media, growth, the number of surviving larvae,

morphology related to ingestion and nervous tissue. Sterilisation of exsheathed larvae of H.contortus and

their subsequent survival under different concentrations of carbon dioxide was also examined. The gas

phase appears to be important to the development of larvae of H.contortus up to the third larval stage,

whereas the fourth stage were apparently independent of the exogenous sources of nutrients. This

project was concluded at this point when Dr. Sommerville resigned from the CSIRO.

Pathophysiology is the term used to explain anorexia, (inappetance), poor growth etc. In sheep this also

includes poor rate of wool growth. It does not, however, describe only the deranged physlology, but

includes the biochemical changes. At this Laboratory it was confined to the effects of internal parasites,

whether nematodes or, occasionally, trematodes.

In the early days of the Laboratory, parasite infection was confined to its pathogenic effects, that Is, such

things as loss of weight. There was little or no attempt to explain them, that Is, t o examine the

pathophysiology. Some of the earliest observations were made by Drs. Clunies Ross and Peter Kauzal.

In the 6th Annual Report of 1932 of the CSIR, shortly after the opening of the Laboratory, there 1s an

account of the pathogenic importance of some species. This included haemonchosls In Tasmania, New

South Wales and Queensland that reduced wool growth rather than body weight. Other lnvestlgations

confirmed the pathogenic importance of the immature forms of C. ovina. Nematodirus filicollis was

relatively benign except when the nutrition of the sheep was poor. In the 12th Annual Report of 1946 it

was shown that sub-clinical infections of T, coiubriforrr~is reduced food consumption, body weight and

wool production. Oe. colurnbianurrl reduced body weight and wool production.

After this there were some observat/ons of poor growth or loss d weight in sheep used On experiments for

other purposes and of the effect of nutrition on parasitic infection. Then, in the 4th A~nua l Report of the

CSlRO for year ending 30th June, 1952 and in the succeeding Annual Report there were observations on

plasma volumes and the fall of total blood volumes per unit body weight and the resulting hypocythaemic

anaemia due to Triel~ostronavIus spp. These observations were made by C el Gallagher shortly after he

joined the staff. Then in the 6th Annual Report of 1954, Dr M C Franklin or his colleagires found that

vitamin A blood levels fell in heavy infections of T. colubriformis.

I was appointed early in 1955 to study the pathophysiology of gastointestinal Iofectlons and was

eventually assisted by W 0 Jones and Dr J W Steel and, for a short time, by Dr R K Prichard and D R ,

Mennessy. The foilowing are brief outlines of research until early 1982 when on my retirement all research I

57 I

on pathophysiology ceased. This is not described in chronological order, but is conveniently divided into

groups according to subject.

In most instances at this Laboratory the effect on body weight and appetite was evidence that the

infection, by whatever species of parasite, affected the host and so justified whatever pathophysiological

response was examined in the experiment. Experiments included infections with N. brasiliensis in rats, &. dubius in mice, T. colubriformis in guinea pigs and sheep, 0. circumcinctq in sheep and F. he~at ica In

sheep. Also included for comparative purposes was infection with Elmeria tenella in chickens and two

bacterial infections in sheep or guiriea pigs. In general the effects increased with the number of parasites

administered, whether in single or multiple doses, and where tested those that occurred for a specific

time, probably until the host became resistant.

Anorexia or inappetance is a common symptom of parasitic infection and has also been recorded in many

other infections with bacteria and viruses. It has also been found in the pathophysiology unlt In guinea

pigs infected with the bacterium Yersinia ~seudotuberculosls and in sheep with footrot primarily due to

Fusiforrnis nodosus. Whether anorexia accounts for the failure to grow or loss of weight has been

debated between laboratories, but it has been concluded that anorexia is not entirely responsible. Pair-

feeding has been commonly used at this Laboratory to assess its importance to this and other

expressions of infection. Care must be taken with this technique because the uninfected tend to eat their

reduced ration more quickly than do the infected animals.

Although the cause of anorexia was the particular concern of this unit, only two experiments were

conducted. In the first, it was found that the intravenous administration of the octapeptide of the hormone

cholecystokinin depressed food intake of sheep, although the dose was almost certainly unphysiological.

Because it had been found that there were low levels of zinc in the blood of man On various parasitic

Infections, plasma zinc was measured in trichostrongylosis of sheep in the second experlment. Plasma

zinc was reduced in infected sheep that became anorexic, but not in the uninfected, whether pair-fed or

not.

Change to the mucosae of the intestines was evidence that damage could affect function. This was

examined in detail in nippostrongylosis of rats and what follows was illustrated by this infection, although

details may vary between infections. The diameter and dry weight of the jejunum was increased, also with

Increases in the thickness of the two smooth muscle layers. The changes were progressive, until by the

10th and critical day the jejunal mucosa could be flattened because the villi were shortened and fused.

The crypts were lengthened, distorted and often opened directly to the surface. Nevertheless, the degree

of damage varied from place to place in the jejunum, even in heavy infections. Electron microscopy

showed that the length of the microvilli was reduced and the brush borders were irregular. The parasites

frequently enclosed misshapen villi, but were free on the surface, whereas T. colubriformis was often

burled beneath the mucosal surface. The progenitor cycle of the epithelial cells of the crypts was

shortened with their faster movement along the villi. There were progressive changes to the lamina I

I

propria, including enzymatic alterations. Furthermore, the turnover of eplthlelial cells In the worm-free

distal ileum and colon was increased, with longer crypts in the ileum, but not in the colon. The faster

turnover of epithelial cells in the distal ileum and colon was obviously not due to the mechanical action of

the parasites, bul possibly to metabolic or other substances passing down the tract.

In general, the absorption of sugars, amino acids, palmitic acid, bromosulphaiein and the fluxes of

elecfrolytes and water as well as the digestion of proteins and maltose was reduced in the small intestine

in infection, but not if measured from the entire intestine. The rate of absorption from the distal worm-free

regions sf the small intestine appeared to be increased. Malabsorption in the infected region was directly i

related to the severity of the infection.

Digestive enzymes such as maltase and dipeptidases of the mucosa were reduced in the infected reglons

of the smali intestine. The rate of flow of fluid and ingesta through the proximal two-thirds of the small

intestine was reduced, but increased in compensation in the distal ileum. After experiments had shown

that malabsorption and reduced digestion and even anorexia could not account for poor body growth or

wool production, it was necessary to examine metabolism, particularly protein rne~abolism. Initially, the

basal metabolic rate (BMR) was investigated with mice infected with N. dubius. Depression of BMR was

shown not to be due to anorexia which, however, reduced total body lipid and liver glycogen. Early wark

on protein synthesis and catabolism was with guinea pigs infected with T. colubriformis and mice with N,

dtlblus. Subsequent work was entirely with T. colubriformis in sReep and guinea pigs. The techniques

varied, but the results can be summarized as follows. There was an increase in synthesis in the structural

proteins of the liver, in plasma protein (due largely to albumin leakage to tile small intestine) and to the

mucosa of the small and large intestine. On the other hand, there was a decrease of protein synthesls In

skeletal muscle, wool and cortex of the kidney. Overall, there was an increase On protein synthesis in the

whole body of guinea pigs in which it was measured due to methodologicai problems with iambs. Protein

synthesis was decreased by anorexia alone in the smali intestine and whole body, uncertain In the

structural proteins of the liver and without change in wool, large intestine and the kldney cortex.

Catabolism was increased in skeletal muscle in which it was also increased by anorexia alone. There were

other experiments that must be described separately. Leakage of plasma proteins into the small intestine

in infected animals has been observed in many laboratories, including McMaster Laboratory. This leakage

c~mrnonly leads to hypoalbuminaemia when synthesis of albumin in the liver is unable to match the rate

of loss into the intestine. This relationship between loss into the upper small intestine and protein

synthesis was clearly shown in guinea pigs infected with T. colubriformis. Membrane-bound rib0!3~me~

that synthesize circulating plasma proteins, including albumin, were stimulated by intestinal loss. This was

not due to anorexia which may, however, increase the rate of synthesis of liver structural proteins by free

ribosomes. The concentrations of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) were

measured in most tissues. The fail in the RNA/DNA ratio in both skeletal muscle and liver was consistent

with the fall in muscle protein synthesis but not with the rise in liver. These apparent differences were

explained when RNA metabolism was examined. Poor skeletal growth in suckling guinea pigs infected

with T. colubriformis was due to both depress@ protein synthesis and the inclusion of new nuclei and

I I

59 ' , 1 1 ,

I

hence more cells. Protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of guinea pigs with trichostrongylosls decreased

with decreasing food consumption, but this was only partly due to anorexia. On the other hand, the rate

of liver protein synthesis increased as food consumption fell, but again, this was oniy partly due to

anorexia. The work on hormones was done by Dr R. Prichard and D. Hennessy. Corticosterolds rose,

whereas Insulin fell in the plasma of sheep infected with T. colubriformis. The former Is only partly

explained by anorexia, whereas it is entirely responsbible for the fall in Insulin. Whether those changes In

hormones are consistent with the changes in muscle and liver protein synthesis are uncertain.

Nevertheless, the dramatic rise of corticosteroids between days 15 and 20 of infection are consistent with

a catabolic effect on muscle protein and an anabolic effect on liver protein. The fall in Insulin Impairs

muscle protein synthesis and reduces catabolism in the liver. Total plasma thyroxine fell, but the

percentage of free thyroxine increased. This was not due to anorexia, but its slgnlflcance to the

metabolism of infected sheep is uncertain. Comparisons were made by L E A Symons and his colleagues

between Intestinal parasitic infection and a coccidial and two bacterial infections because of the reported

similarity in protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and liver irrespective of whether the infecting agents were

worms, coccidia or bacteria. Muscle protein synthesis was depressed by the coccidian E.tenella In the .

caeca of chickens, a generalized infection of guinea pigs with the bacterium Y.~seudotuberculoslq and

probably in footrot of sheep due primarily to the bacterium F.nodosus. The effect on liver protein synthesis

was conflicting. It was unchanged in the coccidial infection, in wRich there was haemorrhage and

presumably loss of plasma, but was increased in footrot. It was unchanged In guinea pigs with yerslnosls.

In neither of the last two is there known to be a loss of plasma proteins. What could be looked upon as a

summary of these metabolic effects and as trials of the effect of progressively Increasing doses of larvae

from susceptibility to resistance were run towards the end of the study of pathophysiology. Production

losses and metabolic responses of young sheep infected with five progressively Increasing weekly doses

of larvae of T. colubriforr& or 0. circumcincta that were within the range normally acquired, were run for

24 weeks. A concurrent infection with both parasites or with either parasite alone was run for 16 weeks.

The weekly doses were divided into three administered on alternate days. One group in all three

experiments was parasite-free. Briefly, altliough the number of larvae of 0. circumcOncta was about four

times the number of T. colubriforrnis, the latter had a more severe effect on food consumption, liveweight

gain, wool production, nitrogen retention and albumin metabolism. In general, these were affected by

only the highest number of larvae of 0. circumcincta. Also, in general, liveweight gain and wool

production fell and the sheep were resistant to infection with T. co~ubriformis by about week 16 and

infection with 0. circumcincta by about week 12. At the levels of infection administered neither parasite

had any effect on food consumption, productivity and metabolism, whereas concurrent infection had

marked effects. With Dr J C Boray I examined the anaemia of the infection of the liver of sheep with F,

Iiepatica and showed that this was entirely due to ingestion of blood by this parasite. Finally, it must be

recorded that research on the metabolism of infected sheep has only begun. If we are to understand fully

how productivity is affected oy parasitic infection, more research is necessary.

CHAPTER VI

Research Continued: External Parasitic Infestation, Bacteriology, etc.

As stated in the appropriate section of Chapter Ill and in the previous chapter not all researdh at the

Laboratory has been into aspects of internal parasitic infection. External parasites have been important

and bacteriology of sheep has been investigated since even before the Laboratory was built. Biochemical

pathology was emphasised for a few years after about 1955. There was some research In the early years

on biochemistry and nutrition and on wool and wool biology. There ls also brief mention of the crossing

of the Zebu with British breeds of cattle and of sheep breeding experiments at the F.D. McMaster Field

Station at Badgery's Creek. Although the unit was then largely independent it was administered from the

Laboratory. Research in these fields is included in this chapter. Although certain Important aspects of

sheep breeding were centred at this Laboratory for some years they are not included in this history

because the people concerned belonged to a separate group that eventually became part of the Division

of Animal Genetics.

External Parasitic infestation

Research on external parasites, almost entirely on sheep, continued for many years. This became a major

interest until, finally, in about 1983, research in this field moved to the newly created Division of Tropical

Animal Diseases in Brisbane that is primarily concerned with external parasites of cattle.

Despite this emphasis on external parasites of sheep, the first research work In the protection of the dog

against the dog tick was by Dr Clunies Ross on the aetiological factor responsible for tick paralysis. It was

found that there was a factor in the salivary glands of the female lxodes holocvclus responsible for this

paralysis. As hyper-immune serum could be used to protect and cure dogs there was a posslbllity of

lmmunislng them for protection. Some years later Dr. Judith Koch collaborated with the external parasite

unit in a study of the excretions of I. holocyel~. She also examined the biochemical changes in the tick

Infested dog. Aspects of these latter studies were pursued later in collaboration with Dr 8. Goodrlch.

For several years research on external parasites of sheep in what could be called the first-stage can be

divided into three parts: first, the blowfly problem; secondly, the bionomics of the itch mite [Psoreraates

ovis), the sheep ked (Melophaaus ovinus) and lice, particularly the body louse (Damalinia ovis) and lastly, -- the examination of methods for the control of these parasites. These studies were conducted by Norman

P H Graham (until he resigned in about 1947), Ian L Johnstone, 0-i-C of RPL, Armidale and Miss T Marion

Scott who resigned about a year after Knrman Grnham. In October 1951 Durno Murray was appointed as

head of the section on external parasites.

Fly strike was the subject of research at the Laboratory, at field stations and on sheep properties early In

the history of the Laboratory. The Division could not wait for results from the Division of Entomology In

61 I I I

Canberra where work on the biology of the blowfly had started. The general Interest at the Laboratory

was diseases of sheep and hence, was focussed upon fly strike itself and particeriarly the Mules operation

for the control and prevention of breech strike. This operation had been very successful in the field. Ian

Johnstone was appointed to assist Norman Graham in about 1939, but was transferred to Gilruth Plains In

Queensland in 1940, although he remained on the staff of the Laboratory. Gilruth Plains was the centre for

investigation of the Mules operation. The original operation was greatly improved and it was also found

that the length of the residual tail in lambs influenced the frequency of strikes. The desirable length for

docking was determined.

Body strike was found to be most common after rain and was also shown to be associated with fleece rot.

Dehorning of rams to control head Strike was also investigated.

In the early 1970's there was an investigation into the predisposing causes of fly strike of sheep In winter

rainfall areas. The importance of diarrhoea in breech strike was shown. Fleece rot, a bacterioioglcal

Infection predisposing to body strike, was examined and is told in the section under Bacteriology.

ltch mite, lice and keds

The ltch mite (P. ovis) was first discovered by Dr Carter of the Wool Biology Laboratory in Sydney.

Norman Graham developed the patch test to screen the efficiency of insecticides against this mite. E ovis, which was found to produce a slight, but chronic irritation of the skin, occurs mainly in the cooler - southern region of Australia. It is transmitted when freshly shorn sheep are closely crowded.

Some aspects of the biology of the ked, M. ovinug, was determined before examination of the efficacy of '

dipping for its control. This investigation commenced in about 1938 and Included the duration of the

pupal stage, the effect of temperature and humidify on pupae, sexual maturity, gestation and longevity of

females and miyralions of ked on the sheep.

The bionomlcs of the body louse (D. ovis) and the foot louse (Linoanathus ~edalls) were examined by

Marion Scott. The life cycle and distribution on the sheep of the body louse was investigated. The llfe

cycle of the latter was determined and its incidence in infestations of Romney Marsh sheep examined.

Infestations were found to be heavier in young sheep, particularly in iambs, and were heaviest In late

winter and early summer.

The effect of nutrition on the body louse and ked was also determined. Although there were few lice on

law plane of nutrition on sheep shorn in January tne number increased rapidly thereafter. In thcase on a

high plane, the number of lice fell rapidly until they were clean after about three months. All sheeo 991 a

low plane of nutrition gained little weight, whereas those on a high plane gained much more.

There was much research on control methods using dips, fogs and sprays and the chemicals tested

included arsenical compounds, rotenone. hexachloro-cyclohexan~, DDT. BHC, aldrin and dieldrin. The I I

details of this research are lengthy and need not be given here, but included efficacy against partlcuiar

external parasites (including the various forms of blowfly strike), stripping from dlps and length of wool.

Dresslngs after lamb marking were also investigated. Most of this work with dlps, etc. came to an end

with the introduction of newer insecticides such as dieldrin. However, several years later, when Norman

Graham rejoined the Laboratory, he made another important contribution, a simple technique for the

replenishment of emulsion and compensated dips to prevent stripping. ,

I

A more thorough investigation of the itch mite of sheep was begun at the second stage of research with .

external parasites with Durno Murray in charge. This involved a study of the morphology, feeding habits,

distribution and movements of all stages from the egg to adult and the length of the life cycle of P. ovis.

A detailed study of the ecology begun in about 1953 with the discovery in Victoria of the face louse

(L.ovillus). This led to a profitable study of lice in general, more particularly the body louse (D. ovis).

These were concerned with the effects of changes of microclimates of the habitats and host behaviour on

louse populations. Models were developed to estimate potential abundance of ectoparasites from a

knowledge of their fecundity, generation times and survival. Durno Murray was also involved In a study of

the ecology of lice on two species of seal, one at Macquarle Island in the sub-Antarctic and another in the

Antarctic. It was found that the same basic principles apply to these animals as they do to sheep and

other animals.

There was also an examination of demodectic mange on sReep and cattle. . L.

During this stage there were further investigations of the efficacy of insecticides in the control of louse and

mite infestations. Insecticides against blow flies were tested at the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory at

Yeerongpilly, Queensland, during thls stage of external parasitic reseal ch.

Virus Infections and their vectors

Research on the distribution of lice on the host had gone as far as it could go with the equipment and

facilities then available. This then led to what may be called the third stage of external parasitic research

when the Division became committed to virobiological studies, including arbovirus infections of livestock.

Much of the research during this stage was in collaboration with the Divisional laboratories in Brlsbane,

Sydney and Melbourne as well as with other Divisions and the State Departments of Agriculture.

About thls time Blue Tongue, a virus disease often lethal to sheep, appeared In the Middle East, Pakistan

and India and thus became potentially relevant to Australia. For thls reason an examirlation was begun of

the distribution of biting midges in this country as they could be the arbovirus vectors for Blue Tongue and

other exotic arbovirus diseases.

, I

6 3 I I

1

After the reorganization of the Division of Wildlife, Alan Dyce was transferred to the Divlsion of Animal

Health to investigate possible vectors of Ephemeral Fever, another virus disease of cattle. Initially surveys

were made In south western Queensland and north western New South Wales and, later, In Gippsland

and Tasmania. In 1967 a major outbreak of Ephemeral Fever moved rapidly in six weeks from the Gulf of

Carpentaria to northern Victoria. It was shown that the vectors probably moved with the wind.

Consequently surveys of vectors were carried out over much of Australia. It took five years to complete

the survey throughout Australia, during which time the Departments of Agriculture greatly assisted the

Division. In addition, techniques to isolate arboviruses from midges were developed by Alan Dyce with

the Brlsbane team, which also commenced more intensive taxonomic studies of biting midges. Mike

Muller joined the staff as an Experimental Scientist during these studies.

When the Blue Tongue virus was found to be present in Australia in 1977, the survey data proved

invaluable in the initial decisions in emergency, the techniques for virus isolation were established and the

taxonomic studies clarified which species of vectors might be Invaivecf.

There is no need to go into the details of this outbreak because it is not part of the history of McMaster

Laboratory. However, the initial relevant sub-committees were made up largely, If not entirely, of

representatives from the Division of Animal Health. There was complete trust of the arbovlrus group of

which Durno Murray and Alan Dyce from this Laboratory were members. The Commonwealth had for

several years previously had advisory committees concerned with the welfare of livestock, one of which

was the Exotic Diseases Sub-committee on which Durno Murray served as veterinary entomologist.

Alan Dyce continued to collaborate closely with the virologists in Brisbane, although he remained on the

staff of the Laboratory. Durno Murray studied the ecology of Cusicoides brevitarsls, a vector of both Blue

Tongue and Akabane virus. New South Wales was the southern boundary of Akabane Disease. Detailed

field studies supplied data on factors influencing local dispersai and seasonal abundance of this vector.

These were applied studies on virus distribution and outbreak of Akabane Disease. Models designed to

define botanical systems were modified to predict the potential distributions of vector and virus. This

enabled a more critical analysis of epizootics to be made and, when an outbreak of Akabane Disease

occurred in 1983, it was possible to demonstrate the role wind must have played in dlspersing infected

vectors inland from the coastal psains of New South Wales.

Research into external parasitic infestations ended at McMaster Laboratory when ail such work was

transferred from the Division of Animal Heaith to the Divlson of Tropical Animal Science in about 1983.

Alan Dyce and Durno Murray became paying tenants in the Laboratory where they had worked for over 20

and 30 years, respectively.

Bacteriology ,

I ' 1

Bacterial diseases of sheep have been associated with the Laboratory since Rs inception. Most research

Into bacterial diseases is now located at the Animal Health Research Laboratory at Parkville In Melbourne.

There is, however, still some work on fleece rot and salmone~losis at the Laboratory despite the emphasis

upon internal parasitic diseases.

Perhaps research into caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) of sheep can be said to have commenced with H.R.

Carne (later Professor Carne, for many years head of the Department of Veterinary Pathology) before the

Laboratory was opened in 1931. ~ l t h o u ~ h never a member of the staff of the Laboratory, Dr Carne, as has

already been mentioned, had a major influence on its pianning. There was also some research in CLA

related to what became the Division of Animal Health of the CSlR.

Dr Carne was init ial ly interested in serological diagnosis of CLA and in its causative agent.

Corvnebacterium ovis, an organ/sm originally known as the Preisz-Nocard bacillus, was already

recognised to be the causative agent. W.I.B. Beveridge then joined the staff and examined in rabbits the

antigenic relationship betweerr C.ovis, C. diphtheriae and pathogenic diphtheroids from human throats.

It was shown early in investigations of CLA that wounds from shearing and lamb marking were by far the

most Important routes of infection. Other work included the antiseptic treatment of pus, the elaboration of

a diagnostic skin test, toxin and the disinfection of shearing handpieces. There was also some

work on prevention of the transmission of the disease by rugging newly shorn sheep and the release of

newly shorn sheep to spelled paddocks. Trials for vaccination of sheep to control CLA began In New

South Wales, but eventually continued from the Animal Health Research Laboratory in Melbourne but

were not encouraging. At that time the last research into this disease at McMaster Laboratory was

apparently in 1939. However, C.H. Gallagher showed, shortly after he joined the staff in about 1951, that

the immune response to C.ovis produced a greater reaction in lymph nodes and that the intraderrnal

injection produced a hypersensitivity.

Research began again with the appointment of B.H. Burrell in 1970 following a recommendation from

Norman Graham who had been asked on retirement to list in order of priority bacterial diseases

demanding research.

Further research was also stimuizt-ed by the decision of the USA in 1970 not to import meat from sheep

that may have had CLA. Doug Burrell began with a survey of the previous work at the Laboratory and at

Parkville to decide upon the most profitable poir~t at which to restart research. Most previous work was

with small animals. It was necessary to study the pathogenesis and vaccination in sheep.

He had commenced cannulation of the popliteal lymph node in the hind limb in research into footrot with

Dr. Egerton. This was fortunate because it was then possible to produce CIA experimentally in this lymph

node without seriously affecting the health of the animal. Hitherto it had been difficult to test a vaccine for

CLA in sheep, but now it was possible to do so. Pathogenesis of the disease could be studied at the same

time.

