FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 14

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

EMBARGO ON IMPORTED STOCK DISCUSSION BY FARMERS’ UNION. CHRISTCHURCH, May 27. Advice from the Minister of Agriculture (Mr A. J. Murdoch) that the embargo on the importation of livestock from Britain was at present being considered caused further discussion of the embargo and foot-and-mouth disease at the meeting to-day of the executive of the Canterbury branch of the Farmers’ Union. “ Although some English breeders are keen enough to export livestock to New Zealand it is a fact that the British Government itself will not allow the importation of stock from any affected country,” said the president, Mr Colin MTntosh. Mr A. Fisher said that if the country obtained only a few cattle and sheep under quarantine protection that was very much better than to allow them to drift into the country as they did at present. He added: “ There is no doubt that if we are going to hold our position in the markets of the world we must get new blood. They all admit that.” Cries of “No!” Mr R. G. Bishop recalled that Mr J. Leslie, of Canterbury Agricultural College, had said there was no danger of foot-and-mouth disease through importations from England and that there was no need for new blood in New Zealand. A delegate: Is the stock now coming in through the back door? Mr MTntosh: It is coming in all right, after remaining for more than six months in another country. Mr J. D. Hall said that it had been established that cattle might act as

carriers for foot-and-mouth disease for up to 12 months. Mr J. R. Cullen emphasised the danger of importation when the disease was rampant in England. If there was an outbreak in New Zealand and farmers had to be isolated for 12 months they would be ruined. Further, if the disease spread among the deer and chamois it would be all but impossible to stamp it out. The letters were received.