DISEASED SHEEP

Grey River Argus, 2 May 1938, Page 11

DISEASED SHEEP

Removal Question NO DANGER OF SPREAD. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 1. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. Mr Lee Martin), stated to-day that representations have been made to him by the Dominion Secretary’ of the Farmers’ Union, Mr A. P. O’Shea, that certain branches in the South Island had asked that, in view of the present outbreak of facial eczema in the North Island, the movement of stock from north to south should be restricted. The Minister said that it was unfortunate that this ailment had been given the name of eczema, which had led to a belief that it was contagious, whereas, according to unanimous veterinary opinion, it was not spread by either infection or contagion. Its occurrence in different areas was due to the fact that animals in those areas were subject to similar dietetic conditions, and these conditions did not exist in the South Island. Any drastic measure of restricting the movement of stock from the affected areas, therefore, did not appear to be warranted. South Island farmers could be assured that, if such a measure were considered either necessary or desirable, there would be no hesitation in enforcing it.