STOCK DISEASE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1933, Page 2

STOCK DISEASE

FOOT AND MOUTH PREVALENCE home cattle in argentine (Per Pre s s Association, Copyright). WELLINGTON, September 14. Recently statements were given wide publicity in the south to the effect that some Shorthorn bulls exported from Scotland to the Argentine were found to he affected with foot and mouth disease while in the quarantine station at Buenos Aire s , the inference being that they had carried the infection with them from Scotland.

The Director-General of Agriculture, Dr ReakeSj stated to-day that in view of the .seriousness of the suggestion the High Commissioner at London was asked to ascertain what, were the actual facts. Information had been received from him by cable to the effect that the animals arrived at Buenos. Aires in a healthy condition, but were attacked with the foot and mouth disease while in the quarantine station there, the infection having been introduced by an attendant who had previously been in contact with diseased animals.

It was further stated that these jsminals had not passed through the London quarantine station before 'being shipped to the Argentine, although in this case that would not have made any difference, seeing that the animals arrived at their destination in an entirely healthy condition. Dr Reakos added; “All information available, indicates clearly that the operation of the British Government quarantine station in London has been entirely successful in ensuring that animals passed through it before shipment abroad have remained free from foot and mouth disease infection.”