The first vaccine tried by Doug Burrell, which gave significant protection, was made entirely from antlgens

from cells of C. ovis and did not contain any toxin. In later experiments sheep serum containing a high

level of antitoxin gave passive protection against CLA when administered prior to and during challenge.

Dr. Carne had previously concluded that antitoxin did not protect.

Doug Burrell also demonstrated thdt the toxin and the haemo!ysin were identical despite the earlier belief

of Dr Carne that the two were not tho same. This observation was important because haernolysis was a

simple assay test for antitoxin, whereas hitherto only a complex test was available. This provided a simple

serum diagnostic test for CLA, but, more importantly, high yields of toxin could now be produced. In fact,

the concentration of toxin could be increased 16,000 times above conventional culture. This ensured that

toxin vaccine could be economic all^ produced by diluting a small volume of the concentrated toxin.

Subsequent highly protective vaccines from the Laboratory contained both toxins and antigens from

bacterial cells. On the other hand, in Western Australia it was believed that a vaccine did not require

antlgens from cells but has since given irregular results. However, since then, two commercial firms have

produced Doug Burrell's vaccine containing both antigens from cells and toxin. Doug Burrell agrees that

further work is necessary to facilitate quality control of commercial vaccines. He has also found that the

vaccine is effective in dairy goats in which CLA in prevalent.

Other research has shown that toxin produced from cultural supernatants could be used in a diagnostic

test of serum for CLA infections. He has also shown that alum adjuvants are all that are necessary. Oily

adjuvants do themselves cause damage to the sheep. lt was originally bel'leved that what was surface

lipid on C. ovis was directly related to virulence, but Doug Burrell has demonstrated that this is not

correct, for instance, attenuated strains can still produce high levels of surface "lipid" in culture under

appropriate conditions.

Footrot and foot abcess

Research into footrot and later, fleece rot of sheep, have been major projects for many years. Research at

the Laboratory into the control of fleece rot by vaacination continues to the present.

Footrot research really started before the Laboratory was opened, principally at the Veterinary Research

Institute of the University of Melbourne. Some work was done in New South Wales by Dr Carne, but

began at the Laboratory with the appointment of W.I.B. Beveridge late in 1931.

Investigation began with the immersion of sheep's feet in water, but it was soon shown that this did not I

6 6

produce the disease. I

Although Fusiformis necro~horus was believed to be the causative bacterium, it was not possible to set up

footrot with this alone. Some years were spent looking for the causal agent or agents by examining

smears and sections. At one time it was believed that ~ ~ i r o c h a e t a ~enortha and F. nedro~horus were

responsible. Then a change was made for a search for a successful medium. A medium rich in sheep

serum was tried unsuccessfully, but success followed the chance substitution of horse serum. The agent,

first known as F. nodosus, but later as Bacteroides nodosus, was Isolated. Although this research had

taken about 4 1/2 years, it was found in this time that footrot is a transmissible disease, the organism of

which does not survive more than about three or four days in mud or faeces, but Is transmitted from the

feet of infected sheep. It may be carried in infected feet, even under dry conditions, though the sheep are

not lame. Furthermore, footrot could be controlled by disposing of infected sheep and movlng the

remainder to paddocks left empty of sheep for two or three weeks.

Dr Beveridge finally left the Laboratory in 1941, but, after the isolation of the causative organisms in about

1937, there was no further research into footrot until the appointment of J.H. Thomas In about 1954.

The sensltivity of B. nodosus to "'hrious substances, particularly antlbiotlcs, was examined by direct

treatment of infected feet or by intravenous and oral routes. It was also found that keratin was a

necessary growth factor. There was also histological examinations of the lesions of footrot in sheep on

pasture. I

I

A broth medium for the cultivation of B. nodosus was developed and the extracellular enzymes of the

organism were studied. These enzymes included proteases that hydrolyze the various forms of keratin. It

was also shown that sheep serum, particularly from uninfected sheep, inhibits tRe activity of proteases.

This presumably explains why sheep serum in the media of Dr Beveridge was unsuceessfuO.

When J.H. Thomas resigned in abodt 1962 his place was taken by J.R. Egerton in about 1965. He worked I

closely with D.S. Roberts who had been employed since 1957. Although the latter was involved initially

with research on mycotic dermatitis (see below) he also worked with foot abscess which overlapped to

some extent with footrot. This overlapping was twofold. First, the pathogenic synergy, as David Roberts

called it, between F. necrolshorus and C. Dvoaenes in foot abscess also occurs On footrot between B,

~lodosus and F. necro~horum (as it was then called). F. necroohorum produces a leucoctdal toxin that

lrtdirectly lyses leucocytes so liberating their destructive contents. Secondly, B. nodosus suppiies a

similar factor for invasion by F. necrophorum.

John Egerton established that both B. nodosus a d F. necro~horum were involved in the establishment of

the lesions in footrot and that wet conditions were necessary. The aetiology of footrot was then known

and the disease could be set up experimentally. Another big advance was that the organisms could be

given via the blood stream because they could then get very close to the skin. Furthermore, it was shown

that antibiotics given via the blood stream were effective. By this process a high level of antibodies could

be produced so that sheep could be immunized against footrot. However, because of the antigenic

diversity of B. nodosus a vaccine mbst allow for severai strains.

D.J. Stewart replaced Dr Egerton in 1973. His research was involved with the production of a vaccine for

footrot. David Stewart defined the protective antigens in 8. nodosus, and in so doing defined the pllus

antigen involved. This finding was controversial in 1975, but by 1978 David Stewart and others had

confirmed that this was so. Since then it has been shown that there are at Beast ten strains of B. nodosus

with different pilus antigens, and that these are all necessary in an effectlve vaccine. He has since been

transferred to the Animal Health Research Laboratory in Melbourne where he has continued his research

lnto vaccines for footrot.

I

However, at McMaster Laboratory bavid Stewart also examined the diagnosis of footrot. t ie established

that an elastase test distinguished between benign and pathogenic strains of 8. ndosus to a reasonable

degree. In this work he collaborated with the State Departments of Agriculture in New South Wales,

Victoria and Tasmania.

There has been no further research into footrot at the Laboratory since David Stewart transferred to

Melbourne.

In the 13th Annual Report of the CSlR for 30th June, 1939, It was first recognized that footrot and foot

abscess were two distinct diseases of sheep. Foot abscess, or infective burbar necrosis, was shown to be

troublesome in abnormally wet seasons.

There does not appear to be any further research lnto foot abscess until it is stated in the 8th Annual

Report of the CSlRO for year ending 30th June, 1956, that the sensitivity of F. necro~horum to antibiotics,

particularly chloromycetin, was examined in both the Laboratory and the field. Subsequently, whether

cracked or broken hooves predispose to foot abscess was investigated, and a selective medium for F,

necroehorum was devised. This medium was used to show that the organism could be isolated from the

faeces of infected sheep.

As several clinical entities of so-called foot abscesses were reported by wool growers it was uncertain

what was actually defined by the term. It was not until David Roberts worked with John Egerton, Norman

Graham and Ian Parsonson at the Animal Heaith Research Laboratory in Melbourne, on the gram-negative

anaerobes affecting the feet of sheep that critical advances were made on foot abscess.

It was then shown that the commonest form of foot abscess occurred most often in the hind feet of heavily

pregnant ewes because of the relative anoxia that facilitated invasion by F. necro~horum and C. Dvoaenes

from an initial interdigital dermatitis. This was an example of pathogenic synergy, that Is, the co-operative

action of the two causal organisms. C. ovoaenes on the other hand, produces a growth factor that

I

6 8 '

I

I

stimulates F. necro~horum to invade the tissues. F. necro~horum is also impervious to an immunological

response. The infection is only limited by the oxygen supply of healthy tissue. ,

I

After David Roberts resigned in 1969, C.R. Huxtable continued to search for and characterlse the toxin

produced by F. necro~horum because of its possible immunizing effect. This was unsuccessful by the

time he resigned in 1972. More work was done in 1974 by David Stewart who examined the toxin

produced in a broth culture and also showed that foot abscesses in the hind feet of pregnant ewes was

due to the lesion of interdigital dermatitis extending by ulceration of the skin-horn junction. He also found I

that the possibility of immunization was remote.

There was no further research Into fbot abscess.

Mycotic dermatftls (hmpy wool) I

The causative bacterium of mycdtic dermatitis or lumpy wool of the sheep was originally known as

Nocardia and then Dermato~hilus dermatonomus. Latterly, since it was shown that the same organism -- could be isolated from similar lesions in different animal species, the original name of D. conaolensls has

been generally adopted. I

In the 7th Annual Report for year e&ding June 30th, 1955, there Is an account of In vltro tests of antibiotics.

N dermatonomus was shown to be sensitive to some, but only moderately sensitive to others. Some were

tested by intramuscular injection. As an antigen was isolated which detected antibodies there was a

possiblilty that immunity developed. By the 1 I t h Annual Report of 1959 a motile coccoidal stage of Q

dermatanomus was shown to be responsible for the migration of the organism in the transmission of the

disease.

Mycotic dermatitis was also believed to be associated with shearing and dipping. Severe outbreaks in

lambs were associated with a high incidence in ewes. Mycotic dermatitis was studied In detail by D.S.

Roberts when he joined the staff in 1959. Others, notably Norman Graham, worked with him. Research I

involved small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs as well as sheep.

It was found that zoospores of D. conaolensis as the organism was now called, were released from scabs

when sheep were wetted so that they probably became a serious source of intection. The organism was

r~ot detected in the SOP, but there was evidence that the disease could be transmitted by Insects such as

flies, and by wet pastures. it could also move from existing lesions when rain developed channels In the

fleece. It was unlikely tkat it spread by contact, for example, from ewes to iambs.

Natural infections probably commenced when the protective barriers of sebaceous wax or the stratum

carneum were damaged, for example, by shaaring. Details of the invasion of the epidermis were

examined. Branching filaments of D. c o n ~ o l e w enter the epidermis througR wool follicles, but do not

penetrate the dermis, probably because of an inhibitory factor in the latter. New epidermis Is formed

beneath an exudate following an inflammatory response, which in turn is invaded and so on, hence the

term lumpy wool. The acute infection lasts about four days. D. conaolensis apparently does not produce

a toxin. I

I

There was much work on the immunology of mycotic dermatitis. In an acute infection the animal

produces an immediate cutaneous anaphylactic hypersensitivity. Chronically affected sheep, although

also hypersensitive, fail to heal for reasons which are obscure. The influence of circulating antibodies and

acquired resistance was also examined. However, vaccination for various reasons Is unlikely to be

effective. I I

External treatment of the lesions id also unlikely to be effective because of the thick and adherent scab

and the depth of the hyphae in tde follicle sheaths. On the other hand, treatment with the parenteral

administration of antibiotics was effective. The control of mycotic dermatitis was related to the factors

which caused an outbreak and could therefore be related to alterations of the times of shearing, dipping

and lambing. These would, however, have little effect after prolonged heavy rain. Although it Is

unnecessary to treat the acute infection, treatment of the chronic infection with antibiotics would be

effective. Eradication of the disease is probably impracticable.

The diagnosis of mycotic dermatitis was also investigated.

Fleece rot

There was reference to the incidence of fleece rot in the 1st Annual Report of the CSlRO for year ending

30th June 1949 over the past three years at the F.D. McMaster Field Station. This occurred when it was

continuously wet and atmospheric humidity was high. Fleece rot occurred more commonly in young

rather than old sheep. It was observed in subsequent years that tRere appeared to be an hereditary basis

for the disease and, most importantly, it was predisposing to blowfly strike.

There was little reported on fleece rot until the 8th Annual Report of June 30th, 1956. Then h was found by

J.H. Thomas that a diphtheroid bacterium could be isolated from dermatitis, which, however, did not set

up fleece rot unless it was in association with Pseudomonas aeruainosa, which, it was then believed, did

nor produce dermatitis.

Research on fly strike in sheep began agaln in the early 1970's by M.D. Murray, head of external

parasitology. J.E. Watts, a veterinarian from ;he New South Wales Department of Agriculture was

seconded to work with Durno Murray in about 1973 and for some years carried out field work on all types

of fly strike. In 1976 George C. Merritt of the bacterbiogy section was added part time to the group to

study the role of micro-organisms in the formation of fleece rot and body strike. Dr. B.S. Goodrich

subsequently briefly examined wool wax of sheep susceptible and resistant to fleece rot. i

In 1979 D.H. Burrell began research on fleece rot. He was a veterinary bacteriologist and was

independent of the external parasite group, although there was contact between them. By this time

research into fleece rot and its bacteriology was supervised by the Chief of the Division.

From 1976 t o 1979 Jim Watts and George Merritt isolated many strains of P.aeruainosa and other

organisms from sheep affected with fleece rot and attractive to blowflies. They were able to produce

fleece rot artificially under laboratory conditions using strains of P.aerualnosa. They also showed that this

was attractive to gravid Lucilia cu~rina, the rnajor cause of fly strike. R. E. Emmens, a Ph.D. student

working in this section, proved that odours from this lesion stimulated oviposition by these flies. Later,

isotope studies showed that proteip leakage occurred from fleece rot lesions where broken or damaged

wool follicles could be seen in histological sections from fleece rot areas. I

A number (18) of fleece and skin characters from susceptible and resistant sheep were studied by Jim

Watts and George Merritt. A computerised, statistical analysis (discriminant analysis) of the data identified

those characters which could be significant and used in direct selection criteria in breeding sheep

resistant to fleece rot.

George Merritt believed that p.aerubinosq had only a secondary role in fly strike insofar as it provided an

odour which attracted blowflies whereas Doug Burrell subsequently demonstrated that P.aerualnosq is

directly responsible for the exudative derrnatitis of fleece rot which is primarily attractive to blowflies. He

showed that there are 32 other gram-negative species and that 22 gram-positive species, may alio occur.

Rarely is a pure culture isolated from the skin of affected sheep. A number of these may irritate the skln to

produce an exudative dermatitis. P.aeruainosa is merely the most important of these. Fleece rot is,

therefore, an infectious disease that can be spread by contact between sheep.

It was shown that fleece rot and askociated flystrike could be controlled by immunisafion with a vacclne.

Antigens have been characterised from P. aeruainosa. There are over 100 isolates of this specles wlth !

about 14 serotypes. The serotypes on one property become complex if sheep are introduced from

another property. Doug Burrell has shown that P. aeruainosa and P. maltowhilia can be used to immunise

sheep, particularly if both species are used in a broad spectrum vaccine. lmmur~isation gives Indirect

protection against body strike when fleece rot is a predisposing factor in regions wlth regular rainfall.

Doug Burrell found that the P.aeruainosa vaccine also prevents the most common site of fly strike In the

breech of ewes, because it contains antigens in common with tRose found there.

Wmonellosis and pasteureIIosis

Dr. T.K. Mukkur is now working on the development of a vaccine against haemorrhagic septicaemia, a

disease due to a Pasteurella spp. This is specificalOy for use in South-East Asia, but Is of relevance to I

Australia. !

He has developed a carbohydrate technology which not only applies to bacterial disease, but also to

larvae of parasitic worms. In future there will probably be research lnto attenuated gram negative bacteria

which will also be relevant to antigens of parasitic worms of sheep. This is expected to lead to co-

operation between the immunology group in Program K and another Division of the CSIRO. These two ,

are examples of how there is often relevance of re~earch in one group being useful to another.

I I

Dr. Mukkur Injtlally worked with Dr. A.K. Lascelles when he ceased to be Chief of the Division. They did

research into how sheep responded to a Salmonella mutant. He also worked on a vaccine for a

Salmonella spp. which he completed before he began research into a vaccine against haemorrhagic

septicaemia.

Other bacterial diseases of sheep have also been investigated, but to a limited extent. There was some

reference to 'scabby ulcers' of the vulva of ewes in the l l t h Annual Report of the CSlR of June 30th, 1937.

In the 14th Annual Report there was an account of balanitis (pizzle rot) sf wethers and rams. Research

into this disease was also reported in the 15th to 17th Annual Reports. In the 14th Annual Report there

was an account of infectious ophthalmia (pink-eye), with a Rickettsia as Its probable causative organism

and of its transmission. Account of research into this disease was also continued In the 15th and 16th

Annual Reports. Then in the 7th Annual Report of the CSIRO for year ending 30th June, 1955, there was

an isolated account of antibiotic eye ointments been used with orrly partial success against what was then

called contagious ophthalmia. ~ ~ i d i d ~ m i t i s of rams was merltioned in the 5th Annual Report for year

ending June 30th, 1953. The possibility that BruceSIa aboflus was responsible was considered. However,

after the conference on this disease in Adelaide in December, 1953, further limited research was continued

at the Animal Health Research Laboratory in Melbourne.

Biochemical Pathology

Research in biochemical pathology was investigated by Dr. C.H. Gallagher who subsequently became the

Hughes Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Sydney. An account of hls career is given in

Chapter IX. He was associated with Judith Koch, a medical graduate from Hungary and by a number. of

Experimental Officers.

I

Cliff Gallagher became involved with biochemical pathology after his Ph.D. with Sir Roy Cameron In ,

London. His first project was carbon tetrachloride poisoning of sheep that had been given the drug as an

anthelmlntic. He eventually showed that a radical change in diet caused susceptible sheep and other

animals to vary the quantity and activity of endoplasmic reticular enzymes. He also demonstrated that

pregnancy toxaemia of ewes was due to fatty oxidation in the liver.

Cliff Gallagher's interest in hepatoxic agents led to a major interest in plant poisonings, partlcularly that

due to phllaris grass which is a source of important sown pastures. He and Judith Koch, with the co-

operation of the Division of Plant Industry, made an in-depth study of the syndromes in sheep associated

with this pasture grass. They investigated the acute syndromes such as sudden deaths, central nervous

disturbances and heart failures, as well as 'staggers' in the chronic syndrome. They identified the toxlc

principles, the tryptamine aikaaloids. before he left the Laboratory.

This was an interesting disease which he would Rave liked to follow up. In fact, more work on the

toxicology of plants was planned, but was never done after Re left. I

I 1 Biochemistry and Nutrition I

Research, initially under the general title of biochemistry, but later and more appropriately, biochemistry

and nutrition, began with the appoi"tment of Dr M C Franklin in 1939. He was subsequently joined by R L

Reid until 1953. Bob Reid was granted a Ph.D. in about 1944. There were also others In the group. In

1953, Dr Franklin became the first William Mcllrath Fellow in Animal Husbandry from the University of

Sydney, but as he remained at the Laboratory until 1959 when he became the Co-ordinator of Beef

Investigations in the Southern States of Australia, his research has been included in this history. Research

began in 1939 with an investigation of occasional carbon tetrachloride poisoning of sheep after drenching,

the digestibility of the constituents of feed in parasitic disease of sheep and the biochemistry of pregnancy

toxaemia. ,

Pregnancy toxaemia I

Research indicated a possible connection between pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemla. The

aetioalogy of pregnancy toxaemia was investigated for some years. There was a possibility that it was

associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 or with an endocrine disturbance, parficu9ariy of the anterior

pituitary gland. These two were examined with the col~aboration of outside organisations. Later it was

found that sudden or severe checks of food supply precipitated the disease, particularly in ewes carrying

Wins or triplets.

Mineral melabolim

I

Studies of mineral metabolism of sheep soon became a major project that began with a study of a

deficiency of lime in relation to phosphorus. This depressed appetite and hence, growth, including the

development of teeth. This project beveloped into an investigation of calcium metabolism.

There were a number of experiments with low calcium and high phosphorus and with finely and coarsely

ground limestone in the diet. Low calcium and high phosphorus in the diet Rad a strikingly adverse effect

on the appetite. Coarsely ground limestone had adverse effects on dentition, appetite, growth and wool

production, whereas finely ground iimestone prevented hypocalcaemia, but was not curative. Poor

utilization of calcium and phosphorous from meat and bone meal was probably due to the relatively

coarse bone particles. It was also shown that tRe adverse effects of wheaten chaff with oats, or of maize

or wheat were comparable with those on a diet low in calcium.

Pojsonous plants etc. I

Other research showed that poisonous plants such as Qxalls cernua or Threlkedia proceriflora, both rich

in oxalic acid, precipitated hypocalcaemia.

The occurrence of urinary calculi ih sheep and loss sf rams On transit due to loss of appetite were also

investigated.

Drought feeding

However, drought feeding of sheeb became a major project and continued from about 1948 until 1959 I

when Dr Franklin became Co-ordinator of Beef Investigations in the Southern States. The work on

drought feeding was in collaboration with the New South Wales Department of Agriculture at the Glenfield

Veterinary Research Station and was supported by the Burdekin Bequest Fund from the New South Wales

Graziers Association. This invest'lgation included ewes, wethers and jambs and sheep of several ages and

covered many aspects of the problem. inclusion of all experiments and their results would take many

pages of this history and so can only be described in outline.

Drought feeding experiments could be divided roughly into the following parts:-

(1) The frequency of feeding low quality roughage. This included the constituents of this roughage

with the addition of finely ground limestone to correct the low calcium/phosphorus ratio in this

roughage. Feeding ground limestone was preferable to slaked lime. It was concluded that

feeding weekly was preferabse to daily feeding because the sheep put on more weight, their

survival rate was higher, they produced more wool and the cost was lower. Those fed dally ate

their smaller ration more quickly.

The effects of drought feeding Body weight was related to the tlme taken to eat the ration.

Quicker feeding may be a disadvantage in a totar drought, but an advantage in a more

moderate drought when sheep would be encouraged to seek food from pasture. After eight

months of drought feeding 4- to 6400th Merino wethers showed no permanent effect on growth I

and development and a ration of 3 to it starch equivalents per week is adequate to maintain

store condition for at least seven months. Sheep shousd be exercised durlng drought-feeding On

pens. I

Vitamin A requirements. brought fed sheep could become vitamin A deficient, but this was

alleviated with one large iingle dose of the vitamin that prevents fosses, partlcutarly of young

sheep, during prolonged drought. There was little difference between the absorption, storage and

utilisation of this vitamin in oil, in an emulsion or in a water soPuble dispersion. However, when

supplied by any of these routes it fell to a !av~ level after 22 weeks. Dosing with the vitamln

improved the rates of survival, growth and appetite of Merino lambs. I I I

Protein suppiements to low'quality roughage. Supplements improved food value and paiatabllity

of a diet of roughage. However, there were severe losses of aduit wethers, although

they initially gained weight slightly. Another group with protein supplements had no adverse

effects after five months of drought feeding, except that they ate more roughage. I t was

subsequently found that the supplement of linseed meal was more effective than supplements of

cracked wheat with or without urea and sulphate or a mlxture of supplements. Furthermore,

when low quality cereal straw was fed ad Iibi?um_ but supplemented twice weekly with protein,

body weight, survival rates and general performance were satisfactory when equal nitrogen

intakes of some supplements were fed, but not with others.

The addition of sodium chloride to low quality roughage. The quantity required to be added to 50

to 100% oat grain ration td produce a gain in weight was estimated. The addition to drought

rations increased the rate of' consumption, which might sometimes be a disadvantage.

I

Utilization of low quality rbughage with and without protein supplement was examlned in a

number of experiments. i t was also e~amined in sheep with free access to roughage

supplemented with protein twice weekly.

The effect of early weaning from ewes fed low quality roughage. This may be disadvantageous

when few lambs survived a sudden change at an age when rumen development Is slight.

However, early weaning of Merino lambs on four properties with severe drought was as

successful as earlier experiments in smqB yards.

Post-drought feeding. Weaners previously fed drought rations thrived and grew well when

subsequently fed generously. Other sheep fed drought rations ad libitum f q eight months lost I 1

weight, whereas those fed fortnightly gained weight when put out onto poor pasture.

Sundry experiments

Other experiments during this time included:-

(1) Metabolic studies. Fatty acids as a source of energy and nitrogen balance and digestibility of

straw alone when supplemented with protein were investigated.

I (2) Vitamin D supplements. If weaners were grazed on green-feed crops (e.g. oats) for more than a

few weeks during winter a supplement was desirable, and a greater response mlght then be

expected when grazing prbrnoted rapid growth, especially if they were in poor condition at the

beginning of winter. ~esponses were more likely if the winter had long periods of wet, overcast

weather which reduced ultraviolet irradiation.

