Foot-and-mouth Disease Embargo

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 70, 15 December 1932, Page 11

Foot-and-mouth Disease Embargo

Sir, —I am very pleased to notice that quite recently a number of the breed societies have come to the very logical conclusion that the risk of lifting the embargo on the importation of stock into this country is purely negligible, and have passed resolutions to that effect. This in the face of Australia’s experience is quite understandable. Australia for a number of years has been taking what many of your correspondents have termed a "terrible risk,” but, strange to say, with this “terrible risk,” no outbreak of foot and mouth disease has ever occurred in Australia. I think it is safe to assume that anyone with an average amount, of intelligence must admit that Australia’s experience should be sufficient to silence the most pessimistic individual. If any further pressure is required we have only to revert to past history, when importation of stock to New Zealand was taking place for years from England writhour. foot and mouth disease breaking out all over the country, and the precautions _we have to-day in regard to the. quarantine at home were not then in existence, and also it was not recognised as it is to-day that the animal was incapable of spreading the disease after seven or eight days. ‘ It has been stated that stud breeders 1 simply' for their own ends have been anxious to have the embargo lifted, but these breeders, I think, have sufficient foresight, to realise who would be the. biggest losers if the disease were intro-’ duced’ here. At the same time they also recognise that unless they procure freshblood, which is badly needed, we shall. 1 assuredly fall back, and Australia would; go ahead. Breeders of all stud animals' must. I contend, be given the opportunity of importing from a country. which is universally recognised as the finest stuff breeding ground of the world, where we have enthusiastic breeders, with generations of experience at the back of them, specialising in all breeds. Any logical, broad-minded person must admit the risk is reduced to a minimum—as much as it. over will be. If those who are antagonistic towards lifting the embargo are going to be allowed to guide public opinion, and incidentally the Government, then I say we shall al! undoubtedly lire to rue the day, but I can hardly imagine this is going to happen. The veterinary department has given . an open verdict, and the gentleman at the head of affairs in New Zealand who has had far more experience that the average layman has sounded a note _oi warning which I am sure we are going to take notice of. —I am. etc j’n(jjCAL December 10.