Measures Against Exotic Diseases

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 16

Measures Against Exotic Diseases

The Dominion executive of the New Zealand Federation of Young Fanners’ Clubs favours enforcement of the most stringent regulations to prevent the entry of foot-and-mouth disease and other exotic diseases.

It passed a resolution to this effect in Christchurch yesterday when some members expressed doubts whether adequate checks were being made of incoming travellers and whether travellers and the general public were sufficiently aware of the regulations. The chairman of the Canterbury council of the federation (Mr R. C. Dodson) said that travellers from overseas were given no warning about the regulations until they were presented with a form to fill in.

Mr G. J. Barclay (Canterbury) said that relatives of his who had recently returned from overseas had been disappointed that the authorities seemed to be so lax. They had felt that they had gear that should have been inspected or fumigated. The federation agreed to congratulate the Government on its efforts to prevent foot-

and-mouth disease, but to take immediate action to press for, support, and uphold the most stringent regulations designed to give complete protection against this and other exotic diseases, from any causes or means whatever.

In footnotes to the resolution it was said that more effective publicity about the regulations should be given to incoming travellers before they left their country of departure and also to the general public in New Zealand. Inspection hinged on the truthful answer to immigration questionnaires. Could this be accepted? No persons or their goods or possessions, or any goods, materials, or'livestock arriving by any ship or aircraft from any country should be exempt from the regulations for any reason or cause whatever, said a further note.