INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28896, 16 May 1959, Page 8

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Need For Full Information The discussion at this week’s annual conference ‘of the meat and wool section of North Canterbury Federated Farmers would seem to indicate that some farmers hold the view that when a serious infectious disease breaks out in our livestock all information about it should be withheld until 'its identity has been neatly sewn up. This sort of outlook would be most dangerous for farmers and the country as a whole. New Zealand stock has had an enviable record of freedom from such diseases but it is inevitable that at some time disease should make a break through. It may not be possible to quickly determine the nature of the trouble and if in that interval information is suppressed and quarantine measures of the scope of those in the North Island have to be enforced it would be impossible to keep them secret and in such an atmosphere of uncertainty most harmful rumours would inevitably be given circulation both within and outside the country. If overseas countries, which are buyers of our produce, were aware that we were adopting such a policy there could well be a loss of confidence in our integrity.

Farmers should concentrate their efforts on ensuring that every possible precaution is taken to see that no serious disease enters this country and that if by chance it should do so that everything is done to eradicate it as soon as possible. This can best be done by the prompt issue of the fullest possible information about the nature and symptoms of the disease and of the regulations being imposed. In that way the spread of the disease will be quickly noted and people in New Zealand and overseas will be made aware of our determination to take swift and prompt action.