and, indeed, to any solution of the problem, but the attitude of most practices is that for survival some contract work is essential.

The task force and the Management Committee of the Association received and discussed a detailed report from Dr Gannon at AVA House in Sydney on 15 December 1975 and on 12 and 16 January 1976.

Immediately the new Cabinet was announced in December the Association urged Australian Government, through the Minister for Agriculture, to implement the programs for control of tuber- culosis and brucellosis and to use veterinary practitioners on a contract basis. A submission has been put before the Minister and it is hoped that a small deputation of the President and other Officers might meet him in Canberra early in 1976.

The long-term solution to the problems of rural practice is equally important. This involves a thorough examination of the nature of rural prac-

tice and the services that it can offer to livestock industries. There must be less financial depend- ence upon treating sick and injured animals and dealing with occasional disease outbreaks, and there must be more service to producers through herd health programs and year-round advice on breeding, feeding and every aspect of economic management of flocks and herds. There is a need also to confer with universities with respect to required numbers of veterinary graduates and their orientation towards providing a wider range of service and advice to livestock owners.

This project, involving every aspect of rural veterinary practice, is one of the most important that Council has tackled in recent years. It already promises to have profound effects that will benefit the veterinary profession and the livestock indus- tries. It is a project that will not be completed quickly.

A. K. Sutherland President

BOOK REVIEW THE EYE IN VETERINARY PRACTICE

This book* was the basis of the lectures given by Dr Blogg at the course in Ophthalmology presented by the Post-Graduate Committee in Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney, and has been written with the expressed purpose of presenting a systematic approach to ophthalmic problems seen in large and small animal practice.

It deals with diseases of the various ocular compon- ents, making for quick reference during consultation. Basic facts of disease and management regimes are stressed in point form. The author presents significant facts, clinical signs, diagnostic aids and finally treat- ments. Cross references are given throughout.

*The Eye in Veterinary Practice. I. R. Blogg. V.S. Supplies Ltd, North Melbourne, 1975, 795 p. $36.00 Aust.

The completeness of the book is exemplified by sub- divisions dealing with embryology, vision, anesthesia, methods of systematic examination and differential diag- nosis of the common presenting signs encountered in practice. It provides the general practitioner with a first class reference that up until now has been sadly lacking. It is the first Australian production of its kind and is worthy of high praise. It is a must in any practice no matter what the price.

References for further reading on particular subjects are supplied after each chapter. Rowan Blogg’s touch can be seen in his tabulated summaries, his numerous diagrams and the illustrations, all of which facilitate understanding the pathogenesis of each disease. The author is a graduate of the University of Sydney and practices in Victoria.

J . S . Smith

56 Australian Veterinnry Journal, Vol. 52, February, 1976