(3) Rumen digestion in collaboration with the School of Agriculture, University of Sydney. Diets of

carbohydrate, protein and roughage in relation to fatty acids, changes in pH and ammonia were

examined. (4) Carbohydrate metabolism. This was examined in relation to the peripheral

utilization of acetic acid and the uptake of glucose. The normal oxidative pathways of

carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism undergo blockage when pregnant ewes are fasted.

The symptoms are indisti"guishable from those of pregnancy toxaernla. Carbohydrate

metabolism and the study of pregnancy toxaemia were transferred to the then Sheep Biology

Laboratory at Prospect In 1953. This was presumably with the transfer of Dr Reid.

I

(5) Nutrition and the breeding performance of ewes. This was examined briefly with two energy

levels, each with two levels of nitrogen.

Beef cattle

Beef cattle investigations began when Dr Franklin became the William Mcilrath Fellow in Animal

Husbandry in 1953. They were partly supported by the Australian Meat Board and with the co-operation

of the State Department of Agriculture. TRese investigations can be divided in the following parts:

(1) A survey of beef cattle production in Australia began and was concluded In about 1952.

(2) Research into bovine skin. This included hair follicles, glands, felting of halr, morphology of

fibres, thickness of skin and, finally, correldion of skin characters witR the adaptation of eattie to

the tropics.

(3) The feeding of beef cattle. This included nutrition and the growth curve, stall feeding and 'topping

off', stud cattle and yard feeding of steers. Supplementary feeding was examined In co-operation I

with the School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. I I

(4) Carcass appraisal was investigated in some feeding experiments and on a property in New

South Wales.

(5) The successful use of hexoestrol and stilboestrol as a growth stimulant. Undersirable effects were

found in some animals. 1

(6) Seasonal variations in vitamin A and carotene and inorganic phosphorus were investigated in

Queensland. !

(7) Antipyrilre to measure water ingested in vivo. This was investigated in cattle, rabbits and goats

and subsequently used with, a number of cattle. ,

(8) An investigation of beef cattle in the southern states was apparently initially supported with

funds from the Australian Meat Board, but subsequently by a sub-committee on beef cattle

from the Australian Animal Production Committee. It was assisted by Dr Franklin at the Laboratory

and controlled by the ~ e ~ a r t m e n t of Agriculture. Co-ordination of lnvestigatlons of beef cattle

In all States was attended by representation from the Laboratory.

I Wool and Wool Biology j

Research into aspects of wool, paiicularly its chemical and physical characteristics was for many years

an important part of the Laboratory. It has already been noted that this work eventually led to the

formation of other Divisions, the most relevant of which was the Division of Textile industry of which Dr

Lipson, who worked at the ~ c ~ a ; t e r Laboratory for about two years from 1937, was the first Chief.

Even before the appointment in 193b of M R Freney to examine the chemistry of wool, some observations

were made at the Laboratory of the effects of nutrition and anthelmintics on wool growth at 'Frodsiey', a

property in Tasmania, Gur~dawringa and Merryville in New South Wales. However, fleece chemistry and

physics and fibre measurement became increasingly important after 1936. In about 1937138 the wool

biology group came into being.

The following were examined ovbr some years, but are not listed according to the time of their

investigation. I

It was shown very early that very careful sampling methods were essential If comparison of animals for

wool wax, suint, epithelial debris, fibre and 'dirt' were to be made. Samples were taken from five regions

of the sheep's body. The chemical characteristics of wool wax and suint were examined, as was the 'dirt' I

in fleeces, which, although small, affected the susceptibility to blowfly strike. Ylelds in the field were also

affected by moisture, thae is, the relative humidity. I

The seasonal variation of fleece weights and chemical composition and the effects of nutridon were

examined. It was shown that nutrition was important. Furthermore, the effect on wooi chemistry of good

and poor pastures was compared.

The effect on wool yield of wrinkl/ness was examined, as well as the susceptibility to blowfly strike,

whether on the breech or body, and of fleece rot which predisposes to body strike.

A method was devised for the isolatfon of cholesterol from wool wax.

The story of the shrink-proofing of'wool has been told in more detail on the piece about Dr M Lipson In

Chapter IX. It is sufficient here to say that this successfui, but largely unofficial research, had far-reaching

effects on the future of the textile industry.

There were few studies of the physical characteristics of wool until the appointment of E H Mercer, a

physicist, in April 1939. An early investigation was of the comparison of yarns treated by the method to

prevent shrinking and felting and of untreated yarns. The former was better able to withstand stresses.

However, as the treated fibres were unable l o resist breaking any better than the untreated fibres, it was

concluded that the greater resistance of the treated yarns was due to increased friction between fibres.

Comparisons of treated and untreated fibres showed that shrink proofing only affected the surface of the I

fibre. Observations were made on felting, tensile strength and elasticity of fibres.

I

Physical measurements of wool at the Laboratory ceased when E H Mercer joined Dr Lipson at the new

Division of Industrial Chemistry. The study of the chemistry of wool ended in 1941/42 when M R Rreney

was seconded to the Central Wool Committee as 8-0-C of the Testing House established to make

objective measurements related to the wartime disposal of the Australian wooi clip. .ep4

Wool biology unit

The wool biology unit was set up at the Laboratory about 1938-39 under the leadership of H B Carter. It

was designed to examine factors important to the quality and quantity of wool and involved the study of

many factors, particulariy in the Merino. Perhaps this can best be summarized by quoting the inltlal

statement in the relevant CSlR Annua! Report. This included a study of the pre-natal development of skin

and fleece, fleece density, wrinkliness, skin and fibre characteristics, classification according to the I

development of skinfolds and the influence of nutrition on the structure of skin and fleece. Later, a

method of analysis of the main sources of biological variation within and between fleeces under controlled

conditions was set up. Observations were made! on skin and fleece characters on eight regions of the

body. I

Nevertheless, research included a wider field than originally planned. These Included the effects of

internal parasitism, progeny testing of rams in relation ro fleece weight and staple iength as well as body

weight. Wool production was also compared between fine-wooled Merinos from Camden Park and

Corriedales.

Wool biology became a separate sbction elsewhere in Sydney in 1946/47. Thls eventually ended all wool

research at the Laboratory. However, this section and the Fleece Analysis Laboratory at Villawood,

formed about the same time, remained under the auspices of the Laboratory for some years until they

became part of the new Division of hnimal Physiology at Prospect on the outskirts of Sydney.

I

Zebu Crosses and Sheep ~reed ine at'^.^. McMaster Field Station

I

Zebu crosses with beef cattle is dealt with in that part on Dr. R.B. Kelley In Chapter lX. It is sufficient here

to say that he had a big part in introducing Zebu crosses with British breeds of beef cattle to Queensland I

following his experience with Zebu crosses in the USA. Although he was the 0-I-C and Assistant Chief of

the Division at the Field Station, he, had many visits Po Queensland to see how the crosses were faring.

Despite initial opposition from graziers, in about ten years of their introduction about 90 per cent of beef

cattle in Queensland had some infusion of Zebu blood. it was eventually shown that Australian methods

were superior to those used in other countries. Dr. Kelley was also responsible for strain trials In New

Guinea with Zebus from Pakistan. 1

R.H. Hayman had much to do with the attempt to cross dairy cattle, particularly Jerseys, wlth Zebu but

this was largely unsuccessful. tiowbver, with another Zebu-cross an artificial insemination centre was set

up at Lisrnore in New South Wales. There was asso a study of sweating in dairy crosses.

Bob Hayman and others also did mbeh work on sheep breeding. This included studying an inbred flock

of Merinos, defective udders, fleece growth and characteristics, poliedness, abnormalities of fleece growth

and characteristics and skin wrinkles. They also looked at the occurrence and inheritance of fleece rot.

CHAPTER VII

I ' Ian McMaster Bequest I

A brief account of how Captain Ian McMaster left his share of his father's estate to establish Fellowships

and Scholarships to the Laboratory is included in the introduction. The money was to 'provide the work

now done' and was paid to the University of Sydney that was ta pass it to the CSIR (later, the CSIRO)

when proposals for its use by the Laboratory were approved by the University. In fact, no proposals have

not been approved. I

At first there was some uncertainty about the interpretation d the expression 'provide the work now done*

in the will. However, after legal opinion was obtained this was interpreted liberally to cover almost any use

by the Laboratory. I

In the early part of 1945 there was discussion on how the money was to be spent. Should It go towards

additions to the Laboratory, or on equipment, etc. Dudley Gill, then the 0-i-C., proposed that it be spent

on training scientists overseas or on visitors from overseas to work on projects undenvay or proposed.

Sir Frederick told the CSlR that were it needed he would provide money for additions to the Laboratory.

Finally, the proposal for Fellowships from the Ian McMaster Bequest as It was known, was put to Sir

Frederick, who liked the idea because it would perpetuate the memory of his son. This proposal was

agreed to by Dr L B Bull, Chief of the Division, by the Executive of the CSlR and by the University In about

October 1945.

However, It was finally agreed that the Bequest should be used to support both Ian McMaster Fellowshlps

and Scholars. The former carried niore status and distinction and shouid be used to bring distinguished

scientists from overseas. The lattel was for scientists under training and was relatively minor. In fact,

although the Fellowships and Scholarships have been maintained, in Dater years money from the Bequest

has been used for other purposes that are described below.

The first Fellow was Dr A E Pierce, then a Principal Scientific Officer of the Agrlcuitural Research Council

at Cambridge, who examined veterinary protozoology in Australia. This work entailed visits to othei

Stares, particularly Queensland where babeslosis occurs, but his headquarters were at McMaster

Laboratory. Dr Pierce was here from about August to November 1954, and presented a confidential

report entitled "The major protozoan diseases of animass In Australia". He later became the Chlef of the

Division of Animal Health and Production in 1966 and then held positions with the Executive in Canberra

where he now lives.

Dr E J L Soulsby was a Fellow wRo studied the mechanisms of the immurie reactions to nematode

parasites, principally H. contortus, for about nine months from January 1958. He also submitted a report

of his Fellowship. Dr Soulsby came to Australia from the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of

I I

Cambridge, but went to the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, as Professor and Head of the I

Department of Parasitology from 1964 to 1968. He eventually returned to Cambridge as Head of the I I

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, where he is at present. I I

I

Professor W Mulligan was a Fellow in 1959 and 1960 who worked on parasite immunity with Irradiated

larvae of H. contortus. Dr Mulligan was Professor of Veterinary Physiology at the University of Glasgow,

Scotland, but has since retired and is now Emeritus Professor. He also submitted a report of his

Fellowship.

I

Dr F W Jennings from Veterinary Parasitology, University of Glasgow, was a Fellow for nine months from

August 1969. 1

I

Dr Brldget M Ogilvie, then from thb National Institute for Medical Research, London, was a Fellow for

about a year from April 1970. She is an Australian and an early graduate with honours In Rural Science a

from the University of New England, Armidale. At the Laboratory she studied the secretion of

acetylcholinesterase in nematode parasites and the mechanisms In the immunological rejection of N,

brasiliensis and submitted a report after her Fellowship.

I

Dr L F Le Jambre was a Fellow who spent most of his time at the Regional Pastoral Laboratory of the

Division at Armidale where he studied anthelmintic resistance of H. contortus and the speciation of this

parasite of sheep. He subsequent1 J became a Research Officer at this Armldale laboratory and was 0-I-C

for nearly four years from 1983. ~ e d remains with the CSlRO at Armidale. He is a veterinary graduate from I

Cornell University, New York State. 1 I

Dr Philllpa R Cullen from CNRZ ~aboratoire de Genetlque Blochlmique. Jony-en-Josas. France, was a I

Fellow for ten weeks from August 3rd, 1984 when she brought sera from sheep specific for the major

histochemical complex (MHC) Class 11 for iymphocyte typing with high and low responders of sheep

susceptible to T. colubriformis. Thiswas to assist with ilymphocyte typing by Dr P M Outferidge.

1

A Fellowship was given for a year from March 1987 to Elizabeth Barnes to work on mathematical models

for the epidemiology of T. colubriforhis. This was an unusual Fellowship because I was not granted to an

overseas visitor but to someone who has the degree B. App. Sc. twice, once each In biology and

mathematics, from the New South Wales University of Technology. Since then she has been awarded a

grant for two years from the CSlRO Information TechnoDgy Division Program 1988.

The first Scholar was P H Durie, whd for two years studied the life cycle of the snail that is the intermedlats

host of F. he~atica tRe liver fluke of sheep. He commenced this project sometime in 1946 and therefore

his appointmerlt as a Schoiar was considerably earlier than the first Fellow In 1954. Peter Durle spent

much of his time in the Arrnidale district. He was subsequently appointed as a Research Officer at the

Yeerongpilly laboratory of the Division of Animal Health and was eventually the 0-1-C of the Long Pocket I

81 , 4

i

Laboratories at Indooroopilly. I I

Vincent Massey was a Scholar for about a year from sometime in 1948 to work with Dr W P Rogers on the

intermediate metabolism of animkl parasites and on nutritional factors related to their resistance to

Infection. He was an honours gralduate in biochemistry from the University of Sydney. He became a

Research Officer for a year or so. I

I

P R Whitfield, another honours graduate in biochemistry from the same University, also worked as a

Scholar with Dr W P Rogers for about two years from February 1950. He worked on nuclelc acid

metabolism and protein syntheses in relation to chemotherapy and pathology in helminth Infection. He,

too, became a Research Officer befbre joining the Division of Plant Industry. I

A J Ryan, an organic chemist, was $ Scholar for about two years until sometime in 1958. He worked wlth

Dr C H Gallagher. He is now with the Department of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, where he now is a

professor.

Miss J C Andrews was a Scholar in parasitology for about four years from about 1961. She worked with Dr

J C Boray.

I I

Miss J E Offner was a Scholar from February 1963 to the end of June 1964. Her subject was serology and

she worked with Dr J K Dineen.

I

Mrs C Bell was a Scholar for about a year from 1964. she was an immunochemlst who also worked wlth

Br J K Dineen.

I

D J Hulme, a veterinary graduate, was enrolled as a Ph.D student at the University of Sydney to study

molecular genetics and immunology, but who was a Scholar at tRe Laboratory under the supervision of Dr

P M Outteridge to examine the MHC Class I! genes of sheep resistant to parasites.

Diana J Oakes commenced as a Scholar in July 1987 and was expected to complete a Ph.D by about

June 1990 In collaboration with the parasitology gection of Veterinary Pathology and with the Veterinary

Laboratories, Glenfield, of the Department of Agriculture. She was studying the biochemical mechanisms

of salicyianiiide resistance in liver fluke. She was granted the ScRoParship to top-off grants from the Wool

Corporation and the Department of Agriculture. Because of this complex reiationshlp her supervisors

were Dr J W Steel from the Laboratory, Drs D H Collins and N C Sangster from the University of Sydney

and Dr J C Borw from the Veterinary Laboratories, Glenfield.

Money from the Bequest (although not granted ag Fellowships or Scho!arships) was alqo used to support

research in a number of fields.

Y

Before the first Fellowship was granted in 1954, W 0 Copland from Bristo! University, England, went to the

Regional Pastoral Laboratory, Armidale, to work on climatic factors affecting the development of free-living

stages of some common parasites. O-ie began work in June, 1952, and was In Australia for about a year

and finally presented a report.

I

Dr I W Parnell from Edinburgh, Scotland, where he had an ARC grant, after retirement undertook a study

of a method for screening anthelrnintics and other matters for three years from November 1955. ~ l t h o u ~ h

he was not a Scholar he was supported by money from the Bequest.

I Dr J C Boray, a veterinary graduate from Budapest, Hungary, was a Technical Officer when he started at

the Laboratory in 1957 when he w i s granted money from the Bequest to begin his investigation of liver

fluke infection of sheep. He later joiried the research staff of the Laboratory.

T.L.W. Rothwell had a for three years from 1967 to supplement a teaching fellowship in

immuno-parasitology from the ~ n i v d r s i t ~ of Sydney. He completed his Ph.D. whlch was In part under the

supervision of Dr J K Dineen. He edentually joined the staff of the Laboratory as a Research Scientist, but I

finally resigned in about 1978 to bebome a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology at the University of I

Sydney. He is now an Associate ~rdfessor.

One of the most noteworthy uses of the Bequest was for a study of the anthelmintic effect of I

phenothiazine by Dr W P Rogers. This was later associated with the production of asymmetric ions for Dr

J H Koch, who studied their biologikal effect. This work was supervised by Dr Cymmerman-Craig of the

Department of Biochemistry of the,University of Sydney. This began at about January 1951 and was

discontinued in October 1956 when Dr E G Gyarfus, who was directly responsible for the production of

the ions, accepted an appointment id the U S A. TRe salaries of at least two asslstants were supported by I

the Bequest that also paid an allowadce to Dr Gyarfus and for some equipment, etc.

I I

The Bequest also paid for testing footrot vaccines and for four veterinary parasitologists to attend the

International Conference of the ~ o r / d Association of Animal Veterinary Parasitologists In Sydney in July

1977. These parasitologists were of direct interest to the Laboratory. The Bequest aiso paid the salaries

of technical officers, etc. of some of the Fellows and Scholars, the wages of some animal attendants and

for some equipment etc. that was required from time to time.

CHAPTER Vllll

I The Library

A laboratory depends very much oh the availability of journals and books that are relevant to its research

so that a library is essential. ~ c ~ d s t e r Laboratory is fortunate that it has an excellent library that is well-

known on the campus of the Univeisity of Sydney, at other Universities and amongst veterinarians. it has

a wide range of publications with emphasis upon parasitic Infection, both internal and external. In

addition, the Library subscribes to journals and possesses books that cover bacteriology and Immunology

as well as veterinary science, ge6eral anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, for Instance, that are

resevant to its research. These include not only domestic animals and man and the more theoretical

aspects of each subject. Journals come from almost all countries and are therefore in many languages.

The Library also acts as the library for the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) that subscribes to or

exchanges the Australian ~eterinarj Journai (AVJ) for many journals throughout the world. Thls inevitably

increases the journals that are availdble to the staff of the Laboratory.

Initially the Library occupied a rook on the upper floor opposite the head of the central stalmay of the

original building. Then an adjacent room was added, but this space was too restricted. However, it was

not until the Ian McMaster Wing wa$ opened in 1956 that a much larger space was available. The Library

then occupied rooms at the northeh end of the upper floor. Six three-fold cornpactuses were installed

together with other shelves, some of them free-standing against walls, to contain text books and some

journais. There is also a smaller room for many abstracting journals and a large office for the supporting

staff, including a part-time librarian for the AVA. (See below for an account of the association between this

library and McMaster Library). The Librarian has a separate office of her own, which connects directly

with the larger office. Nevertheless, even this larger space is now too small so that older journals wrapped

in brown paper are stored on shelves in the roof. This is not an entirely satisfactory arrangement, as the

atmospheric conditions are not suitable for books. Divisional librarians are now responsible for decisions

regarding the treatment of all library material constituting their Divisional library collections. The

Information Services Branch/Librarian Network Services in East Melbourne, previously the Central Library,

will only provide very limited storage facilities for very restricted types of material. There are guidelines for

disposal of other material. Older AVA material is stored commercialiy in Sydney.

The present Librarian understandably believes that financial restrictions have unnecessarily limited the

riuntber of journals subscribed to by the Laboratory and that the one assistant she has (apafl from the

AVA assistant) is insufficient for the efficient running of the Library. The journals subscribed to have varied

and dependcd upon the Interests of the research staff. incoming putllcatlons are now displayed for a

week in racks set aside for this purpose.

The journals and books are then distributed according to those who have indicated on a list of the staff on

each publication that they wish to read an article therein. Thls list also includes the names of some of the

staff of the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Some relevant jouhnals that were purchased by other

laboratories of the Division or b y other Divisions are also displayed and so avoids some duplicatlon

between libraries. I

But this relatively complex system of distribution of publications was not necessary In the earlier days of

the Laboratory. Dr. Helen Newton Turner, when she began as a clerk with Sir Ian Clunies Ross in 1931,

was aiso in charge of the then small library. Because the staff was aiso small, members merely read or

collected the journals in which they were interested. Later, wRen Dr Turner was absent on journeys in

which she was by that time involved, Mabel Thornby then did her work in the Library.

Miss Barbara Johnston became part-time Librarian at McMaster Laboratory and the Divlslon of Food

Preservation (as it was then) at Homebush. She usually spent two days at McMaster Laboratory and three

at Food Preservation and vice versa the following week. She had been given some training at the Head

Office Library in Melbourne where she worked from August 1939 until Christmas of that year and

eventually sat for tRe examination of the Library Association of Australia.

Miss Archer, In charge of the Head Office Library, after visiting libraries in England, where classified

subject catalogues were favoured rather than dictionary catalogues, decided to adopt them ln the Animal

Health Laboratory at Parkville in the late 1930s and the Sydney libraries being established in 1940. The

Universal Decimal Classification was used in Britain for the purpose in libraries specializing in the sciences

as It allowed more detailed subdivision than the Dewey Decimal Classification on whlch It was based, an

advantage where most publications were on closely related subjects. A copy of the complete 1927

French edition abridged English edition was transferred to the McMaster library. The full English edition

was not published until 1978, although the medical sections had been issued in 1968-70 and veterinary

medicine in 1978. This was probably the first use of UDC in New South Wales. At that time Research

Officers nominated journals they wished to see regularly and all issues were routed to them, the 0-I-C saw

all journals first. The library records sliowed the whereabouts of each issue during Its circulation. in those

days the staff usually made abstracts of the papers in whlch they were interested as there were no

copying machines.

After it was apparent that there wag too much work for a part-time librarian at these two Oaboratorles,

Barbara Johnston left to become full-time Libraripn at Food Preservation in about 1944, when she was

succeeded by Mrs Ruth McGiII.

Mrs McGill was only at the Laboratory for about a year before she left and was succeded by Miss Alma

Cuiey in 1946. Alma Culey had a long and distinguished career as Librarian at the hboratory. Perhaps

some saw her as a retiring, quiet pelson, but she had firm ideas about how such a llbrsry should be run.

She worked hard and expected the same from her staff, but as her successor, Miss Jill Franklin, has safd,

Alma Culey's thorough attention to detail provided a training in librarianship of a very high standard.

Originally Alma Culey was known as a Scientific Librarian, a person in charge of a scientific library, but ,

I

later the nomenclature was changed to Librarian 1, II or Ill. Alma Culey remained in charge of the Library

until she was seconded to the Australian Meat Research Committee In about 1967 to complle a

bibliography on "The Biology of sheep and the Sheep Industry in Australia". Jill Franklin, now Jill Radford

since her marriage in 1989, then became Librarian-in-Charge. Although Alma Culey was fully involved with

the bibliography she was available for consultation. Another office outside the library was found for her.

She finally retired in 1969. Details of her histoty are included in Chapter IX.

There were inevitably changes to t Ae Library during Alma Cuiey's tenure. One of the most important of

these was the move from the cramped quarters in the original Laboratory to the more spaclous quarters in

the Ian McMaster Wing. This made a tremendous difference to the Library. Names of journals could be

attached to the shelves, the more recent publications were put into the front row of each compactus, the

older publications in the second row and foreign journals in the third. Alma Culey was proud of the fact

that no more staff were necessary td make the move into the new quarters and that because it was so well

planned, the Library did not have to close. Denise Linaker and Jill Franklin were her assistants and large

book trolleys were borrowed from Fisher Library. Denise and Jill moved the material.

I

There were also other Important evbnts during Alma Culey's tenure. First, the Wool Blology and Fleece

Analysis Laboratories were split off from McMaster Laboratory. The former became the Sheep Biology

Laboratory and subsequently the Division of Animal Production. Furthermore, the origlnal McMaster Farm

at Badgery's Creek, under Bob Hayman, also had a small local library. That part of the Division of Animal

Health and Production at Yeerongpilly in Brisbane also started its own library. Nevertheless, the Llbrarian

at McMaster continued to be responsible for purchasing and cataloguing for each of these Iibrarles, For

instance, appropriate cards had to be sent to the librarles, and Head Office in Melbourne had to be '

notified of the whereabouts of each publication. The work for these subsidiary Dlbraries as well as for the

AVA took a large amount of the time available. Different coloured cataloguing cards had to be kept for

each library, which had to be visited from time to time to ensure that the untrained person On charge was

carrying out the correct procedures. This continued until the subsidiary libraries at Prospect, Armidale

and Yeerongpilly appointed their own trained librarians. The same procedures were used with the Unit of

Animal Genetics (at the University of Sydney) before it became the Divl'sion of Anlmai Genetics.

