MUCOSAL IN WAIRARAPA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 16

MUCOSAL IN WAIRARAPA

Restriction May Be Eased

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 6.

“Fresh outbreaks of mucosal disease outside the Wairarapa control area, such as that at Waipukurau, have always been considered a possibility, as the disease is comparatively new and little Is known about its transmission or incubation period,” said the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Skinner) today. “The first reported cases in the Wairarapa may have been preceded by other unreported cases, and the Waipukurau case may have originated from infection outside the control area.” The Minister added that no further cases had been reported from within the Wairarapa control area, and the position there was under close review by departmental officers. “The Director-General of Agriculture (Mr P. W. CmaHfield) has told me that the measures adopted in the Waipukurau outbreak are adequate in the meantime, that some relaxation of movement of sheep from outside to inside the Wairarapa control area may be permitted, provided the sheep are carried by rail under permit, and that sheep for slaughter may also be moved from inside the area directly to export slaughter-houses by rail in special waggons providing a shuttle service. “The suggested easing of the restrictions on movement of sheep is considered quite safe,” said Mr Skinner.

“Officers of the Wallaceville Animal Research Station in Washington discussing mucosal disease problems with United States officials have been asked to keep us informed on control and diagnostic procedures, and further information is being sought from other countries where + he disease has occurred. “The occurrence of a new outbreak is indeed unfortunate, but adequate safeguards are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease from known centres of infection. If fresh outbreaks occur, and they may, each centre of infection will be similarly quarantined,” the Minister said.