FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 167, 2 August 1937, Page 8

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

"If it Once Gets a Hold Here, We're Done" EMBARGO D1SCUSSED A picture of what would happen if foot-and-mouth disease once got a hold in New Zealand was painted by Mr H. J. McKeesick at the meeting of the Hawke's Bay provineial executive of the Farmers' Union in Hastings on Saturday. when the Hammond Scheme for restricting the importation of livestock was under discussion. Other members favoured freer entry of stoek, but Mr McKeesick, who had attende* the Dominion conference of the union .n Wellington, was emphatic that the rcstrictions needed tightening. ' ' At the conference 1 listened to Ehglish faiiners speaking on the subject," said Mr McKeesick," "and believe me, they have simply put the fear of God into me. If the disease once gete a hold in this country, we're done. lu Great Britain, where the population is thick, it cannot be checked. What would happen if it got out here where the country is sparsely populated? It would attack deer and hedgehogs, and other animals, ancKwhat would be the outcomel " "Although we have now c'losed the front door, the back door's still open," said Mr R. E. Talbot. "The farmer cannot be expected to take the responsibility for lifting the embargo, but the Government should. If the disekse once gets here the whole community must 'carry the baby.' " The matter was deferred till the decisions of the branches were received.