:+

At that time there was no assistant from the AVA to help with their library. This was accepted because A

had always been that way. ln general, the AVA ltbrary supplied the practical publications, whereas the

more theoretical were supplied by the McMaster Library. There was also a large circulation amorlgst

members of the AVA. As liaison through Dr Gordon was sound this operated to the benefit of the

members of the AVA.

Abstracting of papers for the ~ e t e r l n a r ~ Bulletin was another important service that involved Barbara

Johnston and, later, Alma Culey. Originally, Dudley Gill as 0-i-@ decided who should fibsiract each Hem,

but gradually Alma Cuiey accepted more responsibility as her experience grew until she virtually dld all the

allocating to staff members. Each abstract had tp go through the 6-i-C before it was sent to Britain, but

,

this became largely a formality. This abstracting continued until Alma Culey retired.

Jill Franklin succeeded Alma Culey as Librarian in 1967, but she had actually started at the Laboratory as 1

Assistant Librarian in October 1955.' after sorne time at the Dunedin Public Library In ~ e w ~ ~ e a l a n d . She

spent that time with relatives in New Zealand after her Leaving Certificate in Sydney. Later, she resigned

from the CSlRO for a year overseas in 1966, but Alma Culey persuaded her to come back to the

Laboratory to succeed her. Accordingly, in 1967 she was appointed as a Library Officer Grade 11,

although prior to her resignation she had been a Librarian Grade I. In 1966, the year she was overseas, a

rule came in that stated that the requisite qualifications for the librarian grades must be a degree plus

library qualifications. Within the organization there were several people On charge of libraries who did not

hold a degree with the library qualification. Eventually, In 1995 several of these people, IncDuding Jill

Franklin. were reclassified into the llbrarian range in recognition of their experience and responsibility of

being in charge.

The number of Library staff became more critical during the 1970s. First, the fourth member of the Ubrary

staff was eliminated, but the AVA agreed to pay a part-time assistant. Later, yet another person was

employed only part-time and then finally eliminated. This occurred despite the fact that the work of the I

Library became further and further behind, particularly with the weeding of unwanted material that takes

up space. Despite this, cataloguing Into the card catalogue with card entries going to the Central Library

and the National Library, was kept up-todate. in 1980 CSIRB libraries started entering their monographs

and later periodicals to a computerizbd system.

One attempt to cut cost was the avoidance of duplication with the AVA library. This was requested by one

0-I-C and has been largely succeskful. Nowadays there is a mutually beneficial system between the

libraries of McMaster Laboratory and the AVA. The McMaster Ubrary subscribes to many more titles than

the AVA, but the AVA receives more books than McMaster. These books received for review round out

the collection in a worthwhile manner.

1 There is also an effective circulation bystem with other CSlRO libraries, particularly between other libraries

d the Division of Animal Health, Animal Production at Prospect and Molecular and Cellular Biology (noy

the Dlvision of Biotechnrslogy) at North Ryde. The libraries of the University of Sydney provide a useful

back-up service for the staff at McMaster. The Library also uses the Biorriedlcal Library of the University of I

Now South Wales. The Library used to keep many pamphlets and reprints of outside papers but now,

because of restricted space, only keips material which may be difficult to obtain quickly. On the contrary,

it Is necessary to constantly weed out unwanted material. There Is now insufficient space for the Library.

Shelving in the roof has been increaked so that older material can be transferred there, but this is not an

ideal place for publications.

While I was 0-i-C, I arranged that the Library use the Dialogue searching facility. However, these data

bases, although readily available, are used only spasmodically by the research staff unless, for instance,

they are changing their research or are writing a book or review article. The subscription to Biological

Abstracts was stopped at the end of 1986 and the lack of a hard copy of this valuable reference tool will !

generate more searches. I

Now, however, the CSlRO Library (Jetwork System (CLINES) is being Introduced. This will integrate the

services, collections and functidns of ail CSlRO libraries in Australia on a single database via a

communications link. It is a complete library management system with online ability for selection of

materials, resource sharing, subscriptions to journals, exchange agreements, orders for books, financial

management, receipt of serials, cataloguing, circulation, collection management, statistics and

participation in the Australian Bibliographic Network. The system will function through the Geac Library

Information System which is owned by the CSlRO and wili considerably reduce the time taken to operate

facilities and their cost, although this is not yet proven. Research scientists will therefore have Immediate

access to all functions of CSIWO libraries. McMaster Library has begun the transfer to CLINES with

terminals connected to the Geac computer. Thus librarians shouYd have more time for assistance to the

research staff. ! I

Nothlng has yet been said of the Parasitology Index. This card index has been compiled over many years

and is unique in the CSIRO. No other laboratories have such an In-depth index. However, typing out the

cards, etc., does take up a considerable amount of time of the library staff, although Dr Gordon has

compiled the subject headings ovei many years. Jill Franklin has done a great deal of the work on It at

home. It could be transferred to magnetic tape, for instance, if anyone had the time to do it. On the other

hand, it could now be stopped at any time now that the Dialogue computer system of CLINES could easily

be used to refer to any aspect of parasitology.

Jill Franklin readily acknowledges that the Officers-In-Charge of the Laboratory have been sympathetic

and helpful t o her problems. However, Alan Donald, while 0-i-C had to reduce the number of

subscriptions to journals because of the financial restrictions on the CSIRO.

The story of the association between McMaster Laboratory and the AVA is lnterestlng. Even beforerhe

Laboratory was built Ian Clunies Ross was the Honorary Editor of the AVJ As books came for review and

journal exchanges were arranged, so the AVA library carne into being and was brought to McMaster

Laboratory when Clunies Ross became the first 8-i-@. initially Re was Official Correspondent with the

Bibliography of Helminthology (later Helminthologicai Abstracts) until Re went to the international Wool

Secretariat in London in 1937. Dr. H. McL. Gordon then became OfficiaQ Correspondent, a position he still

holds. In 1961 the AVA library became tRe Max Henry Memorial Library to commemorate the first edltor of

the AVJ and founder of the library. Dr. Gordon has been Honorary Librarian for many years. His reviews,

or those by people he has persuaded to write them, are frequently published in the AVJ. The library is

used by the Veterinary School staff and undergraduates. The staff of the Veterinary School are most

helpful with recommendations for texts. The importance of the AVA library to the McMaster Library has

been described earlier In this chapter,

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Obviously the growth and sophistication of the Library parallells that of research in the Laboratory. As with

all libraries, space is eventually insufficient and this Library inevitably reflects the financial difficulties of the

Laboratory and the CSlRO as a whole. The Librarian often beiieves she has insufficient staff!

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CHAPTER iX

Some Personal ~istories - Former Staff no longer at McMaster Laboratory

Many members of the research, technical and administrative staff had a major influence on the story of the

Laboratory. Some were appointed to senior positions after they left. This chapter is an account of some

of those who were at the Laborat04 but went on either to other Divisions or outside the CSlR or CSIRO.

Included here are research staff and those that assisted them. They are listed in order of the date of

joining the staff. The research they did Is not included here but is given in Chapters V and VI. It Is

inevitable that there may be individuals who believe they should have been included in this chapter. I

apologize to these people because there are so many who made noteworthy contrlbutions that it is

sometimes difficult, and perhaps uniair, not to have included them. Where possible, ail these people have

read these accounts of their careers,

Sir Ian Ciunies Ross, Dr. Clunies Ross, as he was then, the first 0-I-C. of the Laboratory, was undoubtedly

the most distinguished member of the staff, not only because of his scientific contributions, but because

of his outstanding importance to the CSlRO and to science in Australia. HIS research, both before and

after his appointment to the CSlR was noteworthy, but, as his son Anthony said, he was a good, but not a

great scientist. Others, too, have made similar assessments. Nevertheless, his son continued to say that

Sir lank reputation must rest principally on what he did as a scientific administrator and leader of opinion.

Here, too, everyone agrees.

Sir Ian was born in Bathurst, New South Wales, on February 22nd, 1899, and died in Melbourne on June

20th 1959. He accomplished a great deai in those 60 years. Dr Bull, then Chief of the Division of Animal

Health and Production, wrote an obituary for the Australian Veterinary Journal in which Re outlined Sir

Ian's career. He graduated B.V.Sc., with honours from the University of Sydney In 1921 as the only

student In the final year. (Sir [an subsequently tnodestly claimed that Professor 4. D. StewarP, then Dean

of the Faculty, decided to grant him honours to compete with other departments of the University!). He

was then appointed a Walter and Eliza Hall Veterinary Research Fellow in 1922. Some of the Fellowship

was spent in post-graduate work in parasitology in the School of Tropical Medicine in London and at the

Molteno Institute for Parasitology in Cambridge. In 1925 he was appointed lecturer in veterinary

parasitology in the University of ~ydriey Veterinary School, and in 1926 became veterinary parasitologist

In CSIR. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science in 1928 for his research on the

hydatid parasite.

From 1929 to 1930 he studied parasitology at the Research lnstitute of Infectious Diseases at the Imperial

University, Tokyo, with Professor Miyagawa. There he learnt Japanese and developed a great interest in

their art and culture. This led to a lang-lasting interest in the people and culture of Asian countries. He

made several more visits to this region. Iiis appointment as 0-I-C of the F.D. McMaster Animal Health

Laboratary in 1931 has already been described in Chapter I. Sir lan resigned in 1937 to become the

Australian member of the International Wool Secretariat in London and served as its Chairman until 1940.

While based in London, Re was a member of the Australian delegation to the old League of Nations In

I On his return to Australia in 1940 he was appointed as Professor of Veterinary Science at the University of

Sydney and did much to help expand and strengthen the faculty. From 9943 to 1945 he was Director of

Scientific Personnel in the Commonwealth Directorate of Manpower, as well as Adviser on the Pastoral

lndustry to the Department of War Organization of lndustry, while continuing to do some of the work

associated with his University appbintment. in June 1945, he was released from the University to assist

the GSiR make plans for new sheep and wool textile research. At this time there was growing concern in

Australia about the growth of the artificial fibre Industry.

Sir Ian had always displayed an :interest in international relationships, and In 1941 was elected , Commonwealth Chairman of the ;AustraPlan institute of Pnternatlonal Affairs. Pn the early days of

broadcasting, before networks developed their teams of reporters, he was frequently in demand as a radio I

commentator on world events. I

In 1946 Sir Ian resigned from the University to become a full-tlme member of the CSlR Executive

Committee, and then Chairman of tile CSiRO when the former was reconstituted in 1949. He retained this

position until his death in 1959. ' I i

This outline of Sir lan's appointments before and after he left the Laboratory is little indication of his

Importance and influence on research In Australia. It was his idea that put Into law In 1946 that the L7

million from the sale of wool accumulated during the recent war should be held in a trust account for the

benefit of the industry with a prov)so that some be used for promotion and research. Furthermore.

promotion of the sale of wool and koo l research should both be financed by a levy on the future sale of

wool. The money from the levy was to be matched by a government grant.

It was Slr lan's belief that genetics and animal breeding as well as wool technology In its widest sense

were critical to to the success of the pastoral industry and his support led to the eventual formation of the

CSlRO Divisions of Animal Physioi,ogy, Animal Genetics and Textile Industry. The laboratory for the

Division of Animal Physiology, as It was then, at Prospect, New South Wales, Is named after Sir lan

Clunies Ross. He was aiso closely involved with the decision to resume field trials on myxomatosls which

became so important in controlling the rabbit plague in this country.

Sir Ian had asso a significant part in the appointment of a five-member committee on Australian universities

(which was headea by Sir Keith Murray) and was one of the members. The Murray Report, as it was

called, was responsible for the establishment of the Australian Universities Commission in 1959.

Although an exceptional speaker, S'lr Ian aiso wrote extensively. Noteworthy amongst his writing was a

book on parasitology published with Dr Hugh Gordon in 1936, and a book he edited on the Far East for I

the Australian Institute of lnternatiodal Affairs in 1935.

These are some of the landmarksof Sir lan's career after Re !eft the Laboratory. As Sir Otto Frankel,

formerly Chief of the Division of ~ l a h t Industry, said, he was an administrator who inspired others, whether

at the laboratory bench or the exderimentai station. He was interested in people, their work and their

progress and made a tremendous effotl to bring the CSIRO before government, industry and the public.

He raised the morale and was an inspiration to all who worked for the CSIRO. Frankel and Helen Turner

have both said that he was an outstending leader.

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Dr Ian Clunies Ross was first made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) and a

Knight Bachelor in 1954. He was awarded the Kendal! Medal and gave the Kendall Oration for the

Australian Veterinary Assoclation ht the ANZAAS meeting in Canberra in 1954. He was a Foundation

Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. In 1955 he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of

Laws by the University of Melbourne, and in 1956 the honorary degrees of Doctor sf Sclence by the

Universities of New England and Adelaide. The Royal Agricultural Society of England gave him Its Gold

Medal and the Royal Society of New South Wales the James Cook Medal. In 1953 he became an

Honorary Associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons of the United Kingdom.

Sir Ian served as a member of the henate of the University of Sydney and was a member of the Cound

and later Deputy Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. He was a member of the Council of the

Australian National University.

, Sir Ian was President of the AVA in 1935/36 and a Fellow in 1949. Sir lan's name Is included in the flrst of

Pioneers of Scientific and Medical ~esearch amongst the 200 people who made Australla great that was

compiled to commemorate Australid's bicentenary in 1988. Aiso included in the list of Pioneers were the

names of two others of the CSIR, David Rivett and Lionel Bull.

The Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1959 after his death

to promote science and technology in Australia. The Foundation built Clunies Ross House, the National

Sclence Centre, In Parkville, Melbourne, that now contains a mural designed by the artist Robert lngpen

depicting aspects of the life of Sir Ian. The mural was completed and presented by the Australian

Veterinary Association.

Dr Hugh McL. Gordon was a member of the staff of the Laboratory for longer than anyone. He was born

at Armidale in 1909 and graduated in 1930 with BVSc with Second Class Honours with the William Cooper

and Nephews Prize for Parasitology and the 6t;ker and Ridley Memorial Prize for Animal Husbandry. In

1968 he was awarded the DVSc. All from the University of Sydney. He retired On 1974 b@ has continued

to work at the Laboratory at least once a week. He has told his story until 11937 On Chapter II, but this is an

account of his activities since then dnd, because he is an essentially modest person, this includes some

points that he may not have included in his original story. I

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The account of his early years at thy F. D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory he has outlined in Chapter

II.

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In Chapter V, it was pointed out that Hugh's contribution to the epidemiology of internal parasitism,

particuiady of H. contortus, Oe. coDumbianum and Trichostronavlus spp. was critical. No research could

be done on control until epidemiology was understood. Later work on epidemiology is now continued by

others. Hugh also spent much time on the anthelmintic treatment of parasites, trying many substances

that were supplied by pharmaceutical firms. He was also responsible for much of the work on

phenothiazlne and thiabendazole add began some of the initial research on the benzlmldazoles. But this

is not the place to go into details of this research which is described in Chapter V.

Hugh is well known to graziers, stock inspectors, the Departments of Agriculture and veterinarians in all

States. He has influenced the ~epjartrnents of Agriculture, as 1 knew when D was In the Department In

South Australia. He was readily available to speak on parasitic infection at many meetings, not only in

New South Wales, where he gave most of his addresses, but in other States.

Hugh was also well known for the Christmas parties at the Laboratory. These continued for many years.

A 'prize1 in the form of a notice whidh told of his or her activities was awarded to a member of the staff.

Some of the recipients may wish them to be forgotten! He was also responsible for 'Vox Taurus"h1ch

was published for many years and which told of the doings of individuals and outstanding events of the

past year. I I

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One of the Hugh's major contributions to the Library was his card system of parasitic infection. The

present Librarian has said that is no longer strictly necessary because of the present-day computer

system but, nevertheless, he still continues it with her blessing.

For many years after the resignatibn of Dr. Clunies Ross in 1937, Hugh lectured and gave practical

demonstrations in parasitic infection to veterinary students. Since the appointment of Dr. G.H. Collins he

has continued the practical classes, but was a lecturer in 1979-80. Since 1972, Hugh has been a Fellow of

the Australian Society for Parasitology and was President in 1964.

I Hugh has a close relationship with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and became a Fellaw in

1959. He was Honorary Secretary of the New South Wales Division for eight years between 1933 and

1944 and was President in 1941-42. Hugh was President of the Federal body of the AVA in 1951 and

spent some years on the Council. He has been Honorary Librarian of the AVA since 1932. The library

remains at the Laboratory to this day. Although Hugh has reviewed many books himself many of the staff

and others havc been asked to review publications on Ris behalf. As has already been stated, staff at the

Laboratory have access to the AVA library. !

Hugh was Foundation Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and waa President In 1976; I

77. He was on the Council in 1971 -72 and again in 1983-84. He has been Honorary Public Relations I

Officer since 1979.

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Hugh is the Official correspondent since 1937 to what is now the CAB International institute of i

Parasitology.

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Hugh was President of Section L 6eterinaty Science) of the Australian and New Zealand Assoclatlon for

the Advancement of Science in Hobart in 1949 and gave an address entitled 'Epidemiology and the

Efficient Parasite'. Up to 1983 he had attended all but one of the World Association for Veterinary

Parasitology (WAAVP) meetings in many countries and presented papers at all of them. The congress in

Sydney in 1977 was named in his hbnour. He was a member of the Executive Board of the WAAVP for a

number of years and was the firSt Vice-President In 1975. Hugh was a member of its Scientific

Programme Committee which organised the 8th Congress in Sydney. Hugh was President of the AVA in

1951 /52 and a Fellow in 1959. ,

Hugh has visited many countries, including Britain, USA, Europe, South Africa and South American

countries. It is unnecessary to ehumerate ail of these, but is appropriate to mention some of the

highlights. in 1968, he delivered the Arnold Theiler Memorial Lecture at the University of Pretoria and has

attended and presented papers at several World Veterinary Congresses. He has lectured in USA and

South American countries.

Hugh has over 100 papers on parasitological subjects. He and Dr. Clunies Ross were co-authors In 1936

of the book entitled "Internal Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of Sheep". He also contributed a chapter to

the "Thapar Commemoration Volume" of 1953 to mark the 60th birthday of Professor G S Thapar of

Lucknow, India. I I 1

A number of awards have been made to Hugh. fie won the Gilruth Prize of the AVA In 1955. He shared

the Payne Exhibition of 1958 wlth Dr. R. F. Riek for the most important contribution to veterinary science

during the past five years. In 1970 he was presented with the Order af the Golden Fleece by the California

Wool Growers Association, and in 1974 he won the Diploma from the Association Mexlcana de

Parasitologia "Por la investigation y Difusion de la Parasitologia". But more important than all these, Re

became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1986 for services to veterinary science.

Dr Helen Newton Turner was another very early member of the staff who had a most distinguished and, as

some wouid say, extraordinary career. She began as a clerical assistant at the Laboratory to become an

international authority on sheep genetics. She first graduated from the University of Sydney as a Bachelor

of Architecture with honours in 1930. Althxgh she was employed for a short time as an architect the firm

wlth whom she worked was overcome by the depression at that time, so she became a typist. After the

firm closed down she had a position for eight months In the State Office block registering optometrists

before applying successfully for the position as Dr Csunies Ross's secretary at the Laboratory.

She intended to go back to architecture, but never did. The mathematical side of architecture came mare

easily to her than design, and she became interested in the new discipline of statlstlcal design and

analysis of scientific experiments through typing the papers of Dr Carr Fraser, then a statistician at the

Laboratory. Dr Clunies Ross had arranged for her to spend a year's study leave in London with the

"father" of the new discipline, Professor (later Sir) R A Fisher, but when Csunles Ross left In 1937, Dr Bull,

Chief of the Division, asked her to postpone her study leave for a yeas to assist Dudley Gill, the new 0-I-C,

to settle in. I

In 1938-39 Dr Turner spent 12 moyhs on study leave including a 10-week Pour of research centres in the

USA. She was then appointed a" Assistant Research Officer (statistics). By 1940-41 she joined the

Section of Biornetrics. In 1942 shelwas seconded as a statistician with the Department of Home Securlty

where she remained for about a ear before she was then seconded, again as a statistician, to the

Directorate of Scientif'rc Personnel 'In the Department of Manpower until the end of the war, However,

about 1944 she also worked part-titye at the Laboratory. 1 I

Dr Turner was finally transferred td the Section of Mathematical Statistics that later became a Division,

until she was appointed as leaderlof the Animal Breeding Section that became part of the Division of

Animal Genetics in 1956. ow ever, through all these years she remained at the Laboratory untll the

Division acquired its own building inlNorth Ryde. I

During her early years at the ~ a b o i a t o r ~ she worked with the parasitologists as a statistician because it

was then iargeiy a sheep diseases laboratory. However, when Dr Keliey returned to the Laboratory in at

the end of the war and then became 0-i-C of the F D McMaster Field Station, she was consulted about

sheep breeding. Dr Turr~er became very interested in this, much of which she read herself. When Dr

Kelley retired in 1955 Dr Clunies Ross suggested she join Dr Duniop and others to form the Sheep

Breeding Group at the Laboratory, which, as already recorded, eventuaily became part of the Divislan of

Animai Genetics. I

i I During these years she developed ,her knowledge of the genetics of sheep until she became a world

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authority. She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science by the University of Sydqey in 1970 for her

published work on "Quantitative ~en'etics in Sheep Breeding". This thesis received the highest praise from

eminent examiners in Australia and overseas. Incidentally, there is a story that someone overseas said

that he knew who Turner was, but wi)o was B.Arch whose name appeared as coauthor of a paper? I

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Although Dr Turner formally retired in 1973, she has been very busy ever since. She has retalned a room

In what is nDw known as the Division of Biotechnology at NortR Wycie. This was readily agreed to by the

authorities of that Division. ~ecausd she has been as active since her retirement as before, there is little ,

point in naming the conferences she has attended, her work with International and non-government

arganisations and the countries she has visited. The iist is far too great to give On detal, but includes the

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, many sheep breeding and other agricultural t

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conferences and many countries throughout the worsd. The iatter include several Asian countries,

including China, several African and South American countries, Europe, including Britain, the USA and the

USSR, Israel and Arabian countries. ;She has also given lectures and advice in much of Australia.

Or Turner's list of honours Is also imbressive, but the most important of these Is undoubtedly Officer of the

Order of Australia (AO) which w a i awarded in 1987 for her contributions to science and the sheep

breeding Industry. She was also awarded the OBE in the New Year's Honours List of 1977 for services to

primary industry. Other awards include the Coronation Medal (1953), the Farrer Memorial Medal (1974)

and the Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence (1986). With other outstanding International women she

appeared as Ceres on the F A 0 ~ d d a l in 1977. These last named medals are sold in support of FA0

projects involving women in developing countries.

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Dr Turner was an Honorary ~ssociaie of the University of Sydney from 1956 to 1959, and is an Honorary

Member of the AVA and an Honorary Member of the Indian Society for Sheep and Goat Production and

Utilization. She 1s a Foundation FePlow of the Australian Academy of TechnoPoglcal Sciences, and a

Fellow of the Australian Society of Ad'lmal Production.

Professor W I B Beveridge of the ~ d h o o l of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Cambrldge until his

retirement, is another very early member of the research staff of the Laboratory with a distinguished

career. Ian Beveridge joined the Laboratory late in 1931, less than a year after graduating from the

Veterinary School of the University of Sydney. He has said that unlike the present staff who always spend

time In an 'apprenticeship' (earning a Ph.D, for instance), Re had no previous experience in research. Dr

Clunies Ross asked him casually on8 day whether he had any control sheep In his experiment with footrot.

When he said that he did not, Dr Clunies Ross said that he should have controls in all experiments. That,

claims Professor Beveridge, is the only research instruction he ever received.

