STOCK SHOWS AND TUBERCULIN TEST.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 497, 3 May 1909, Page 10

STOCK SHOWS AND TUBERCULIN TEST.

One has not yet noticed at any of the, New Zealand shows any cattle placarded as having passed the tuberculin test.. But that course is now being taken by numerous stud breeders in Britain, who ore fully -alive to the effect this form of advertising is likely to have upon the minds of their possible customers. 'The new development was commented on by the London "Field" of March 13, "which said: —"It was noticed that a large proportion of the exhibits at Birmingham last week were certified to have-success-fully passed the tuberculin test within the past few weeks. From the number of tickets intimating this fact it might bo assumed that cattle breeders have at last accepted the test as an infallible diagnostic of .tuberculosis. This, however. -■ would not be a correct interpretation of their action. _ It is not too much to 1 say .that their adoption of the tuberculin test is dictated more by considerations of expediency than by a conviction as to tho reliability of the, process: Stockowners regard the test as useful, but not as absolutely trustworthy; but they are shrewd enough to -subordinate their personal opinions to those of their customers, and, recognising that tho operation is an essential passport to the South American market, they tako the neccsaary steps to guarantee tho fitness of their animals for that or any other country which regards tho test as infallible. Quite tbreo-fourths of the bulls exhibited in Bingley Hall had successfully survived the tuberculin ordeal, and jthe cards to that effect ovor tho heads of tho animals implied a guarantco upon which purchases might bo effected. Whatever their views concerning'the valuo of tho tuberculin test, stockowners are acting wisely in conforming to the requirements of importing countries, while there is no doubt that tho existence of. a certificate gives increased assurance to lionie buyers of tho healthy condition of the stock. It is a great matter to bo able to reassure customers regarding

any doubtful point. Evcp though professing unbelief in the merits of tho operation, fow aro blind to tho sonso of security'which its results afford."