FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 252, 19 September 1930, Page 6

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

While there is a danger of recurrent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in England, it is the duty of the New. Zealand Government to rigidly maintain its embargo on the importation of stock, and also to keep closed any avenue which might lead to importations from England through other countries. Recently, the Board of Agriculture passed a resolution expressing the opinion that, if Great Britain remained free from foot and mouth disease until the end of the current year, stock from there should be allowed into the Dominion, subject to reasonable precautions. It thereupon communicated with the Farmers’ Union, and other organisations in which farmers are interested, the fact that, at the time of writing, 'Great Britain had been free of the disease since December, 1929, and that all restrictions there had been withdrawn as from January 14, 1930. When the letter came before the Manawatu provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union recently members did not hesitate tending that the period allowed for immunity was not sufficient, and it was unanimously negatived. Subsequent . events have proved that their attitude was correct, for the Government has been advised of three fresh outbreaks in Yorkshire early this month. The risk to this country forbids any relaxation of the regulations now in force. The experience and cost in countries where this disease has occurred are a reminder of what would happen here if it should ever be introduced. The . Government is alive to the position, and on the matter being raised the Minister for Agriculture told the House that the restrictions would not be removed.