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Dr Dan Murnane in Melbourne arid Professor H R Carne of the Veterinary School in Sydney, both of whom

had close associations with the Laboratory, had started work on footrot before Professor Beveridge joined

the staff of the Laboratory as a young graduate. The latter supervised his early work on footrot, the cause

of which was unknown at that time. TRe details of Professor Beveridge's successfui work on the cause of

footrot and his work on pizzie rot are described in Chapter Vl, but it is relevant here to say that he was

awarded a Harkness Fellowship in 1937 to work at the Rockefeller Institute at Princeton. He also worked

at the Bureau of Animal Industry in Washington, D.C. and was in the USA for two years.

Sometime after his return to Australia In 1939 Professor Beveridge resigned from the CSlR to work on

Influenza with Professor Burnet at the Waiter and Eliza Hall lnstitute in Melbourne.

After the war he went to the Pasteur institute in P~r i s for six months. This was on an exchange between

the Walter and Eliza Hail lnstitute and the Pasteur Institute. Here he was to work on influenza and foot and

mouth disease, but it was not very satisfactory experience because materials, Including mice, were very

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difficult to acquire so soon after the war.

i Professor Beveridge was then appointed to the Chair of Animal Pathology at the University of Cambridge

where he remained from 1947 to hi; retirement in 1975. This was an important appointment because he

was to set up the Veterinary School at Cambridge. For some years much of his time was taken Llp by

administration. He had the ultimate responsibility for organislng the new school, including plans for the

buildings, the teaching program and the staffing. He had little time for work at the bench, but he did have I

research students whom he had to teach how to do research. His main research was on pneumonia of

plgs. He was responsible for the recognition of enzootic pneumonia as a specific infectious disease later

shown to be due to Mvco~lasma hvdo~neumoniae.

I Before he left Cambridge he spent bome time as a consultant to the World Health Organlzatlon so that

, after retirement he lived in Geneva'for some years to continue this association. Professor Beveridge

eventually returned to Australia to live in Canberra. Eventually Re went to live in Wentworth Falls in New

South Wales. I I I

Professor Beveridge has seen how; much has changed at the Laboratory since he was there. He also

commented on the great change in Agricultural research generally since he joined the Laboratory in 1931.

He remembers the great enthusiasn! there was amongst the young research staff when Dr Clunies Ross

was 0-i-C of the Laboratory. I I

Professor Beveridge has written two widely acclaimed books on the way in which scientific discoveries are

made. 'The Art of Scientific lnvestigation' and 'Seeds of Discovery'. He believes that scientists should 1

relate how their discoveries were made because Phis is helpful to young scientists starting research.

I Or R B Kelley was one of the distinguished men who was for many years with the CSlR and then the

CSlRO before he retired in 1954. He was born in Melbourne in 1898 and received his L.V.Sc. from the

University of Melbourne in 1914, late; hls B.V.Sc. In 1930 and finally his D.V.Sc. in 1937. He had been with

the Australian Veterinary Army corps in World War I when he took three shiploads of horses to Egypt.

Then he was Brigade Veterinary Officer with the 4th Australian Light Horse in the Middle East.

After the war he had several positions before Dr. Gilruth, then the first Chief of the Division of Animal

Health, asked him to go to Texas, USA to examine the advisability of introducing Zebu cattle into Austriilia.

This he did, and found that grazing 'cross-breeds matured earlier, did better on inferior pasture, dressed

out better and had a higher survival rate in droughts than did other breeds. They also carried relatively

few ticks.

Dr. Kelley joined the CSlR on a Senior Research Studentship in 1931. He then became a geneticist at the

F D McMaster Animal Health Laboratory in 1935 before going to the F.D. McMaster Field Station as a

Principal Research Officer and 0-i-C (animal genettcs) in February 1938. He became an Assistant Chief of

the Division in 1950 and finally retirid in 1954.

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Dr. Keiley is principally known as the man who, On 1933, introduced Zebu cattle and their crosses to

Australia, particularly to Queensland, from the USA. As one Queensiander said, "Few men there are who

will not agree that Dr. Kelley has made the greatest single contribution to Queensland's beef cattle

industry of all time'. Although statidned at the F.D. McMaster Field Station at Badgery's Creek, he work&

much in Queensland. Initially the& was a formal agreement with a small number of cattle properties in

that State to use and report on the use of Zebus crossed with British beef breeds. Dr. Keliey confirmed

the assessment of their uses in the USA. Restrictions on their disposal to other than the co-operating I

breeders was modified after consultation between the Minister for Agriculture In Queensland, Dr. LB. Bull,

Chlef of the Division of Animal ~ d a l t h and Production and the five co-operating breeders. This new 1

restriction was lifted In about 1941 when anyone without obligation could purchase Zebu crosses. Since

then Zebu crosses have been used widely in Australia. An annual sale of Bos Ondlcus cattle in North I

Queensland was named for him as a mark of appreciation of his work.

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Apart from the use of Zebu crosses in the beef industry, attempts were made at Badgery's Creek to cross

Zebus with dairy cattle, but this wab apparently unsuccessful. The progeny were relatively wild and gave

little milk. This and other research at the F.D. McMaster Field Station is described in Chapter VI.

Dr. Keiley was awarded the OBE in 1954, the year of his retirement from the CSIRO. After retirement he

had appointments in Australia and Malaysia, but returned to Nambour in Queensland in 1962 and died In

1970. I

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Perhaps it should be recorded that according to Bob Hayman, his successor as 0-i-C of the F.D.

McMaster Field Station, and to others, his abiding interest was in sheep dogs, despite his importance to

the introduction of Zebu beef cattle crosses to Australia?

In addition to many papers on cattle and sheep breeding, Dr. Kelley wrote at least two books, one on

sheep dogs and another on native and adapted cattle in several countries.

Dudley A Gill (or Jim, as he was always known) was 0-i-C from 1938 to 1954, but had been Acting 0-I-C

after the resignation of Dr Ian Clunies Ross in 4939. He was Assistant Chief of the Division from 1946

responsible for this Laboratory as well as the Wool Biology Laboratory at Prospect (as it then was), the

RPL at Armidale and the Laboratory, at Yeerongpilly in Brisbane and then Chief of the Division from 1954

until his retirement In 1959. I

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Jim graduated as MRCVS from the Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town, England, On 1922, but then

gained the Diploma of Veterinary State Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He joined

the New Zealand Department of Agriculture the following year and was eventually appointed Assistant

Director of Research, a position he held until 1933. ln 1934 he was seconded to the Faculty of Veterinary

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Science, University of Sydney, wheie he was acting lecturer in pathology, bacteriology and protozoology I

during the absence of H.R. Carne bn sabbatical leave. Jim then returned to New Zealand in 1935, but I

became a Research Officer at ~ c d a s t e r Laboratory in 1937 and succeeded Dr Ian Clunles Ross as the

second 0-i-C. I

Jim was known as an outstanding! scientific administrator. During his time as 0-I-C, the Laboratory

expanded considerably with his encouragement. But he is best known for his research that showed that

bacterial encephalitis of sheep was due to Listeria monocvfoaenes. Other work incsuded enterotoxin in

the small Intestine of lambs which ,caused so-called pulpy kldney, blowfly infestation of sheep and its

control by the Mules operation and a plan for the eradication of bovine pleuropneumonla in Australia. The

last named was a concerted plan fihanced by both Commonwealth and State Governments. His was a

critical part in the Division's acquisition of Chlswick. Armidale, then known as the Regional Pastoral

Laboratory. He also helped plan the Division of Animal Physiology at Prospect, New South Wales.

Jim was awarded the Gilruth Prize b y the Australian Veterinary Association in 1962 for his research and

the administration of science. He was a councillor of the AVA and the President of the New South Wales

Division of that body. He was he A vily involved with the Animal Production Committee and It was as

Convener of the Contaglous Bovin( Pleuro-Pneumonia Committee when the plan for the eradication of

this disease was concocted. Jim wds a member of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

for some years. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1969. j '1

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Jim was twice in the Army. First, as1a private in the British Army from 1918 to 1919 and then as a Captain

in the Australian Army Veterinary coips in the early months of the Second World War.

General opinion appears to be tha 1 although he seemed distant, he was, in fact, very approachable.

Some felt he was typical of the old School of veterinarians who found it difficult to delegate work to non-

veterlnarlans who might be more familiar with it. Nevertheless, many have said that he was a 'real I

gentleman'. Many of us remember that he lectured on veterinary jurisprudence to students for some I I years.

!

Jim died In Sydney in May 1973. 1

I

Dr M Llpson was yet another early research gcientist at the Laboratory who had a subsequent

distinguished career elsewhere in the CSIRO.

f?e Joined the Laboratory staff in 1937 from F W Hughes Pr i Ltd where he had worked for about two years

after graduation as B.Sc. from the dniversity of Sydney. He was officially listed as an Assistant Research

Officer (chemistry of dips) but unofficially he continued from F W Hughes in what became a long and . successful career on textile research by continuing his work on the shrink-proofing of wool. This was with

M R Freney, then on the staff of the Laboratory. Dr Lipson emphasises that this research was done In their I I 1

9 9 I I

I

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spare time. Because the CSlR was not then supposed to do any textile research, but confine itself to wool

production and leave processing to England, Mr Gill, then 0-i-C of the Laboratory, and the Executive had

problems with this work. The ~xecutive finally reluctantly agreed to provisionally patent their new shrlnk- I I

proofing method in December, 1938. This was the first patent application ever made by the CSIR, but

unfortunately they did not proceed with this provisional patent and allowed it to lapse. Although the

details are not the concern of this ktory, Holeproof Hosiery Ltd., of Melbourne, with the support of the

Australian Wool Board, eventually succeeded in opposing the patent for the process apparently taken out I

by a British firm. Dr Lipson was involved in the legal hearing. The process was then freely used In I

Australia.

I I

Nevertheless, Dr Lipson did do much successful official research at this Laboratory. Thls included the

chemistry of sheep dips, chemical studies on phenothiazine and related compounds, fleece chemistry and

the composition of wool wax. The results of this work is described in Chapter V. However, he left the

Laboratory to join the Division of Industrial Chemistry in 1939 to continue with shrink-proofing and other

research. From 1941 to 1945 he was Chief Chemist with the Central Wool Committee. From 9946 'to 1948

he was an International Wool secretariat Research Fellow at Leeds University. Then from 1948 to 1958 he

was 0-i-C of the CSlRO Wool Research Laboratory at Geelong before becoming Chief of the new Division

of Textile Industry from 1958 until 1976 when he retired. However, until 1985, Re was a Senior Research

Fellow with the Division of Animal Health, responsible for research on fleece rot. During this time he was in

Geelong, but occasionally visited this Laboratory. From 1997 to the present he is a University Fellow of

Deakin University.

Dr Lipson obtained the Ph.D at t h i University of Leeds and was later awarded an honorary D.Sc. by

Deakin University for his research leadership since initiating CSlRO activities In Geelong. He Is a Fellow of

the Australian Academy of Techno~ogical Sciences, the Textile institute (Manchester), and the Royal

Australian Chemical Institute. But the highest honour awarded Dr Lipson was Officer of the Order of

Australia (AO) in 1976 for his contributions to wool textile research.

Dr Lipson has said that his time at the McMaster was probably the happiest and most productive in his

research career. Without any burden of administration, he couDd concentrate full time on research and

was rewarded with positive results in several fields.

Dr M C Franklin was another early member of the research staff of the Laboratory who will be

remembered by many for his friendly personality dnd fof his importance to the nutrition of cattle and

sheep. "Frankie", as he was known to everyone, joined the Laboratory as a Senior Research Officer

(biochemistry) in 1939, but was a New Zealander who graduated with a B.Sc. from Auckland University

College in 1926. A year later he was awarded an M.Sc. with First Class Honours and eventually a Ph.D.

from the University of Cambridge in 1933. He was the Lecturer-in-Charge of the Animal Nutrition and

Chemistry Departments of Canterbury Agricuitural College, University of New Zealand, before coming to

the Laboratory. In 1953, as a Principal Research Officer, he was appointed as the first William Mcllrath

I

Fellow In Animal Husbandry at the University of Sydney but remained at the Laboratory. Thk he held uhtil

1959. From 1959 he was Co-ordinator of Beef Cattle Investlgat'lons, Southern States of Australla, at the I

request of the Australian Committee on Animal Production. His research at the Laboratory, partlculady,of I I

drougRt feeding, is described in Chapter VI.

Dr Franklin and Professor T.J. Robinson of the Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Sydney,

successfully appealed for funds to establish a Meat Research Laboratory at the Camden ~ n i m a l

Husbandry Farm of the University. He moved there in 1959 and subsequently became Rs Director. This

laboratory was named the M C ~rdnklin Laboratory by the Senate In 1961. However, in 1961 Dr Franklin

went to the Cunningham Laboratory in Brisbane Po head a section of the CSlRO Division of Animal

Physiology. The section was formbd to study nutritional and reproductive problems of the cattle Industry

in Northern Australia. He coilabdrated with the Division of Tropical Pastures for the improvement of

pastures in the north. in 1964, at tde request of the Australian Meat Board, he was appointed as Executive

Officer of the Australian Cattle and Beef Research Committee that is now known as the Australian Meat

Research Committee. Dr Franklin occupied this position until his death in January 1967.

His research and interest in ntlritiob, particularly of cattle, was widespread. In addition to drought feeding

of sheep. it Included fodder consedation, growth and meat production, the feeding of stud beef cattle and

pasture improvement. He was Always available for nutritional advice to scientific, grazing and

administrative people. Many of us /emember the lectures Re gave to veterinary undergraduates, and how

he went out of his way to assist any student in dHicuPties with nutrition.

Dr Franklin was Federal Pt'esidenj of the Australian ~ o c l e t ~ of Anlmal Production in 1954-55 and was

elected a Fellow in 1962. The ~ o c i b t ~ held the M.C. Franklin Memorial Symposium in Armidale in 1968 to

honour his contribution to the nutrition of cattle and sheep. 1 1

Ian L Johnstone had 15 years with the Division, first as a Field Officer at the Laboratory, then as a

Research Officer at the Nationas Fie(ld Station, Gilruth Plains, Cunnamulla, Queensiand, and finally as 0-1-

C. Regional Pastoral Laboratory, P(rmidale. New South Wales. His time at Armidale was interrupted by

about two years in the Australian scientific Liaison Office in London from the end of 1958.

I

Ian graduated B.V.Sc. from the University of Sydney in 1937 and had been two years in New Zealand

before coming to the Laboratory in 1939. As a Field Officer he was not attached to a group, but assisted

different Research Officers in various parts of the countryside. He was, for Instance, associated with

Norman Graham with lfeds and lice and CIA of sheep. He was also involved with the problem of blowfly

strike of sheep which he continued when Re was transferred in 1940 to Gllruth Plains where Dr J H Riches

was then the 0-I-C.

When he was transferred to QueensPand he continued his interest in blowflies and the mules operation. I

The story of the latter has been told by F H W Morley and I L Johnstone in the Wool Corporation's Second

National Symposium on SReep Biowfly and Flystrike in Sheep of December, 1983. Details are not the

I

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concern of this account, but it must be recorded that Pan did have a part in its development In New South

Wales, where there was some opposition, but particularly in Queensiand. However, opposition In New

South Wales continued after Ian transferred to Armidale in 1944.

Before he left Gilruth Plains he das also involved in tail strike, the length of the residual tall and the

removal of some of the skin of the tail. Tail length work was the particular interest of Dr. Riches. Other

projects of Ian's while at Giiruth Plains and which were associated with McMaster Laboratory, were

calcium deficiency and pregnancy toxaemia of ewes for Dr Franklin. This also included the ecological

aspects of sheath rot In wethers in association with Dr. W.P.B. Beveridge, progeny testing, external

parasites, dehorning of rams and the rabbit problem that included myxomatosls. During his time there he

vlstted many properties and met many identitites on both sides of the border between the two States.

Ian was posted to Armidale as 8-1-k after his marriage late in 1943. The story of that field station, later to

be known as the Regional ~astorbi Laboratory, is told In Chapter IV. The relationship with McMaster

Laboratory was close in the early years, but perhaps less so as officers of other divisions were stationed

there and the RPL developed more independence. Nevertheless, there was a close association with

parasitology, largely through the ihterests of Hugh Gordon. This included early trials with anthelmintics

and management in the control of parasites.

There was much discussion with the University of New England about the relationship with RPL. lan was

always of the opinion that the research and administration of the unit should be established on Chiswick.

In this he was unsuccessful, but ev6ntually achieved.

Ian, then a Senior Principal ~esea lch Officer, resigned from the CSlRO in 1954. He then went into rural

practice. He later had a chair at the University of New South Wales and developed field stations of Merck,

Sharp & Dohme. 1 I

Professor C R Austin was another early research scientist on the staff of the Laboratory who subsequently

had a distinguished career at the University of Cambridge where Re was the Charles Darwin Professor of

Animal Embryology.

Professor (Bunny) Austin graduated in 1936 from the Veterinary School, but was subsequently awarded

the degrees of B.Sc.(1938), M.Sc.(1940) and D.Sc.(1954) by the University of Sydney. He was also

awarded the degree of M.A. by the University of Cambridge in 1967.

In his early years at the Laboratory, half his pay was from the CSlR and half from the University where he

was a lecturer. According to the records at the Laboratory he was a fulltime Assistant Research Officer

(Biochemistry) in 1940/41. He resigned from the CSIRO in about 1953, but was a lecturer at the

University all this time. Professor Gallagher, formerly at the Laboratory, and l certainly remember some

lectures from him when we were students at the Veterinary School.

102

Professor Austin resigned to join the staff of the Medical Research Council In London where he was

employed untll 1964, although he was also head of the Laboratory Animals Division of the atl lo rial Medical Institute of Research in London from 1958 to 1961. After this he went to the USA where he heldl a

number of positions. He was a member of the teaching staff of the Marine Biological Laboratory, odds Hole, from 1962 to 1968 and again in 1970, the Head of the Genetic and Development Disorders Research

Program at the Delta Regional Research Laboratory, Covington, from 1964 to 1967 and Professor of

Embryology at Tuiane University, New Orleans, from 1964 to 1967

I He then became Professor of Animal Embryology at Cambridge in 1967 where he remained until 1981.

Professor Austin's research topics ban be divided into five categories:- I

I

(1) gamete form and function;

(2) mechanisms of sperm penbtration;

(3) reactions of the egg to spetm entry;

(4) cytology of fertilization and, cleavage, both normal and anomalous;

(5) fate and possible significadce of non-fertilizing spermatozoa. 1 I

Thls research on fertilization was drirnarily with mammals, but included some non-mammals. The details

are extensive and need not be described here.

After retirement from Cambridge, he was editor of Bio!ogical Reviews for 32 years before returning to

Australia to live in Queensiand. ~oh i ths tand in~ this, he continues to be busy as an editorfa! consultant, a

foreign correspondent, a co-organder of a symposium and a writer, etc.

His membership of scientific societies both in Australia and Great Britain is extensive. He has been a

member of many councils and cdmmittees in several countries and has been the chairman and/or

secretary and convenor of a numb$r. He has also been opening speaker, given a paper or been a guest

lecturer at meetings in Australia and' overseas.

Professor Austin is the sole author cjf three monographs, has been the edltor or co-editor of 18 books and,

needless to say, has been the author of about 160 research reports, abstracts, reviews and chapters, etc.

Emeritus Professor W P Rogers is yet another former member of the research staff of this Laboratory with

a subsequent distinguished career at the University of Adelaide.

Buddy Rogers is a Western ~ustralien. He graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Western Australia

in 1936. Subsequentiy, he had a Commonwealth Postgraduate Award with wRich Re studied parasltoiogy

under Dr H W. Bennetts, a veterinary pathologist with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture.

He was awarded an M.Sc. in 1938. His papar on trichostrongyie larvae is said to be a remarkable

103 I

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I contribution so early in his career. He then held a Hackett Studentship from the University with which he

was awarded a Ph.D. in 1940 from khe London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for a collection of

papers ranging from taxonomy to physiology. After an unsuccessful attempt at sewice ln the R.A.F. he

entered the Molteno institute at Cambridge as a Post-doctorai Fellow. During his time there Re took Part ll

of the Tripos in biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, which he says gave him a basis for

knowledge and biochemical understanding. I

I

Professor Rogers returned to Australia in 1946 when he was appointed as a Research Officer

(parasito!ogy) at the Laboratory. Before starting at the Laboratory, Dr Bull, then Chief of the Dlvislon, and

with whom he was very impressed, introduced him to some of the staff at Parhille and at other Divisions

in Melbourne and Canberra. His research at the Laboratory is described in Chapter V.

In 1952 he was appointed professor of Zoology at the University of Adelaide and served as Dean of the

Faculty of Science during his Perm bf office. He was appointed as Professor of Parasitology In 1962. Thls

was a personal cRair made possible by a research grant from the Public Health Service of the USA, part of

which paid half his salary. This enabled him to devote more time Po research and facilitate his transfer to

the Waite Agricultural Research institute in 1966, although he retained his appointment as Professor of

Parasitology. He retired in 1979 as Emeritus Professor. Thls was, in fact, a formal retirement as he

remained at the Waite as an ~onorary Research Fellow with grants from the World Health Organization

and the Australian Research Grants Scheme. Professor Rogers has recently retlred from research work

as he no longer has these grants. He now lives on a farm that Re has owned for some time in the Adelaide

Hills .

When he moved from the Laborat,ory to Adelaide, administration meant that his volume of work was

reduced, but, nevertheless, his ihfluence on the department was considerable. TRere was much

discussion on a wide range of topics, not only on parasitology. This discussion involved all staff, the only

criterion was that one's contrlbutioh had to be meaningful. As Professor of Parasitology he became less

invofved with administration. 8

Inevitably, he was free to develop his own ideas on the inter-relationship between the parasite and the

host when Re moved to Adelaide. Professor Rogers could then become more interested and involved

with the fundamental physiology and biochemistry of nematode parasites, particularly with the adaptive

significance of their blochemica! systems to the host-parasite relationship and its evolutlon. This Is not the

place to follow his hypotheses in detail but his work has led to an understanding of exsheathlng and,

hence, to the hatching process. The sequence of events within the infecflve stage Ras indicated that

enzymes and an endocrine sys te i are involved, together with an appropriate stimulus from the host.

Furthermore, he and a colleague became interested in changes in sets of genes in the parasite, with the

reversal of their inhibition after infection of tRe host.

Professor Rogers became a ello oh of the Australian Academy of Science in 1954. He received a D.&.

from the University of London in 1956 and is a Fellow of the Australian Society for Parasito!ogy, of whlkh

he was President in 1965-66. in August 1986, he was President of the Sixth internationas Congress of

Parasitology held On Brisbane. He has also President of Section D of ANZAAS in 1956 when he delivered

a paper entitled "The physiologicai basis of parasitism'. His book 'The Nature of Parasitism', which, In

fact, asked more questions than it answered, was published in 1962.

