NOT FROM BRITAIN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 287, 15 September 1933, Page 7

NOT FROM BRITAIN

SOURCE OF INFECTION.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

(Per Press Association)

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 affected by foot-and-mouth disease while in the quarantine station at Buenos Aires, the inference being that they had carried the infection with them from Scotland.

The Director-General of Agriculture (Dr. Reakes) stated to-day that in view of the of the suggestion, the High Commissioner in London had been 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 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 the animals , had not passed through the London quarantine alation before being shipped to the Argentine, although in this case that would ?;ot have made any difference, seeing that the animals arrived at their destination in an entirely healthy condition.

"All the information available indicates clearly that the operation of the British Government's quarantine station in London has been entirely successful in ensuring that animals passsd through it before shipment abroad have remained free from foot-and-mouth disease infection,"" stated Dr. Reakes.