INFECTIOUS ANIMAL DISEASE

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31669, 3 May 1968, Page 12

INFECTIOUS ANIMAL DISEASE

U.K. To Test Auckland

Outbreak Samples

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 2.

A highly infectious disease not seen in New Zealand before has been discovered on a farm at Warkworth, 30 miles north of Auckland.

This was announced at a late night meeting in Wellington tonight by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys), the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture (Mr D. N. R. Webb), and the Director of Animal Health (Dr S. J. Jamieson).

Stock movements have been banned under the Animals Act in a five-mile area from the part of the Mahurangi parish where the outbreak was discovered to two miles south of the Warkworth Post Office.

The outbreak was discovered late this afternoon when Department of Agriculture veterinarians were called in

by a private veterinarian treating the affected animals —lB pigs. Tissue samples from the affected animals are being flown to Britain tomorrow from Auckland, said Dr Jamieson. Results of the tests at a United Kingdom Ministry of Agriculture laboratory should be known by Monday at the latest

All movement within the af-

fected farm has been stopped. Stock movements within the rest of the restricted area are also banned, except within the boundaries of individual farms.

Farm workers can visit town, but Dr Jamieson said he advised them not to visit one another within the next three or four days. Dr Jamieson said the outbreak took the form of clear blisters on the mouth and snout

“The diagnosis is particularly difficult, hence the need to send samples to Britain," he said.

Dr Jamieson emphasised the precautionary nature of the restrictions.

“Someone may say later we overplayed our hand, but I think it’s better to do that than to take any chances. At the moment our information is fragmentary. “We expec* to know much more tomorrow.” DEPARTMENTAL CALL “Farmers in the Warkworth area should carefully examine all stock and if they see any evidence of sickness, they should promptly call in the veterinarian. “Farmers in the area can expect Department of Agriculture veterinarians to visit

Dr Jamieson said the restriction on movements would .be enforced by Agricultural Department officers and police.