Dr I) F (Douglas) Stewart had a long career at the McMaster Laboratory and was appointed Associate

Chief of the Division in 1959. He was the son of J D Stewart who was the first Professor of Veterinary

Science, University of Sydney. douglas graduated with Second Class Honours from the Faculty of

Veterinary Science, University of sydney, in 1932 and was awarded the Cooper Prize for Parasitology. I

I

On graduation Douglas joined thei~epartment of Agriculture. Queensland, from 1932 before becoming '

the Walter and Eliza Fellow in Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney until 1936. With thls

Fellowship he went to the London school of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Pathology Institute of

the Royal Veterinary College in London. He was awarded the Academic Post-graduate Diploma In

Bacteriology by the University o i London in 1935. He and Dr T S Gregory were the first Australian

veterlnarians to win this distinctibn. He then returned to Australia to join the research staff of the

Veterinary Research Station of the bew South Wales Department of Agriculture at Glenfield. He held thls

appointment until 1942, but this was interrupted by servlce as a Captain in the Australian Army Veterlnary

Corps between 1939 and 1942. d e n followed a secondment to the Division of Food Preservation. CSIR.

until 1945. Douglas then joined the staff of this Laboratory in 1946 as a Senior Research Officer. He was

awarded the degree of D.V.Sc., ~ h i v e r s i t ~ of Sydney in 1953 for his studies on immunity to heimlnth

Infections. I I

i He succeeded D A Gill as 0-i-C of the Laboratory in 1954, a positlon he held until his retirement In October

1974. Douglas was appointed ~shociate Chief in 1959. The titie Associate Chief virtually meant that

Douglas was second only to the CHief of the Division and was ranked above Assistant Chief. He was the

first Associate Chief appointed by CSIRO. Douglas was also Acting Chief of the Division for several

lengthy periods. i

The research for which Douglas is best known is undoubtedly that of 'self cure', partlcular!y in parasitic '

infections of sheep with H. contortus, although its occurrence was also examined On other Infections,

notably with Trichostronavl~ss spp. The term 'self-cure'refers to the eradication of an infecting parasite

when a sheep ingests more larvae of that species. This phenomenon 1s dealt with In more detail in

Chapter V. He was best known fot his research in parasitology, but he was originally appointed 3s a

bacteriologist and was involved in research in several bacteria! diseases and recommenced work on

footrot of sheep, particularly its control by the topl~al application of antibiotics. I

Douglas's important part in the two-way movement of promlsfng young research staff with Divisional

Studentships to appropriate institutions in Britain or the USA and that of distinguished Ian McMaster

Fellowships has been described in Chapter VIII. His comments on the management and use of industry

funds, particularly wool funds, that came to the Laboratory, are included in Chapter Ill.

;

Douglas as 0-I-C was well known for his loyalty to and encouragement of his research staff. Several who

knew him have remarked on the& characteristbs. He would loyally support the work and point d view of

a researcher when discussing him or her with the Chief. (Perhaps the nearest thing to crltlcism of thls

support of the staff was a suggestion by someone who said that thls loyalty could lead to Douglas's

supporting a person un)ustifiably.) Then he might suggest how its presentation in a paper might be

improved. A former member of tde research staff with experience of other laboratories has remarked on

the good co-operative spirit at thb McMaster Laboratory when he was a member of the staff. This was

largely due to Douglas's loyalty to his staff, for which he will be remembered.

I

He was awarded the Gilruth Prizd by the AVA in 1977 for meritorious service to Veterinary Science in

Australia. I

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In 1959 Douglas was invited to give seminars at the Rockefeller institute and the New York Society of

Tropical Medicine. I

In 1962 he was one of the nine from overseas invited to join an International Panel at the University of

Maryland on lmmunodiagnosis of Helminth infections. This panel was sponsored by the National

Institutes of Health at Bethesda, USA.

He led the Australian delegation to'the FAQ/OIE lnternatlonal Conference in Rome on Sheep Diseases in

In 1970 he was invited by N.O.E. (Rambouiilet) to visit France to advise on the control of sheep diseases,

particularly footrot. I

In 1971 he was Animal Health Consultant to FA0 to survey and report upon the national veterinary

laboratories in Asia and the Far East. Although stationed in Bangkok he visited nine countries in the area. I

In Australia, he was from 1966 to 1977 the first Chairman of the National Committee for Eradication of

Tuberculosis and Bruceilosis. This appointment was made by the Standing Committee on Agriculture.

Douglas wss also elected to a number of positions as a prominent veterinarian:-

He was Honorary Secretary of the AVA from 1954 to I958 and President in 1955-56 and a Fellow from

1958.

I i He led the Australian delegation tq the XVlth World Veterinary Congress in Madrld in 1959.

I

He was Honorary Secretary of thy National Committee of the World Veterinary Congress which was held

in Sydney in 1977.

He was a Foundation Fellow and first President in 1971 of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.

In 1961 he was President of ~ect idn L of ANZAAS and President of the Medical Sciences Club in 1965.

In 1975 Re was made a Fellow of tlie Australian Society for Parasitology. I

Douglas was also closely associated with the Faculty of Veterinary Science, UnbersRy of Sydney. He was

member of the Post-graduate ~orhrnittee from 1965-1977, and a member of the Faculty from 1961-1979.

The latter was as a member "Distinguished in Veeednary Science". I

I After his retirement he was a conduitant from 1974 to 1976 with the Merck, Sharp and Dohme Research

I

Laboratories, Rahway, New ~ e r s d ~ , USA. In 1983 he was elected an Honorary Member of the World

Veterinary Association for the ~dvahcement of Veterinary Parasitology. I

I

Dr John K Dineen was a Chief ~e$earch Scientist who was 0-I-C of the Laboratory from July 1983 and

then Assistant Chief of the ~ iv is iod from July 1986, until hls retirement in 1987. He was also Acting Chief

of the Division of Animal Health for Sometime before his retirement.

I John was an Immunologist who graduated with a 8 . 5 ~ . ln 1951 in microbldogy and Mochemistry. In 1956

he earned a Ph.D. On mlcroblology. in 1976 he was granted a D.Sc. in immunology. These three degrees

were from the University of ~delalcfe. * 1

John was employed at the Walter ahd Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne where he worked on transplantation

immunity under the supervision of Sir McFadane Burnen. However, he joined the staff of the Laboratory

as a Senior Research Officer in Ahgust, 1961, to work on the immunology of endoparasitic infection,

especially an nematode infectiofls of sheep. AltRough much of his work could be described as

fundamental, he was very interested in the applied aspects of immunology, particularly of nematode

infection. Details of this research ark included in Chapter V.

He was well known at the Laboratory for his firm opinions about immunology and Its relevance to the

pastoral Industry. Many of the prese::: staff remember his discerssions on this subject, particularly those

with his friend and colleague Dr Alarl Donald.

He also collaborated with others, both inside and outside the CSIRB, namely, the Division of Proteln

Chemistry and the Department of Agriculture, New South Wales.

I

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John was an Associate of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, and of the University of

New South Wales. He supervised two Ph.Ds for the University of Sydney and one for the University of

New South Wales, two M.Scs and a B.Sc. (Vet.) for the University of Sydney, and a M.Rur.Sc. for the

University of New England.

John formally retired in July 1987, but retained contact as an Honorary Research Fellow to oversee some

research at the Laboratory. i

I

He was a member of:- I i

I Australian Society for Animal Production

Australian Society for lmmdpology

British Society for lmmunology

Australian Society of ~ a r a s i i o ~ o ~ ~ of which he was President from 1987 - 1988.

John is the editor or author of a number of books, or part thereof.

Dr A.D. Donald has a distinguished career, but is not typlcal of those in this chapter as he remains in the

CSIRO. His is a good example of a research scientist who began as an Experimental Officer On 1961, but

who was granted a Divisional Studentship to the University of Brlstol in 1963 and who returned as a Senior

Research Officer in 1966. He was O-i-C of the Laboratory from 1981 to 1983, Chief of the Division of

Animal Health from 1983 to 1986, then Acting Director 0% the institute d Animal and Food Sciences from

1986 to 1987 and is now the Director of the institute of Animal Production and Processing that took its

place. I I I

Although an Australian citizen, Alan was born in Fiji. He graduated as a B.V.Sc. with Second Class

Honours from the University of Sydney in 1956 and won the Wiiliam Cooper and Nephews Prl;ze in

Veterinary Parasitoiogy in 1954. His first employment was as a Teaching Fellow in Veterinary Pathology at

the University of Sydney before becorning a veterinary pathologist with the Department of Agriculture In

Fiji. He was a pathologist with the Hydatid Research Unit of the New Zealand Medical Research Council

for six months before joining the staff of the Laboratory. As a Research Student he was awarded a Ph. D.

by the Department of Zoology of the University of Bristol. Alan eventually became a Senior Principal

Research Scientist in 1974.

At the Laboratory Alan's research was the study of the epidemiology, perhaps better described as the

ecology, of endoparasites of sheep, particularly of H. contortus T. colubriformis and Ostertaaia spp. (see

Chapter V). This also involved work In Canberra, On close collaboration with Dr. Morley and others of the

Division of Plant Industry in Victoria, at the Regionel Pastoral Laboratory at Armidaie, as well as at the farm 3

at Badgery9s Creek and elsewhere in New South Wales. He will also be remembered for his friendship

and collaboration with Dr John Dineen, who was a wesi-known lmmuno~ogist of endoparasitic Infections. I

I He was Acting Director of the Institute of Animal and Food sciences after the retirement of br. K.A.

I Fergusson in April 1986. He then became the Director of the lnstitute of Animal Production and

Processing that at present is made up of the Divisions of Animal Health, Animal Production, Wool I

Processing, Tropical Animal Production, Meat and Dairy Processing and Human Nutrition.

Alan is a Member or Fellow of a number of organizations, in some of which he has had or has an

executive position. He is a Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and a Fellow of tha

Australian Society for Parasitology, the lnstitute of Biology, the Australian lnstitute of Biology and the

Australian Academy of Technologi~al Sciences and Engineering. He was the first Vice-President of the

World Federation of ~aras i to lo~ is t i from 1982 to 1986, was an Executive Board Member from 1978 to

1986, a member of the Organizing Committee and Congress Treasurer of the Vlth lnternationa! Congress I

of Parasitologists in Brisbane in 1986. He was a member of the World Association for the Advancement of

Veterinary Parasitology from 1975, t e Treasurer of its 8th International Conference On Sydney in 1977 and

has been an executive board rnedber since 1983. Alan was a Foundation Member of the Australian

Society for Parasitology in 1963, the Secretary in 1968 to 1970, the Treasurer In 1970-71, President-Elect

from 1978 to 1980, the President in 1b80-81 and the Vice-President in 1981-82.

i Alan is also a member of the Aust alian Veterinary Association, the Australian College of Veterinary

Scientists, the Australian Society of Animal Production and the Australian Biotechnology Association.

1

He has also been closely associalad with veterinary science at the University of Sydney. He was an

Honorary Associate of the ~ e ~ a r t r h e n t of Veterinary Pathology and has been a member of the Post-

Graduate Committee from 1979 and a Distinguished Member of the Faculty since 1983.

I Alan is a member of the Wool Research and Development Council, a board member and member of the

Policy Advisory Council of the Australian Centre for lnternational Agricultural Research and a board

member of Sirotech Lld.; the Past two since 1988.

i

Alan is a Foundation Member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Veterinary ParasitoSoay, a journal

published by Elsevler, Amsterdam. He has been on the Panel of Referees of the Dnternatlonal Journal for

Parasitoloay since 1976 and a member of the Editorial Advisory Council since 1988. We Is the co-editor of

two books on parasitology and Ras supewised a number of theses for the Faculty of Veterinary Science,

University of Sydney.

H (Harry) A. Offord was a Senior ~ebhnical Officer when he retired in January 1975, but was on the staff

longer than almost anyone, except berhaps Or Hugh Gordon. He began at the University of Sydney in

1926 as a technical assistant to Dr Dodd. In January. 1931 he came to the Laboratory, and hence

joined the CSIR, as a Laboratory Technician with Dr Carne who, however, remained on the staff of the

University and who was working on CLA on sheep. Some equipment belonging to the CSIR came with a

them. Dr Carne 81 Harry Offord continued the research on CeA for some time.

Harry started work in the sterilizind room which, with some modifications, remained his work place until

his retirement. Len Whitlock, later an employee of the University and eider brother of Harold Whitlock (see

below) was his first junior assistant. Harry was for sometime also In charge of tRe store. He spent much

of his time at the Laboratory sowing cultures and preparing media for a succession of researchers. These,

apart from Dr Carne, included Drs. Beveridge, Thomas and Egerton (footrot), Dr Roberts (foot abscess)

and, earlier, Dr Gregory. On fact, he estimates that he spent 44 years at McMaster Laboratory, although he

spent the war in various laboratories in New Guinea, etc., where he said he learnt some of the techniques

he subsequently used. Harry therefore had an important part in bacterloiogical research at the

Laboratory.

He worked with all the officers-in-charge from Dr Clunies Ross to Durno Murray. He was wlth Dr Helen

Turner who was then Clerical Assistant and with Tom Lewis as Laboratory Secretary. He saw

considerabie physical changes to the Paboratory, lncPuding the building of the Ian McMaster Wing. Harry

Offord did indeed have a Pong careel at the Laboratory.

Fred Hamilton was a Technical Officer at the Laboratory for about 30 years and well-known to all who had

anything to do with experimental animals and the Annexe. He began at the Veterinary School of the

University of Sydney in 1929 as what one might calP a general offsider, whicR means Re did odd Jobs for

everyone. Pn 1930 he spent much time assisting Norman Graham, then House Surgeon at the Veterinary

School, until he joined the staff at the Laboratory in 1931. For many years he cared for sheep and small

animals, built animal accommodation, and had a part in planning and replanning a succession of buildings l

and laboratory facilities for the parasitologists. He had a major part In the deveiopment of the F.D.

McMaster Field Station and some part in the development of the original !an Clunies Ross Laboratory at

Prospect for the Division of Animal Physiology, as it was then.

I

To many of us he will be remembered for his important involvement wlth experimental surgery in the

Annexe. Fred became a skilled surgeon, particularly for the insertion of cannulae into the gastrointestines

of sheep. He was also a skilled anaesthetist. He was also involved wlth some of the early work on human

heart surgery which was, in fact, tried out with sheep at tRe Laboratory. h

He was finally in charge of all sheep in the Annexe. Fleld work and even shearing at Cunnamulla in

Queensland during a shearers' strike, as we%! as advice and help to many people at the Laboratory were

all part of Fred's activities. I

In 1959 he accompanied two live sheep cargoes from sydney to San Dlego, California, in the "Delfino".

His experience with feeding and ventilation as well as th$ general care of the animals, provided a useful

background of information for the later deve!opments in the export sf live sReep from Australia.

Fred left the CSlRO in 1962 to become a Technical Officer with Merck Sharp and Dohme Pty Ltd. Then,

finally, shortly before his death in 1976, he took care of experimental animals for the University of New

South Wales at Prince Henry ~ o s ~ i t a l . Fred Hamilton had an important share in the development of

i 110' I

4

McMaster Laboratory.

E.(Ed) A. Parrish was first a bacteriological technician from 1931 and then a Technical Officer from 1935 to

1947/48 when he was invalided out of the CSlR because he was hunch-backed. He is best remembered

as the photographer. The Library has "A Photographic Record of Some Work Carried Out at the

Laboratory", dated 1940 and signed by E Parrish. This record includes photographs of the F D McMaster

Animal Health Laboratory, as well as early scientists, technicians, laboratory assistants at work, processes

in use or diseases encountered.

Despite his disability. Ed Parrish is remembered by Dr Hugh Gordon as a good tennls player and rMe shot

with considerable skil! as an afpist. I I

H V Whltlock was a technician $he played a major part in, as Dr Gordon said in his obituary in the

Australian Veterinary Journal. "establishing and embellishing the name of McMaster Laboratory...". Harold

joined the Laboratory in 1934 as akiboratory Technician to work with the 0-LC, Dr Clunles Ross, as he

was then. By 1937, when Dr Cldnies Ross resigned. Harold had a close working assoclatlon and

friendship with Hugh Gordon. Vnti his resignation from the CSlRO In 1959 to Joln a pharmaceutical firm.

he was responsible for much paras)tological work that included technical advances, teaching aids and the

design of laboratories. But he is best known round the world for the McMaster Worm Egg Counting

Chamber that underwent many mobifications from 1939. This method of egg counting was designed by

Harold because of the increasing number of sheep in parasltologicai trials. The final modification was

described in 1980 as the 'Universal Method'.

In 1956, while on the staff of th 1 Laboratory, Harold was seconded to the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United ati ions to work in South America. He was to establish laboratories, to train

people in diagnostic and experimental techniques and to implement programs on the epidemiology of

helminth diseases. During this timd he worked in Uruguay, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. In 1976-77 Re Rad

leave from the University of Sydney, where he was then, to teach in the University of SBo Pauio, Brazil. I I

After working with a firm until 1968, Harold was employed by Troy Laboratories until he

had a severe Reart attack in 1971, after which he joined the University of Sydney In the Department of

Veterinary Surgery. In 1973 he was transferred to the Section of Veterinary Parasitology until his

retirement in 1980.

Harold also had such a fine voice that Re entered Eisteddfods. In one of these he was second only to

Joan Suthedand and was piaced ahead of June Bronhill. He also painted and etched and designed the

Bancroft-Mackerras Medal oi the Australian Society for Parasitology.

Harold died in May, 1985.

Alrna Culey was Librarian from 1d46 to 1967, but was then seconded to the Australlan Meat Research

Committee to prepare the "Australian Bibliography on the Biology of the Sheep and the Sheep industry".

She remained at the Laboratory unh! her retirement from the CSlRO in 1969, but could be consulted by Jill I

Franklin, her successor. 1

Alma had her own original sclence degree and her MSc from the University of Sydney where she looked

after the llbrary in the Geology 6epartment, demonstrated and did some research. She was then

employed as a librarian for eight years at the Sydney County Council before jolnlng the Laboratory as

Librarian.

When she joined the staff at the Laboratory the library was housed in a small room at the top of the then

entrance stairs where the display rack took up most of the space. In 1952 the library expanded to Include

the small room at one end of the original room. Here the shelves extended from the floor to the ceiling

and practically the entire floor space was occupied by one large reading table surrounded by chairs. The

llbrary was still too cramped, but there was no further change in accommodation until the completion of

the Ian WlcMaster Wing in 1956. The present library in Phis wing is descrlbed in Chapter VIII. Aima Is

proud of the fact that the library did not close during the move to new quarters. Thls has also been

descrlbed On Chapter Vl19.

Consequent on the expansion of @SIR in the early post-war years, new research centres (related to

McMaster Laboratory) came into being - Fleece Analysis Laboratory, Wool Biology Laboratory and

Regionaf Pastoral Laboratory at Armidale. Alrna was made responsible for the organisation of the nucleus

libraries of these new laboratories. This involved the ordering and processing of all books and periodicals,

and personal help was given the officer in charge of the small libraries. Catalogue cards of thelr holdings

were sent to the individual libraries and to Head Office Library, while a set was retained for the McMaster

Library Union Catalogue. When the new research centres had grown and were able to appoint trained

librarians the existing relevant records and library responsibility were transferred from McMaster Library.

Another interesting aspect of her work, which she enjoyed, concerned the assembling and regular

dispatch to the Veterinary Bulletin (Weybridge, England) of abstracts of Australian veterinary research

papers. Dudley Gill, when he became 0-i-C, took responsibility for this service. Originally he selected the

papers to be abstracted, and allotted them to veterinarians on his staff or the University of Sydney

Veterinary School. When Alma became familiar with this system, she was able to select the papers and

abstracters, without reference to higher authority, and Dater to write abstracts of certain papers herself.

Nevertheless, the 0- i -C saw all the abstracts before they were sent to the Veterinary Bulletin. The

abstracting service ceased at about the time she retired.

Largely due to the interest of Ian Clunies Ross originally and the continued interest of Hugh Gordon

(Honorary Librarian of the AVA), the library holdings of the Laboratory and the AVA Rave always been

housed together at McMaster and function as one library. Thls has been descrfbed h Chapter VIII.

In Alma's years at the Laboratory, the AVA did not employ a separate librarian, all the library work being

done by the Laboratory staff. The liaison with Hugh Gordon was always very g o d . I I

1 I

Alma was the Librarian at the Laboratory for many years. She was quiet and efficient. Many of the older

staff, some now retired, remember her with pleasure.

George C Merritt was another person who was on the staff of the Laboratory for a long time. He had a

number of Officers-in-Charge, Chidis of the Division and worked w6h many different people. He also saw

major changes to the Laboratory ahd to animal accommodation, as well as the construction of workshops l

and garages, etc. George also say major changes to the outlook of the CSiRO and to the employment

and status of the staff. He has opinions on all these changes and people. I

George began as a Technical Assistant in 1948, but was an Experimental Scientist when he retired In

March 1985. When he joined the Laboratory from the School of Tropical Medlclne, University of Sydney,

he was on the final year of a five course at Sydney Technical College.

George became a Technical Offic 6 r when, as was then the arrangement, he passed that flnal year. He

was originally an histologist and wdrked for Dr M C Fmnkiin, and later, for D rC R Austin. For the latter he

pioneered the preparation of sectidns of mouse eggs. D A Gill, who at that time was 0-LC, had hundreds

of agglutination tests lo examine fAr erysipelas, but, typical of him, believed that thk could only be done

by a veterinarian. However, circumstances made it necessary that George should do them. Although

Dudley Gill at first watched him ved carefully, George could easily do many more aggiutinatlon tests than

were ever possible before then.

When Dr W P Rogers wanted some photography after the enforced retirement of Ed Parrlsh, George did

this in addition to the histology. <his continued for some years, but the section became so busy with

histology and some bacteriology that there were eventually four assistants.

Meanwhile, there were changes to t i e technical and professional grades in the CSIRO. Technicians could

do conversion courses at technical colleges. George was one of those who did a diploma conversion

course in one year to qualify as a m/crobio90gist.

He then worked for Drs. Egerton and Roberts who were working on fooltrot and mycotic dermatitlb,

respectively, and who wanted sera separated into their globulin classes. Eventually, George was one of

those interviewed successfully to become an Experimental Officer. This was sometime in the year 1967 to

1968.

In about 1969 George became directly irlvoived with research with fDeece rot, which, because it was a

predisposing cause of blowfly strike and was under the control of M.D. Murray of the external parasites

group who wanted the microbiological aspects investigated. Thus, George was involved h initiating

research. He worked witR Jim watts from the New South Wales Department of Agriculture and with a Ph.

D. student from the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the University of Sydney. While working on

fleece rot his money for research came mainly from the Wool Board. George thus continued research

until his retirement. Details of this research are g'iven 'in Chapter V1.

Professors

I

An appreciable number of the reskarch staff left the Laboratory and eventually became professors at

various universities. Three of these were appointed to chairs in Sydney, one each in Adelaide, Melbourne

and Brisbane, two at the University of Cambridge in England, two in Canada and one each in Switzerland

and the USA.

The three in Sydney were Sir tan Clunies Ross, Dr @ H Gallagher and Br 4 R Egerton.

Sir Ian Clunies Ross, Dr Ian Clunies Ross as he then was, left the Laboratory in 1937 and eventually

became the Professor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in 1940, a position he held until

1946. An account of his distinguished career is given in this Chapter.

Dr Cllff Gallagher graduated with first-class honours in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney In

1952 and was immediately employed as a Research Officer at the Laboratory where he worked on a wide

range of projects in bacteriology, parasitology, pregnancy toxaemia and plant poisoning of sheep, but

was always interested In the underlying biochemistry. He earned a PR. D. with Professor Cameron at the

University College Hospital in London in 1955 and was awarded a D.V.Sc. from the University of Sydney

On 1962. In 1966 he was chosen as Chief of the Division of Animal Nutrition In Adelaide, but before he took

up that posRlon he was offered the post of the Hughes Prdessor of Veterinary Pathology at the University

of Sydney. He retired at the end of 1989.

Dr John Egerton graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Queensland in 1955, but came to the

Laboratory from New Guinea in 1964 for research in footrot of sheep. In New Guinea he was a Principal

Research Officer in the Department for Agriculture, Stock and Fisheries. He left the Laboratory In 1972 to

become Professor of Veterinary Medicine at tRe University of Sydney, and eventually one of the two

Professors of Veterinary Clinical Studies, a position he still holds. His principal research remains in

vaccines against footrot.

Dr W P Rogers, now an Emeritus Professor, is the one member of the staff who became a professor at the

University of Adelaide. He left the Laboratory in I952 to become Professor of Zoology and was at one

time Dean of the Faculty of Science. On 1962 he was appointed to a personal Chair of Parasitology at this

University until his retirement In 1979. An account of his career is outlined 'in this Chapter.

Dr R L Reid is the one research scientist from the Laboratory who became a professor h Melbourne. Hb

gained the B.Sc. Agr. from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Agricultural Chemistry

and the University Medal in 1944. He was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1948. I I

Dr Reid became an Assistant Research Officer at McMaster Laboratory in February 1944, but left in

October 1953 to join the Division of Animal Physiology at the Pan Clunies Ross Animal Research

Laboratory. Whilst at the McMaster Laboratory Re participated In a number of research projects In

nutrition of sheep, mostly under the direction of Dr PA C Franklin.

