IMPORTED STOCK

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LII, Issue 32, 21 April 1931, Page 5

IMPORTED STOCK

EMBARGO TO BE LIFTED.

DECISION OF BOARD,

QUARANTINE SAFEGUARDS.

The danger of spreading foot and mouth disease through importation of live stock from Great Britain having been largely eliminated by restrictions imposed by the Government quarantine station in London, the Board of Agriculture has decided that the embargo on importation of live stock from Great Britain should be lifted. j At a meeting of the Board held in j Wellington the question of lifting the embargo was discussed very fully. The board realised that the long period which had elapsed since importations from Britain were possible has created a position wherein breeders of some classes of stock are badly in need of new blood, without which deterioration both in quality and constitution may be expected to occur, and is, in fact, already noticeable in some cases. Risks Considered. On the other hand, the question of the risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease if importations were renewed was carefully gone into, the necessity for avoiding any such risk being regarded as imperative. The establishment of a quarantine station at the London Docks under the control of the British, Government has created an altogether different position to that previously existing. The fact that some thousands of head of stock had passed through this station since it was opened three years ago, and were then exported, with no af-ter-trouble occurring, shows how effectively it operates in ensuring freedom from infection before the animals are shipped to their overseas destinations. The animals are kept there for 14 days, more than sufficient time for foot-and-mouth disease to show itself if any animal was infected on entry (the period elapsing between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease is very short, usually not more than seven days, with ten days as the absolute maximum, and the most rigid precautions are taken to prevent infection being brought in by any other means). Under Supervision. x The quarantine buildings are constructed with every regard for the maintenance of healthful and sanitary conditions, and the animals are under the close supervision throughout of veterinary officers of the Ministry of Agriculture. Thus the London Quarantine Station in itself constitutes a very efficient safeguard against the shipment of infected stock. In addition, New Zealand would have the further check of the lengthy voyage, followed by a period of island quarantine on arrival. In view of all this, the Board, With two members dissenting, finally reached its decision, which has been sent to the Minister for his consideration.