DISEASES OF STOCK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 218, 15 September 1930, Page 6

DISEASES OF STOCK.

The question whether the embargo on the importation of live stock from Britain should be lifted is again before the Government and the farmers' organisations. Last month our Board of Agriculture decided that if Britain remained free of foot-and-mouth disease until the end of the year, which would mean twelve months' immunity, importation could be permitted "with reasonable precautions." Since then, however, three fresh outbreaks have occurred in Britain, and naturally our Minister of Agriculture thinks it would be unwise to lift the embargo at present. The question is entirely one of risk. •• Six months ago it came up in connection with some candid comment by visiting English farmers on the quality of our beef. The introduction of fresh blood would have a beneficial effect on our stock, but that' improvement would be bought at far too high a price if this dreaded disease were introduced. • Onee the disease were admitted there is no knowing where or when it would stop. Its presence would involve grave loss, and even ruin. In fact, nothing more disastrous could be imagined. It is better to be sure than to be sorry, and to be on the safe side the embargo should be maintained until Britain has a clean bill of health over a lengthy period.