I He was appointed Foundation Profbssor of Agriculture at La Trobe University in Melbourne in January

1968 and was Dean of the School frdm 1968 to 1974. He retired from his Chair in 1978 to become the first

Emeritus Professor of the university, but has been a consultant in nutrition and behaviour in the School of

Behavioural Sciences and a lecturer in human nutrition In the School of Agriculture for the last four years. I

i Dr P.M. Outteridge was appointed ;the first Professor of Farm Animal Medicine and Production in the

Faculty of Veterinary Science at the bniversity of Queendand.

Peter graduated with a B.V.SC. in 1964 and a Ph.D. in 1968, both from the Unlverslty of Sydney. For about

four years he was with the Dairy Research Foundation of the University of Sydney at Camden, New South

Wales. He then had two years as a Post-doctoral Fellow with the University of California at Davis, before

being appointed in 1969 to the CSI~O Animal Health Research Laboratory, Parkvllle, Victoria. Here he

worked on macrophage cellular ihmunity to bovine tuberculosis which developed into a study of

lymphocytes. In 1976 he went to tde ARC Institute of ~ n i m a l Physiology, Babraham, England to further

his study of lymphocytes. On his reiurn to Parhi!le, he developed his study of Pymphocfles in sheep and

pigs and applied this to tissue typing in cattle. I I

In 1980 Peter transferred to McMaster Laboratory with the lmmunology group to contlnue his study of

tissue typing in sheep, particularly in: high to low responders to infection with parasites. However, he also

co-operated with the Faculty of veteirinary Science, University of Sydney, that was working with footrot in

sheep, with Curtin University In Western Australia, with New Zealand and with others. It is this wide range

of domestic animals that interested the University of QueensOand.

Peter was a Principal Research Scientist when Re resigned to accept the appointment at the University of

Queensland in October 1989.

The two who b e c m e professors in England were Drs W 9 B Bever'ldge and C R Austln. An account of

thelr careers is given in this Chapter.

Dr tan Eleveridge !eft the Laboratory in 4939 and eventually became Professor of AnimaP Pathology at the

University of Cambridge in 1949 where he was responsible for setting up the Veterinary School. He retired I

Dr 'Bunny' Austin left the Laboratbry in 1954 and held various positions until he became Professor of

Embryology at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA, in 1964, then in 1967, the Charles Darwin Professor

of Animal Embryology at Cambridge. He retired in 9981 and now lives On Queensland.

The two who became professors in Canada are Drs Margaret Hardy

and R K Prlchard. I

Dr Hardy was originally on the staff at the Laboratory before joining the Wool BioOogy Laboratory, which

was also part of the then Division of Animal Health and Production. She Deft that Laboratory sometime in

1952/53 to eventually become, ds Hardy-Faiding (the latter Is her married name) Professor in the

Department of BiomedicaP science$ in the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She retired In

September 1985 and is now ~rofeshor Emeritus, altRougR at the time of writing, she still! supervised some

post-graduate students.

Roger Prichard joined the Laboratory in 1970 after graduating B.Sc. with Second Class Honours in

Division II in 1966 and Ph.D. On 1969, both Drorn the University of New South Wales. He left the Laboratory

in May, 1984 to become Director of the institute of Parasitology and Professor of Parasitology at McGill

University, Montreal. He has since deen appointed Vice-Principal Research at the same University.

Dr J C Boray has a D.V.M. (1954) from Budapest, Hungary, and was a Senlor Lecturer after completing a

PH.D. on hydatid disease. He left Hungary in 1956 to come to Australia where he Joined the CSlRO at the

Laboratory. After working with the snail which Is the Intermediate host of F. he~atica he left at the end of

1968 to work for about a year with Professor Enigk at the University in Hanovet-, West Germany, before his

appointment as Senior Lecturer arid later as Professor of Helminthology at the University of ZuricR in

Switzerland. Dr Eckert, now a professor, was head of the Depar?ment of Parasitology. Joe Boray

eventually returned to Australia in 1972 as Director of Research with Ciba-Geigy at Kemp's Creek, New

South Wales. He flnajfy 'left them in 1982 to become a Principal Research Scientist at the Central

Veterinary Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Glenfield, New South Wales.

Dr. S.S.Y. Young graduated B.V.Sc. from Shanghai and eventually came to Australia Po learn about wool

as he already had experience of the wool buying business In China. Because Re did not wish to return to

China, he eventually became a Technical Officer In the Strain Trial with sheep. in 1956 he Joined the

Anlmai Breeding Section at the McMaster Laboratory. He then gained a CSlRO Scholarship to get a Ph.D.

from the University of Sydney and became a Research Officer with the Section. He also has a D.Sc. from

the Univershy of New South Wales. Dr. Young left Australia to take the chair of genetics at the Ohio Stztte

University at Columbus, USA. He has now retired.

CHAPTER X

Vlsitors

Visitors have always been important to the Laboratory. UndouMdiy the Laboratory was so well known

throughout the world that many came for that reason. UnfoflmnatePy it Is inevitable that some are missing

from the Pist because sources are incomplete or because there are statements in the annual reports such

as "... there were eight visitors to the Division during the year" but then are no names and where they went

during their time in Australia. The names of Fellows and Scholars are listed In Chapter Vll and are not 1

enumerated here. I am indebted to br. Hugh Gordon for visitors in the early years.

Graziers I I

There were many visitors in the e&ly years who were friends of Sir Frederick McMaster or who had

contacts with the Laboratory. ~ h e d e included people who knew Dr. Clunies Ross, Norman Graham or

Hugh Gordon. Some came by invitation, some on their own volition. They came to seek information, to I

renew friendships or to seek speakers to field days or other meetings of the grazing fraternity. They were

of tremendous value to the Laborajory and the CSlR as a form of public relatlons and as a boost to the

morale of individual research workers.

Japanese

Dr. Clunies Ross spent i; year In Tokyo In Japan in 1929 and 1930 at the Research institute of Infectious

Diseases. Here he made the acquaintance of numerous scientists, partYculaffy pamsiltolog9sts. As a result

there were visits by groups of scientists from Japan. I

Parasitologists

i

There have a number of parasitologiAts over the Laboratory's existence.

E.L. Taylor came in an uncomfortable converted military aircraft In 1947 from the Central Veterinary

Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. He had a special interest in the epidemiology of

the gastrointestinal hesminthoses sf Cuminants and spent some time at this Laboratory but also visited the

CSlR at Armidale and Brisbane. '

Professor T.W.M. Cameron, 'Director of the institute of Parasitoiogy zt Macdonald College of McGlll

University, Montreal, Canada visited the Laboratory In 1949.

Dr. R. Reinecke from the Ondersfepoorlt Veterinary Research Institute, South Africa, spent several months

here In 1959/60.

I

i Dr. H.O. Monnlg from the same Institute visited the Laboratory briefly In 1964. It is worth noting that he

worked on the oesophageal reflex of sheep in the early 1930's at about the same time that work at this

Laboratory showed that this reflex rlesponded to copper sulphate.

I Dr. H.D. Crofton from the University, of Bristol, England, came in 1968/69.

1

Professor E.G. Batte from the ~~ric'ulturai Experimental Station, North Carolina, USA, came for one month

I

Dr. J.A. Annen from the Institute of Parasitology, Zurich, Switzerland worked for a year on immunology in I

Dr. H. Dawklns, from the university of Western Australia, came for two years as a Queen Elizabeth II

Fellow to study helminth infections from 9982/83.

8

Dr. R.D. Bigalke, Director of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute, South Africa, had

discussions on internal parasites of lheep in 1982183.

I

Of external paraslt1sm:-

Dr. B.C. Nelson, Post-doctoral Fellow of the National institute of General Medical Sciences, USA, came in

E.Nevill from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute, South Africa and Dr. J.R. Llnley from the

Entomology Research Centre, Florida, USA, both studied biing insects in 1972.

There were FA0 Fellows from 1959/60 to about 1973 from Rhodesia, Chile, Egypt, Malaysia, India, Israel,

Iraq, Argentina, Pakistan, Iran, ~urma, Uruguay, Yugoslavia, Peru and Uganda.

There were also Colombo Plan visitors from 1965/66 to about 1973 from Sri Lanka, India, Singapore,

Burma, Uruguay, Yugoslavia, Peru, Uganda, Malaya and Israel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia also assisted two people from India On 1972. AIP these were

Interested in techniques of parasitology.

Other visitors

Professor S. Hoflund from the Royal Veterinary College, Sweden, came some time during 1963/64. Dr.

A.W. Kirsch studied the serologlca~ identification of marsupial blood for three months in 1967/68.

Slr John Rltchie CB, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College, London, Dr J.T. Stamp, Director and J.G.

Brotherston, both from the Moredun institute, Edinburgh and Dr. K.F. Wells, Veterinary Director - General

Department of Agriculture, Canada, ail visited the Laboratory in 1968/69.

Professor P.C. Doherty from the Wistar institute, Philadelphia, came On f980/81. I

Fulbright Fellowships

Dr. R.T. Clark - the Coordinator Beef Cattle Breeding Research, US Department of Agriculture, On 1956/57. I

Professor H.S. Cameron from the bchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California. USA, made a I

short visit in 1959/60. I

I

Dr. J.H. Turner from Beltsville worked with Dr. 4.K. Dineen on parasitic immunology for three years from

about 1964.

CHAPTER XI

Chiefs of Division and Assoclate Chief of Division, Officers-in-Charge and Head of Laboratory, and Research Staff of the Laboratory to December 31st, 1989

The sources of these lists are the ahual reports of the CSlR and CSlRO of the DMslon, interviews, the list

to 1973 compiled by M.D. Murray, Digests and recoiDections of individuals. The years of appointment are

enumerated. The degrees, final or present appointments and, when It is known, the appointments for

which he or she left the Laboratory, are also inc!uded. Resignations, transfers and retirements as, for

example 1947/48, when the exack year is not known is based upon the last appearance In an annual

report or the staff list. Maie or female is not differentiated. CRanges In designation of research staff are

notable and are used throughout. I

I 1

Staff Included In Chapter 1X Is markdd with an asterisk.

I

Errors are Inevitable. I 4 6

Chiefs and Associate Chief of Division

J.A. Glruth, D.V.Sc., Acting Chief of the Division of Animal Health, 1930 to 1933. Chief of Division, 1934.

L.B. Bull, D.V.Sc., Division sf Animal Health and Nutrition, 1935 PO 1944. Division of Animal Health and

Production 1945 to 1954. Was awkrded a CBE in 1952 and was a Foundation Fellow of the Austraiian

Academy of Science. I

!

D.A. Gill, D.V.S.M., 1954 to 1959.

T.S. Gregory, D.V.Sc., Division of ~n ima l Health, 1959 to 1966.

A.E. Pierce, D.V.S.M., M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc., 1966 to 1972.

A.K. Lascelles, M.V.Sc., Ph.D., 1973 to 1982.

A.D. Donald, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., 1983 to 1986. I L

M.D. Rickard, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., D.V.$c., 1989 to the present.

D.F. Stewart, D.V.Sc., Dip.Bact., Associate Chief of Division of Animal Health, 1959 to 1974.

There has been an Acting Chief of Division when the Chief was overseas or before the appointment had

been made.

Several Asslstant Chiefs have bee; appointed, but when this has involved people from this Laboratory I

they have been included In the staff list or in personal histories.

Officers-in-charge and Head sf Laboratory

Dr Ian Clunies Ross was the first 0-I-C of the Laboratory from July 1931 to May 1937, before he became

the Australian representative on the international Wooi Secretariat in London and, finally, a full-time

member of the Executive Committee of the CSIR. His outstanding contribution to science In Australia Is

told In Chapter IX. I

As Dr Uonel Bull said in his obituary in the Australian Veterinary Journal, Sir Ian Clunles Ross was "quick

to apply modern methods in expeiimenta! studies" and he sewed with great merit In this position until

1937. At the Laboratory he extended his study of the dog tick (I. Roiocvcius), he encouraged the use of

improved pastures despite the fear4 d stockowners that this would Dead to heavier worm infestations, Re

was Interested in control of parasitic infections and he studied specific infections.

I Apart fmrn research in which he wab involved, he had the ability to encourage others. Although I met him

only once, some years later when he was Chairman of the Executive of the CSIRO, D can vouch for his

encouragement and enthusiasm. 1 I I

In collaboration with Hugh Gordon he wrote a book entitled The internal Parasites and ParasMc Diseases

of Sheep" which was influential with both students and woo!growers.

Dudley A Gill succeeded Dr Ian Cl d nies Ross as 0-I-C In April 1938, after a period as Acting 0-1-C, and

held this position until June 1954. l,e was also Assistant Chief and then Chief of the Division from 1954 to

1959. A short notice of his career is given in Chapter IX. As it is said in that notice, he appeared distant

but was in fact very approachable. , I I

Douglas F Stewart was the third 0-I-C from July 1954 to September 1974. Dougias was the first Associate

Chief appointed by the CSORO, an appointment he held in conjunction whh that of 0-i-C. Douglas was a

veterinary bacterioiogist, but later did research in internal parasitic infection. An account of his career is

also given in Chapter iX where his loyalty to and suppori of his staff is commented upon.

M Durno Murray succeeded Dr Stewart as 0-i-C In October, 1974, a position he held until September,

1977. Dr A K Lasceiles, then Chief of the Division, instituted a policy tRat the 0-9-C should hold this

ps l t l on for about three years. Durno was the first of these. He was head of the group working on

external parasites so that his research is described in Chapter V. Durno had initially been asked by Dr

Stewart to be invoIved with McMaster Farm and animal accommodation in the Annexe before he became

0-i-C, but after he became 0-i-C he had an important part in finishing the construction of the small animal

unit at the Farm and the separation of the small animal unit from tRe sheep in the Annexe. I

I succeeded Durno Murray as 0-I-C from October 1977 Po February 1981. 1 was head of the group

working on the pathophysioPogy of internal parasitic Infection. Since my retirement in 1982, 1 was an

Honorary Research Scientist while 1 wrote 'Pathophysiology of Endoparasltic infection' for Academic

Press. Since then 1 have written this history of McMaster Laboratory.

Dr Alan D Donald succeeded me as 0-i-C in March 1981 until July 1983 when he became Chief of the

Division. A more detailed account of his career is given in Chapter IX, but he became 0-I-C at the

beginning of Important changes to the CSlRO generally and to the D N ~ s ~ o ~ of Animal Health in particular.

He was head of the group working on the ecology of parasites, both before and after they infected sheep.

He Is now Director of the Institute of Animal Production and Processing.

The next 0-i-C was Dr John K Dineen, the first non-veterinarian to be appolnted to this positlon. John was

a graduate from the University of Adelaide. At this Laboratory Re was entirely concerned with immunity to

internal parasitism, both the fundamental and applied aspects of this problem. John's professional

assoclatlon with Alan Donald was close as the ecology of parasites had an obvious relation to Immunity.

An account of his career is also given in Chapter 1X.

Dr Peter J Waller, who was a veterinary graduate from the Universlty of Sydney, was Acting 0-I-C for

about two years from 1985, but was finally 8-I-C for about I8 months until 1988 when he went to Denmark

as a visiting professor. He was interested in the ecology of internal parasitic infection. The funding and

management of the @SIR0 underwent radical changes wRilst Peter was Acting 0-9-C. This is described In

Chapter 111. It meant that the position of 0-i-C changed because the Program Manager was responsible

directly to the Chief of the Division and, through him, to the Director of the Institute. The 0-I-C then

became almost solely responsible for the administration of the laboratory.

in July 1989, the position of 0-i-@ became known as Head of Laboratory. Dr John W Steel, the second

0-1-C who was not a veterinarian, a blo~oglcal science graduate from the University of New England, took

this position, which he still holds. John was originally appointed to the team working on the

pathophyslology of internal parasitism, but subsequently changed to resistance of sheep, to anthelmintlcs,

and to anthelrnintic kinetics. John is also Manager of Program K concerned with internal parasites.

John was appointed Assistant Chief of the Division in January 1990.

Research Staff

*I Clunies Ross, D.V.Sc.. Chief ~arasi to io~is t & Officer-ln-Charge. Resigned to the lnfernatlonal Wool

Secretariat, London, 1937.

W A Carr-Fraser, D.Sc., B.V.Sc., ~akmatolo~ist. Resigned 1933 to Vita-Lick Ltd.

N P H Graham, B.V.Sc.. Field Officer, seconded to George Aiien, bastoral Research Trust 1933 to 1937.

Reslgned as Senior Research Officer, 1948 to William Cooper and Nephews. Reappointed as Senior I

Research Officer, 1956, Retired 1968.

G P Kauzal, D.Vet.Med. (Budapest) Assistant Parasitologist. Resigned as Research Officer, 1942 to set up

Taloil Industries.

*W 1 B Beveridge, B.V.Sc., Assistant Veterinary Officer. Seconded to Australian Pastoral Co., Noondoo,

1934-35. Reslgned as Senior ~esearch Officer, D.V.Sc., to the Walter & Eliza Hail institute, Melbourne,

I

E Munch-Petersen, M.Sc., Assistant l~acteriolo~ist (temporary). Resigned, 1934.

*H McL. Gordon, B.V.Sc., ~ssistank Parasitologist. A Walter & Eliza Hall Veterinary Science Fellowship,

1931-33 at the F D McMaster ~ n i m a i Health Laboratory. Seconded to Grazcos, 4935. Retired as Senior

Prlncipa! Research Officer D.V.Sc., 1'974.

*R B Kelley, B.V.Sc., Veterinary Field Officer. Transferred to F e) McMaster Field Station as Principal

Research Offices and Officer-In-Charge, 1938, D.V.Sc., Assistant Chief of Division, 1950. Retired, 1954. I I

L W N Fitch. B.V.Sc., Assistant ~actdr ido~lst. (only entry).

J A Dumaresq, B.V.Sc., Assistant Bacteriologist (on9y entry).

M R Freney, BSc., Assistant Research Officer. SeconcSed to the Central Wool Committee, Officer-ln-

Charge of the f esting House, 1941 /42.

R H Watson, B.Sc.Agr., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred to Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Adelaide.

0

1937 -

*D A Gil!, D.V.S.M., Acting Officer-in-Charge, 1937. Officer-in-Charge, 9938. Assistant Chief of Division of

Animal Health and Production, 1950. Chief of Division, 1951. Retired, 1954.

H E B Shaw, B.V.Sc., Veterinary Field Officer. Transferred to F D McMaster Reld Station, 1937-38.

T S Gregory, B.V.Sc., Principal Research Officer. On military leave 1948-41. Did not return to F D

McMaster Animal Health Laboratory, but transferred to Animal Health Research Laboratory, Parkville,

about 1946.

I W Montgomery, B.V.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. On military leave as Research Officer, 1941-42. Did

not return to F D McMaster Animal Health Laboratory but jo'lned ICI.

*M Lipson, BSc., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred to Division of Industrial Chemistry, 1939.

*M C Franklin, M.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Officer. As Principal Research Offlcer was appointed

William McilrathFeliow in Anima! Husbandry, 1953, but remained aft F D McMaster Animal Health

Laboratory. Became Go-ordinator of Beef Cattle Investigations, Southern States of Australia, 1959.

H B Carter, B.V.Sc., Research Officer. Transferred as Senior Research Officer and Officer-in-Charge, of

Wool Biology Laboratory, 1946-47.

L K Whftten, B.V.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. Resigned 1939-40.

E H Mercer, B Sc., Assistant Research Officer. f ransferred to Wool Research Section, Dkrisiom of Physics,

1939-40.

*H Newton Turner, B Arch. Assistant Research Officer. Transferred to Section of Mathematical Statistics

as Principal Research Officer. See Sheep Breeding investigations.

*I L Johnstone, B.V.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred as Research Officer to Regional Pastoral

laboratory, Armidale, 1946. ! I

F H Wad, B.V.Sc., Assistant ~eseaich Officer. Resigned 194-45.

*C R Austin, B.V.Sc., Asslstant Research Officer (part-time, later full-time). Reslgned as Senior Research

Officer, M.Sc., 1953154 to the Medical Research Council, London. ?.

1 943-44

J F Barrett, B.V.Sc., Asslstant Research Officer. Transferred as Research Offlcer to Reglonal Pastoral

Laboratory, Armidale 1946-47.

*R L Reid, B.Sc., Agr., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred as Senior Research Officer Ph.D., to Sheep

Blology Laboratory, Prospect, New South Wales, 1953.

T M Scott, B.Sc., Asslstant Research Offlcer. Resigned as Research Offlicer 1951/52 to ICI.

P M Sarnbell, B.A., Assistant Research Officer. Resigned as Research Officer 1951-52.

*M H Hardy, M.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred as Research Officer to Wool Biology

Laboratory 9946-47. Back for a year at McMaster Laboratory with PR.D. as Senior Research Offlcer

1953/54.

1945-46

*W P Rogers, M.Sc., Ph.D., Research Officer. When Senior Research Officer was appointed as Professor

of Zoology, 'University of Adelaide, 1952.

P Davidson, B.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. Transferred when Research Officer Po Woo! Bloiogy

Laboratory, 1946-47.

*D F Stewart, B.V.Sc., Dip. Bact., Senior Research Officer. When Senior Principal Research Offlcer and

D.V.Sc., was appointed as Officer-in-Charge. Associate Chief of the Division of Animal Health from 1959.

Retired, October, 1974.

W K Whitten, B.V.Sc., B.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned 1948/49.

M. Lazarus, B.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned 1947/48.

A C Jennings, B.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned 1947/48.

V C McClymont, B.Sc., Research Officer. (only entry). I

1948-49

B A Forsyth, B.V.Sc., Research 0f'fic;r. Resigned 1952 to fC1.

H B Essermann, B.Sc., Research officer. Resigned 1951/52.

V Massey, B.Sc., Ian WOcMaster Scholar. As a Research Officer accepted studentship at Cambridge

University, 1950, but did not return to the Laboratory.

W K Warburton, LL.B., B.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned with Ph.D., 1956-57.

A W H Braden, B.Sc., Research 0fficbr. Resigned 1954155. Had a Wool Studentship.

P R Whitfield, B.Sc., Ian McMaster bcholar. Transferred as Research Officer with Ph.D., to Division of

Plant Industry. 1956-57. \

R I Sommerville, M.Sc.,Agr., Research Officer. Resigned as Senior Research Officer to Department of

Zoology, University of Adelaide 1962-63.

P K Briggs, B.Sc. Agr., Ian McMaster Scholar. Resigned as Research Officer, 1959.

M D Murray, B.Sc., (Vet. Sc.), ResearcR Officer. Senior Principal Research Scientist when Officer-in-

Charge October 1974 to 9 977. Transferred to Division of Tropical Animal Science, Brisbane, 1983, but

remained in Sydney.

*C H Gallagher, E.V.Sc., Research Officer. When Senior Principal Research Sclentlst with Ph.D., l3.V.s~.

appointed as Hughes Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Sydney, 196f3.

J H KocR, M.D. (Munich) Research Officer. As Principal Research Scientist was transferred to Division of

Animal Genetics, 1966.

i

A G Lyne, B.Sc., Research Officer. Transferred to Sheep Biology Laboratory, Prospect, New South Wales,

B A Panaretto, B.V.Sc. As Research Officer and Ph.D. transferred to Dfvision of Animal Physiology, 1960-

;

L E A Symons, B.V.Sc., Research btticer. A Senior Principal Research Scientist, D.Sc.. Officer-in-Charge

from October 1977 to February, 1981. Retired 1982. I

J H Thomas, B.V.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned, 1961 -62.

I A E Pierce, D.V.S.M., M.Sc., Ph.D., Ian McMaster Fellow, Chief of Division of Animal Health 1966 to 1972.

Appointed Member of CSiRO Executive.

I G Pearson, B.V.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned to Parke Davis R y Ltd.

A J Ryan, B.Sc., Ian McMaster Scholar.

D S Roberts, B.V.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned as Principal Research Scientist, D.V.Sc., Ph.D., 1969.

K J Farrington, B.Sc., Experimental Officer, resigned 1963-64.

*J C Boray, D.V.M. (Budapest). Experimental Officer. Resigned as Principal Research Scientist, 1970, to

Institute for Parasitology, Zurich, Switzerland.

