sheep. Fact: Between 1830 and 1850 the value of Australian wool exports increased from 2 million to 41 million! The problems with scab in the colonies did not lead pastoralists or the government to seek veterinary assistance. Somewhat of a law unto themselves, the oligarchy of wealthy graziers with vast properties and huge herds preferred to solve livestock problems in their own way -- and ways compatible with their extensive livestock production based on economies of scale. A prime example of this was their approach to the sheep scab problem. Instead of employing vets or shepherds to control scab, pastoralists instead invented acaricides, dips, races and drafting gates which allowed the treatment of thousands of sheep daily. As a powerful group, pastoralists also easily effected legislative change, and were responsible for many acts and bills being introduced to protect their interests. Legislation steered by a wealthy pastoralist through the New South Wales Parliament in 1864 saw dipping made compulsory. This was regulated by the establishment of a permanent scab inspectorate funded by scab fees collected from pastoralists. These moves -- quickly imitated by other colonies -- led to the eradication of sheep scab in 1896 from the continent, and Australia's first successful disease eradication. It was a low-tech affair, and mainly successful due to producer cooperation and the enforcement of legislation initiated by high-handed pastoralists. However, these measures were to become the foundation of animal disease control in Australia, and the government veterinary services. Scab inspectorates eventually grew into stock