The book considers the successful introduction of the horse, Australia's first live animal export, and goes on to explore the role of the acclimatisation societies, the development of the veterinary profession and the control and eradication of some of the major exotic and introduced diseases of sheep and cattle.

The author, Dr Ian Parsonson, retired as Assistant Chief of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory at Geelong, Victoria, after a long career in veterinary practice and research. His areas of expertise include bacterial and viral diseases, pathology and microbiological laboratory safety. He is a committee member of the International Embryo Transfer Society and the Animal Gene Storage and Resource Centre of Australia.

1. Beginning
   
2. The New Settlement: Governor Phillip and Lieutenant-Governor King
   
3. The Importance of Philip Gidley King
   
4. The Reverend Samuel Marsden
   
5. Macarthur's Role in the Australian Sheep Industry
   
6. Other Important Early Sheep Breeders
   
7. Saxony Sheep
   
8. The Agricultural Companies in the Colonies
   
9. The New State Colonies
   
10. Cattle in the Colonies
    
11. Horses in the Colonies
    
12. Acclimatisation Societies
    
13. The British Background of the Veterinary Profession in the Australian Colonies
    
14. Diseases of Sheep in the Colonies
    
15. Diseases of Cattle in the Colonies
    
16. Diseases that Affect Most Mammals
    
17. Legislation for Control of Animals from 1800 to Federation
    
18. Changing for the Future