T J Grainger, B.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned, 1959-68.

E J LSoulsby, M.A., Ph.D., D.V.S.M., tan McMaster Fellow.

Y V Merry, B.Sc., Experimental Officer (only entry).

B M Wagland, B.Sc., Experimental Officer. As Senior Research Officer transferred to Long Pocket

Laboratories, Brisbane, 1970. Transferred back to McMaster Laboratory with Ph.D., 1978 as Senior

Research Officer. Now Principal ~dsearch Scientist.

*A D Donald, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Senior Principal Research Scientist, BR.D., Officer-in-Charge,

1981 to 1983. Chief of Division of Animal Health, 1983 to 1986. Acting Director of the institute of Anlmai

and Food Sciences 1986-1 987. Director of the institute of Animal Production and Processing.

*J K Dineen, B.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Officer. As Chief Research Scientist D.Sc., Officer-in-Charge,

1983 to 1986. Assistant Chief of Division of Animal Health 1986. Acting Chief of Division, 1987. Retired

1987.

J C Andrews, B.Sc., Ian McMaster Scholar until 1965-66.

1962-63

A L Dyce, B.Sc.Agr., Senior Research Scientist. Transferred from Division of Wlldlilfe Research.

Transferred to Division of Tropical Animal Science, 1983, but remained in Sydney.

J E Offner, B.Sc., Ian McMaster Scholar.

J Chia, B.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned, 1965-66.

D K Ginsberg, B.Sc., Experimental Officer (only entry).

F A Happich, D.V.M. (Hanover). Experimental Officer. Resigned, March 1967.

W 0 Jones, B.Sc., Experimental Officer. Now Senior Experimental Scientist.

J A Roberts, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist. Transferred to Veterinary Parasitoiogy Laboratory,

Rrisbane, 1965-66.

I

*J R Egerton, B.V.Sc., Dip, Bact., Experimental Scientist. Resigned as Principal Research Scientist as

Professor Veterinary Medicine, University of Sydney, 1972.

C Bell, M.Sc., Ph.D., Ian McMaster Scholar.

1965-66

B S Goodrich, B.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist. Transferred as Senior Research Scientist to Division of

Wildlife Research, 1976. I

J T McL. Neilson, B.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist, resigned 1968-69 and returned to the USA.

M J Heath, B.Sc., Experimental Officer Transferred to Division of Animal Genetics, February 1967.

J C Patterson, B.Sc., Ian McMaster Scholar.

T J Hodges, B.V.M.S. (Glasgow) Experimental Officer (only entry).

D B Adams, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. As Senior Research Scientist transferred to the Division at

Division at Armidale, May 1978.

P L Cox, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned 1968-69.

*G C Merritt, A.A.I.M.I., Experimental Officer. (promoted from Senior Technical Officer). Retired as

Experimental Scientist, 1985.

F B Rosehy, B.Rur.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned 1969.

J W Stee!, B.Sc., Ph.D., Experimental Officer. Senior Principal Research Scientist and Head of Laboratory

from 1989.

P J Waller, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. With Ph.D., Acting Off icer-in-Charge, 1986, Off icer-in-Charge,

1987 to 1989. Now Senior Principal Research Scientist.

*R K Prichard, B.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist. Resigned as Principal Research Scientlst, as Director of

lnstitute of Parasitology and Professor of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, 1984.

D H P Burrell, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Now M.V.Sc., Ph.D., and Principal Research Scientist,

K M Dash, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Transferred as Senior Research Scientist to Pastoral Research

Laboratory, Armidale, 1976. Transferred to McMaster Laboratory, 1985. As Principal Research Sclentist

seconded, to lnstitute of Animal Production and Processing, 1988.

R J Love, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned, to Veterinary Clinical Studies, Camden, Unlverslty of

Sydney, 1 975.

T L W Rothwell, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., Research Sclentist. Resigned when Principal Research Scientist to Faculty

of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, December 1978.

C R Huxtable, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned with Ph.D., Research Scientist, 1971.

B M Ogilvie, B.Rur.Sc., Ph.D., Ian McMaster Fellow.

D R Hennessy, Dip. Tech. (Sci.,) Experimental Officer. Novv M.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist.

M J Muller, B.Sc.,Agri., Experimental Officer. Transferred to Long Pocket Laboratories, Brisbane, 1976.

J E Watts, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Returned to New South Wales Department of Agriculture, April

1977.

P G Gregg, B.Rur.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned, 1975.

D J Stewart, B.V.Sc., Experimental Officer. Transferred as Senior Research Scientist Ph.D., to Animal

Health Research Laboratory, Parkville, 1980.

K J Beh, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist. Now Principal Research Scientist.

R G Windon, B.Sc., Experimental Officer. As Senior Experimental Scientist with Ph.D., transferred to

Pastoral Research Laboratory Armidaie, 1989, but remained in Division.

R J Dobson, B.App.Sc., Experimental Officer. Now Senior Experimental Scientist.

1978 -

A C Postle, M.Sc., Experimental Officer. Resigned July 1980.

T K S Mukkur, M.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Officer. Now Principal Research Scientist.

S Faulkner, B.Sc., Experimental Officer (only entry).

1980 -

*P M Outteridge, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist. Transferred from Animal Research

Laboratory, Parkville. Resigned, appointed as Professor of Farm Animal Medicine and Production, Faculty

of Veterinary Science, University of Queensiand, October, 1989.

A K Lascelles, M.V.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Research Scientist. Formerly, Chief of Division of Anlmal Health.

Retired, December, 1988.

E Lacey, B.Pharm., M.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist. Now Senior Research Scientist.

1984-85 7-

W N Grant, B.Sc., D.Rur.Nat., Research Scientist. Transferred to Regional Research Laboratory, Armidale,

1988, but remained in Division.

J A MacDiarmid, B.Sc., Experimental Scientist.

1985-86

N A Roughley, B.Sc., Experimental Scientist. Resigned 1988.

G L Willis, M.Sc., Experimental Scientist (only entry).

D L Emery, B.Sc.(Vet.), B.V.Sc., Ph.D. Senior Research Scientist. Transferred from Animal Researct~

Laboratory, Parkville. Now Principal Research Scientist.

E H Barnes, B.App.Sc., ~xperimental Scientist.

R C Foley, B.,Sc., Experimental Scientist.

S J McClure, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist

D N All, B.Sc., Experimental Scientist

M J Callaghan, B.Sc., Experimental Sclentist

J H Gill, B.Sc., Ph.D., Research Scientist, but here for three years previously on an agreement between

University of Sydney and Dr E Lacey.

J A Godwin, B.V.Sc., Experimental Scientist (only entry).

F.D. McMaster Field Station, Badgery's Creek

*R €3 Kelley, D.V.Sc., Principal Research Officer and Officer-in-Charge. Assistant Chief of Division of

Animal Health & Production, 1950. Retired, 1954.

H E B Shaw, B.V.Sc., Assistant Research Officer. Resigned, 1941.

J A Robotham, Assistant Research Officer (only entry). No degree included.

J H Riches, B.Sc.(Agr.), Ph.D., Senior Research Officer. Listed In Survey of Fine Wool Production, 1950.

W A Beattie, B.A., LL.B., Senior Research Officer. Listed in Survey of Beef Cattle Production, 1950.

R H Hayman, B.Agr.Sc., Research Officer. Officer-in-Charge with M.Agr.Sc., 1954. Was Officer-In-Charge

when that part of the Farm was trankerred to the Division of Animal Genetics.

R A Bettenay, B.Sc. (Agr.), Research Officer. Resigned 1948/49.

J A Morris, B.Sc. (Agr.), Research Officer. (Only entry)

In about 1953 this part of the Farm came under the control of the Animal Genetics Section. The

Parasitology Block remained with McMaster Laboratory and was enlarged and directly controlled from

McMaster Laboratory.

Sheep Breeding Investigations

This was part of the Animal Genetics Section which became the Division of Animal Genetics, but remained

at McMaster Laboratory until that Division moved to North Ryde in 1963.

A A Dunlop, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., Research Officer. Senior Research Officer, 1963.

*S S Y Young, B.Agr.Sc., Experimental Officer. Research Officer, Ph.D., 1963.

N Hemingway, B.Sc., Research Officer. Resigned, 1959.

*H A Newton Turner, B.Arch., Principal Research Officer. Senior Principal Research Officer, 1961.

G M Tallis, M.Sc., Ph.D., Research Officer, 1963.

G H Brown, B.Sc., Dip.Ed., Experimental Officer.

R W Moore, B.Agr.Sc., Experimental Officer

APPENDIX I

PAMPHLETS AND BULLETINS

Some of the early research at the McMaster Laboratory is recorded in the series of pamphlets and

bulletins issued by CSIR. Note that Ian Ciunies Ross was appointed Parasitologist to CSIR in 1926 and

that some of his early research (tick paralysis, echinococcosis, fasciolosis and some of the early work on

kidney worm) was carried out in the Veterinary School, before the McMaster Laboratory was built.

PAMPHLETS

No. 5 Llver Fluke Disease in Australia; its Treatmen! and Prevention. I. Csunies Ross

No. 65 Survey of the Sheep and Wool Industry In NE Asia, Special Reference to Manchukuo, Korea and

Japan. 1936. 1. Clunies Ross

No. 71 Grazing Sheep on improved Pastures: its Effect on Superfine Wool. 1938. 1. Clunies Ross, H. N.

Turner, H.B. Carter, H. Munz. 1937.

No. 74 Studies on the Chemotropic Behaviour of Sheep Blowflies. M. R. Freney. 1937

No. 94 Some Effects of Alkaline Reagents on Wool; 1. Chemical Studies with Special Reference to Felting

and Shrinkage. M. R. Freney, M. Lipson. 1940. 2. Preliminary Note on the Physical Properties of Aikali-

Treated Wool. M. R. Freney, E. H. Mercer. 1940

No. 108 Studles on Some Ectoparasites and Their Control. 1. Observations on the Bionomlcs of the

Sheep Ked (Melo~haaus ovinus). N.P.H. Graham, K.L. Taylor, 1941. 2. Chemlcas and Bloioglcal Studies

on Certain Arsenical Dipping Fluids. M. R. Freney, M. Lipson, N.P.H. Graham. 1941.

BULLETINS

No. 40 Observations on the Hydatid Parasite (Echinococcus aranulosus) and the Control of Hydatid

Disease in Australia. I. Clunies Ross. 1929

No. 43 bionoics of Fasiola he~atica in NSW and of the Intermediate Host Lvmnaea brazieri. 1.Clunies

Ross, A.C. McKay 1923

No. 58 Life-Cycle of Stephanurus dentatus, Kidney Worm of Pigs. !. Clunies Ross, G.P. Kauzal. 1932.

No. 130 Chemical Investigations on the Fleece of Sheep. M.R.Freney. 1940.

No. 140 Footrot in Sheep. A Transmissible Disease due to infection with Fusiformis nodosus. Studies on

its Cause, Epidemiology and Control. W.1.B Beveridge. 1941

No. 164 Studies on the Biology of the Skin and Fleece of Sheep. H.B. Carter, 1943.

No. 240 Studies on Dietary and Other Factors Affecting Serum Calcium Levels of SReep.Parts 1-6.

M.C.Franklin, R.L.Reid, I.L.Johnstone. 1948

No. 252 Influence of Diet on Dental Development in the Sheep. M.C.Franklin. 1950

SOME SPECIAL PUBLlCATlONS

Epidemiology and Control of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Sheep in Australia. 1978. (Eds. A.D.Donald,

W.H. Southcott, J.K. Dineen.)

Biology and control of Endoparasites. (McMaster Laboratory, 50th Anniversary), 1982. (Eds. L.E.A.

Symons, A.D. Donald, J.K. Dineen.)

Epioderniology and Control of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Cattle in Australia. 1983. ' (Eds. N.Anderson,

P.J. Waller.)

lmrnunogenetic Approaches to the Control of Endoparasites - With Special Reference to Parasites of

Sheep. 1984. (Eds. J.K. Dineen, P.M.Outteridge.)

Resistance in Nematodes to Anthelmintic Drugs. 1985. (Eds. N.Anderson, P.J.Waller.)

SPECIAL REVIEWS

Anderson, N., Barger, I.A. and Waller, P.J. Impact of Gastrointestinal Parasitism on Pasture Utilization by

Grazing Sheep. Temperate Pastures, pp.555-566.

Boray, J.C. 1977. Fascioliasis in Australia. bull.Off.in?.Epiz.87:675.

Donald, A.D. 1967. The control of internal parasites with particular reference to larval ecology and pasture

management. In: Parasitism and Economiu Livestock Production. Proceedings of a Symposium.

University of New South Wales under the auspices of the Australian Society of Animal Production (NSW

Branch), pp.13-23.

Donald, A.D. 1983. Australian Research in Relation to Helminth Control and Grazing Systems. In: Facts

and Reflections IV. CEC Workshop, Lelystad, The Netherlands (1987) pp. 187-198.

Donald, A.D. 1983. In the same publication: Tlie Development of Anthelmintic Resistance in Nematodes of

Grazing Animals, pp.15-28.

Donald, A.D. 1986. New Methods of Drug Application for Control of Helminths. Vet. Parasitol. 18: 121 -1 37.

Gordon, H.McL. 1953 Discussion on Epidemiology, Resistance and Anthelmintic Treatment of

Helminthoses of Ruminants in Australia. Thapar Commemorative Volume.

Gordon, H.McL. 1955. Some Aspects of Fasciolosis. Aust.Vet.J. 31 :182-189

Gordon H.McL. 1957 Helminthic Diseases. Adv.Vet.Sci. 3288-351

Gordon, H. McL. 1968. Sir Arnold Theiier Memorial Lecture, University of Pretoria.

J.S.Afr.vet.med.Ass.40:207-226

Gordon H.McL. 1973 Epidemiology and Control of Gastro-Intestinal Nematodes of Ruminants.

Lacey E, 1988. The role of the cytoskeletal protein, tubulin, in the mode of action and mechanism of drug

resistance to benzimidazoles. International Journal for Parasitology j8, 885-936.

Morley, F.H.N. and Donald, A.D. 1980. Farm Management and Systems of Helminth Control. Vet.

Parasitol. 6: 105-1 34.

Symons, L.E.A. 1969. Pathology of Gastrointestinal Heiminthiases. Int. Rev. Trop. Meal. 3:49-108.

Symons, L.E.A. 1976. Malabsorption. In: Pathophysiology of Parasite Infection. Academic Press.

Symons, L.E.A. 1985. Anorexia: Occurrence, Pathophysiology and Possible Causes in Parasitic Infections.

Adv. Parasitol. a:103-128. L

Waller, P.J. and Donald, A.D. 1983. New Perspectives in Helminth Control. Merck Sharp and Dohme.

ACVET Sympn~ium, World Veterinary Association, Perth. Proc. pp.215-2~1;.

Waller P.J. 1986. Anthelmintic Resistance in Nematode Parasites of Sheep. In: Agricultural Zoology

Reviews 1 : 333-373.

I

Waller P.J. 1987. Anthelmintic Resistance and the Future for Roundworm Control. Vet. Parasitol. 25:177-

191.

Waller, P.J. 1989. Convener. Working Party for Animal Health Committee of Standing Committee on

Agriculture. SCA Technical Report Series 28. Anthelmintic Resistance.

Windon, R.G. 1990. Selective Breeding for the Control of Nematodlasis In

Sheep.Rev.sci.Tech.0ff.inst.Epiz. 9:555-576

RECENT CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

Dineen, J.K. The role of homocytotropic antibodies In immunity and pathology of helmlnthlasls with

special reference to the induction and potentiation of IgE production. In: Immediate Hypersensitivity:

Modern Concepts & Developments, pp.211-257. (Ed. M.K. Bach). New York, Dekker. 1978.

Beh, K.J. Sites of development of isotope-specific B cells. In: The lmmune System, 2, 390-396. (Eds. C.M.

Steinberg & I Zefkovits). Basel, Karger. 1981.

Lascelles, A.K., Beh, K.J. and Mukkur, T.K.S. Techniques for immunological studies of the gastrointestinal

tract with particular reference to sheep. In: Techniques in Digestive Physiology, pp.1-18. (Ed. D.A.

Titchen). County Clare, Ireland, Elsevier. 1982. (Techniques in the Life Sciences)

Murray, M.D. External parasites of sheep and goats. In: Sheep & Goat Production, pp.193-203. (Ed. I.E.

Coop). Amsterdam, Elsevier. 1982. (World Animal Science, v.CI).

Mukkur, T.K.S. Thermodynamics of hapten-antibody interactions. Critical Reviews In Biochemistry, 16,

133-1 67. 1984.

Lascelles, A.K., Beh, K.J., Mukkur, T.K.S. & Watson, D.L. The mucosal immune system with particular

reference to ruminant animals. In: The Ruminant Immune System in Health & Disease, pp.429-457. (Ed.

W.I. Morrison). Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. 1986.

Waller, P.J. & Prichard, R.K. Drug resistance in nematodes. In: Chemotherapy of Parasitic Diseases,

pp.339-362. (Eds. W.C. Campbell & R.S. Rew). New York, Plenum. 1986.

Donald, A.D., Morley, F.H.W., Axelsen, A., Donnelly, J.R. & Waller, P.J. Integration of grazing management

and anthelmintic treatment for the control of nematode infections in young sheep. In: Temperate Pastures:

Their Production, Use & Management, pp.567-569. (Eds. J.L. Wheeler, C.J. Pearson & G.E. Robards).

Melbourne, Australian Wool Corporation & CSIRO. 1987.

Outteridge, P.M. & Lee, C.S. The defence mechanisms of the mammary gland of domestic ruminants.

Progress in Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology, 4, 165-196. 1988.

Clark, B.L., Vaughan, J.A. & Emery, D.L. The isolation & identification of Fusiform necro~horum. In:

Footrot & Food Abscess of Ruminants, pp.105-115. (Eds. J.R. Egerton, W.K. Yong & G.G. Riffkin). Boca

Raton, Florida, CRC Press. 1989. i

APPENDIX 2

Science Sheep Show

The New South Wales Sheep Breeders' Show in 1961 was designated the Science Sheep Show. The

Division arranged extensive exhibits to demonstrate the range of research in progress. This was organized

by Hugh Gordon, Fred Hamilton, Harry Wilson, Ian Pearson and Joe Boray.

The exhibits included the application of molluscicides for the control of Lvmnaea tomentosa, the life-cycle

of the Liver Fluke, administration of anthelmintics, the effects of parasitic diseases on the productivity of

sheep, population dynamics of the louse (Damalinia ovis), the control of hydatid disease, the life-cycle of

the itch mite (Psorernates ovis), development and pathogenesis of mycotic dermatitis and the prevention

of blowIiy strike.

There were diagrams, photographs and specimens in a freezing cabinet. There was a large collection of

drenching implements, both historical and modern.

It was a tour de force and attracted much attention.

Acknowledgements Page Nos. ii

Administration 20-21

Agriculture, State Departments of iv, v, 1, 10, 13-15, 30, 34, 42, 44-45,63-64, 68, 70, 74, 76-77, 82, 93, 103, 105, 106-108, 114-1 16, 130, 199

Animal Accommodation and Management 26-33

Animal and Food Sciences, Institute of 17

Animal Health, Division of 1,2,4,6,7, 16, 17, 18,23,24,29,30,31,32,42,64,65, 81, 87, 97, 100, 107, 108, 120, 122, 125, 127, 128, 131

Animal Health and Nutrition, Division of 33

Animal Health and Production, Division of 7, 16, 29, 31, 32, 80, 86, 90, 98, 116, 120, 124

Animal Products and Processing, Institute of 17

Animal Research Committee 17

Annexe

Appendix 1

Appendix 2 140

Austin, Professor C.R. ii, 102, 103, 113, 115, 116, 125

Australian Meat Research Committee 18,86, 101, 112

Australian Wool Research Committee 18,19

Australian Veterinary Association 81 Journal 84, 90, 92,93, 99, 109, 11 1, 121

Beveridge, Professor W.I.6 Oi, 8, 10-1 4, 26, 65-67, 96-97, 102, 1 10, 11 5, 123, 136

Books Iv, v, 94, 97, 122, 136

Carne, Professor H.R.

Chiefs, Associate Chiefs & Assistant Chiefs

Chiswicl<, Armidale

Clunies Ross, Sir Ian

CSIR/CSIRO, renaming

Cu!ey, Miss Alma

Dineen, Dr. J.K.

Donald. Dr. A.D.

Donations of sheep

5, 6,8, 9, 12,35,65,66, 96,99, 109, 110

120-121

3 1 -33

i,5,7,8,9, 10, 11, 13, 14,15,16,20,35,36,38,40,57,61, 85, 88, 90-99, 110-1 12, 114, 115, 117, 121, 122, 135, 141

16-1 7

ii, 85-87, 112, i t 1

ii,iv,82,83,107,109, 119,122,128,136,138

il, iv, 17, 20; 24, 28, 36, 42, 45, 48, 88, 107, 108, 120, 122, 128, 136-138

\

Field work, early (Dr H. McL. Gordon) 13-15

Finances

Foreword

Franklin, Dr. M. C.

Gill, Dudley A.

Gilruth, J.A.

Gordon, Dr. H. McL.

Hamilton, Fred

Hinchinbrook

Ian McMaster Bequest

Introduction

Johnstone, Ian L.

Kelley, R.B.

Library

18-20

i

57, 73, 74, 76, 77, 85, 86-88, 100-102, 1 13, 11 5, 124

7,9, 16,20,27,29,31,80,86,95,98, 100, 105, 112-113, 120-121, 124, 132

13, 16, 29, 97, 120

i, ii, 86, 88, 92, 102, 109, 111-113, 117, 121, 123, 137, 140

8, 12, 110

iii, 9-1 3, 28-29

iv, 7, 80-83

iii

ii, 101, 124, 136

13, 29, 79,95,97,98, 123, 1 32

7, 80-89, 93, 1 1 1-1 12

Llpson, Dr. M. ii, 77, 78, 99, 100, 124

Merritt, G. C. ii, 113, 129

McMaster Animal Health Laboratory, F.D. i, iii, iv, 1-7, 8-15, 29-30

McMaster, Captain Ian 1, 7

McMaster Farm 12-13,29-31

McMaster Laboratory i, iii-v, 3, 7, 8-31

McMaster, Sir Frederick i, 1, 7, 12-1 3, 28-29, 80

McMaster Wing, Ian iii, 1-9

Officers-in-Charge & Head of Laboratory 121 -1 22

Offord, H.A. ii, 8, 109

Older laboratories iv

Parrish. E.A.

Professors from McMaster Laboratory

Relationship with laboratories

Research Bacteriology

caseous lymphadenitis fleece rot footrot & foot abscess mycotic dermatitis

salmonellosis & pasteurellosls sundry

Biochernical pathology Biochemistry & ~Intrition

beef cattle drought feeding mineral metabolism poisonous plants pregnancy toxaernia sundry experiments

External parasitology itch mite, lice & keds virus infections & their vectors

General comments Internal parasitology

abomasal histology, exsheathment & in vitro cultivation

anthelmintics (H.McL. Gordon) anthelmintics, resistance to epidemiology (ecology) fasciolosis & liver fluke disease immunology parasite physiology & toxicology pathophysiology

Organization of Research Research Prior to F.D. McMaster Animal Health Laboratory Wool & wool biology Zebu crosses & sheep breeding

Research staff

Rivett. Dr A.C.D.

Rogers, Professor W.P

Science Sheep Show

ii, 28, 103-105, 1 13-1 14, 125

Appendix 2

Sir Frederick McMaster Bequest lii, iv

Some pamphlets, bulletins, special reviews, Recent chapters in books Appendix I

Specific Parasite Free Unit (SPF) 30-31

Stewart, Dr Douglas F. ii, 7-8, 16-18, 20, 23, 36,52,90, 105, 120-121, 125, 130

Theiler, Sir George iv, v

Turner, Miss Helen Newton Oi, 9, 11 -1 2, 15-16, 20-21, 33,85,92,94-96, 110, 124, 134

University of Sydney

Visitors

Whitlock. H.V.

Wilson, H.H.