DISEASE IN CATTLE

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 230, 24 June 1932, Page 12

DISEASE IN CATTLE

Effect on Imports CONCERN OF BREEDERS The necessity for instructing the public concerning the dangers of foot and mouth disease was urged uporr the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, by a deputation from the Romney . Marsh Sheep Breeders Association, which waited on him yesterday. In replying to the representations made, the Minister agreed that a series of lectures on the question should be broadcast by Mr. J. Lyons, director of the livestock division of the Department of Agriculture. The deputation was introduced by Mr. J. Linklater, M.P. air. Q. Donald expressed the opinion that there was no danger from the importation of live stock. A great many people were afraid of foot-and-mouth disease, and he considered that the public should be educated concerning it. He suggested that it would be a wise course to arrange for the broadcasting of a series of lectures on the subject. New livestock was required in the Dominion, and the, issue should be tackled. air. J. E. Hewitt said he did not consider it advisable,to import livestock into the Dominion. air. R. W. Matthews agreed with air. Hewitt, but he said there were certain breeds of cattle in the Dominion needing a change, and it was necessary it should be brought about. He felt, however, it was absolutely ’ necessary to make certain that there would be ho risk before they allowed the importation of stock into the country. air. Lyons said America and Canada had opened their doors to livestock from infected countries, as they were not afraid of foot-and-mouth disease. He was not afraid of it himself. If foot-and-mouth disease were introduced into this country it would not be through the animal itself, but through the contact of the animal with infection. i The Minister promised to give full consideration to the representations and to arrange for tlie broadcast of the lectures by Mr. Lyons.