HYDATIDS IN STOCK

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 16

HYDATIDS IN STOCK

Mr Johnstone Denies Report (New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, November 14. Mr F. C. Johnstone, deputychairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, speaking at Feilding today, said that his references yesterday at Waitara to hydatids in stock had been completely misreported. “At present,” he said, “livers are included in the freezing rate, but it may be necessary to take them out of the freezing rate and consider making payment for clean livers only.” Mr Johnstone said that some farmers were not facing their responsibilities in combating the disease. The problem, however, was not confined only to farmers, for many other persons also owned dogs. Some farmers, and some groups of farmers, were dosing their dogs regularly.

“I think it is very necessary," he said, “that hydatid control should be organised in groups. It is no use one farmer dosing his dogs if his neighbour does not bother. I do not see why farmers who are not doing it should benefit from those who are. If we do not get everyone to cooperate in stamping out the disease we may have to consider an alteration to the freezing rate."

Mr Johnstone quoted figures for infected livers in young lambs. He said that only 15.44 per cent, had shown clean livers. 57.81 per cent, had shown up to three spots, and 3.77 per cent, had shown four or five spots. The remainder, amounting to 22.98 per cent., had been completely condemned.

“If that is the state with the young lambs.” he said, "what can we expect to find in the older sheep? “Speaking at Waitara yesterday. I was completely misreported on this question.” Mr Johnstone said. "I did not say that all stock livers would be rejected and banned from export. I did not say that farmers were not treating their dogs as they should —I said some farmers were not facing the problem.”