DISEASE-CARRYING BY AIRCRAFT

Chronicle (Levin), 7 November 1946, Page 3

DISEASE-CARRYING BY AIRCRAFT

Danger Considered To Be Almost Negligible "My departmeutal oflicers liaye giveil e'ojisiderable tliougFt to tlie possibility of the introductiou of serious disease iuto this couutry as a result of the development of air traffic and the speed of modern. transport by air," ' stated the Minister of Agriculture ; (Hou. B. Boberts) iu.a letter received ' by the Mauawatu provincial executive of P,e,derated Farmers at a meeting in Palmerston Xortli yesterday. It was a reply to a r evolution from the executive expressing concern at the danger of introdueing foot and ntouth disease iuto Kew Moaland by aireraft. "Gonsideration has also been given to the iutroduetion of- small animals -by' air," tlie Minister said. "In this connection my dcpartment has been in communication with oversoas anthori-' ties ou the subjoct." It vvas djflicult to see whai steps c.ould be takou 1o prohibit absolutely ihe* possibility of infection being carried on people 's elotbing or on wheels of aeroplan.es, said Mr. Roberts. 'Disinfection of such on arrival, apart from Ihe doiiblfnl eflicacy of the measures, would probably result in Ihe destruetion of Ihe treated articles. The possibility of infeetion being introduced by liiis means was, forlunately, extremely remote as one c.ould not visuallse either passengers or aeroplaiies contacting liise.'tse-infeeted areas en route, or evon at landing grounds. The federatiou, however, could be nssured that the Agriculture Departmont was fuily cognisant of the points raised, and that the position would bp carefully watched with a view to introdueing anv measures of control deemod ! to be practieable. I Tlie chairman (Mr. II. ,T. MeLeavev) said this mattcr was liound up with the I (piestion of direet importations of stock. j in regard to which representations wero j. being made to the Govenniieiit. Ile j thought tliey miglit have been too j cautious in the past. The executive ! would be satisiled with tlie assurance that the position was being watched. i