LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29251, 8 July 1960, Page 14

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Increasing Risks Of Infection (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 7. Keeping overseas livestock diseases out of New Zealand was becoming increasingly difficult and the Government was 'tightening up regulations to prevent these diseases entering the country. the Ministei* of Agriculture (Mr Skinner) told the annual conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand today. Flying times from various Eastern countries where serious infectious diseases were rife ranged from 31 hours at the most to less than 24 hours. “How easy it is to bring diseases from other countries. How easily a bit of mud on a pair of shoes can bring some of these dread diseases here,” he said. More adequate, more realistic steps had to be taken to prevent this happening. It might mean putting people to some inconvenience. No-one liked being held up while they were travelling; or being told to clean their shoes, or walking through disinfectant. “However, the risk is far too great not to take these precautions and try to keep this country free of these diseases.” said Mr Skinner. One step taken so far. was the appointment by the Department of Agriculture of a chief advisory officer (animal health). This senior veterinary officer would have charge of the department’s general programme for the improvement of animal health and would give special attention to the control of infectious diseases and precautions to prevent the entry of diseases from overseas.