T.B. TESTING OF SHOW CATTLE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27125, 22 August 1953, Page 8

T.B. TESTING OF SHOW CATTLE

VIEWS OF JERSEY

CLUBS

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION CRITICISED

The attitude of the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations to the testing of show stock against tuberculosis had been “after the pattern of European dictatorship with its bluff propaganda and overbearing suppression,” said the secretary of the committee of the Combined Jersey Cattle Clubs (Mr W. J. Beckett) in a statement setting out his executive committee’s attitude On the other hand, the attitude of Jersey cattle breeders had been "one of caution. provincial survey of individual breeder reaction, the collection and collation of facts, and the unanimity of their executive in seeking the ultimate aim of every breeder—the elimination of tuberculosis with the minimum loss financially and the least upset to breeder plans.” Mr Beckett added:—"With methodi* cal tuberculosis testing each and every year of all yearlings and regular check-testing at later stages, the desired result can be obtained over a period of years on a progressive basis and not by a heart-burning stampede. That is the lead that Canterbury Jersey breeders give to the problem of tuberculosis eradication, and this may well spread through the breed in the rest of New Zealand.” The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has laid down that to compete in its show all cattle over six months old should have a certificate of freedom from tuberculosis. The Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association has also made tuberculosis testing a compulsory condition of entry for its 1953 show.

The combined executive committees of the Midland and North Canterbury J® rse y Cattle Clubs recently advised the Canterbury association that ‘‘as present tuberculosis testing is under survey for a national scheme, this combined meeting considers that the decision of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on compulsory tuberculosis testing is premature and as a protest recommends Jersey cattle breeders to refrain from exhibiting.” Mr Beckett said that the Jersey breeders’ executive had arranged for a Jersey cattle show in November, at which all competitions would be decided. Those interested would be able to enjoy under picnic conditions and in perfect setting the annual judgio 1 and parade of Canterbury’s finest Jersey cattle, he said.