FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 2

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.

WELLINGTON, Aug. 27. If tire regulations under which stock was allowed into the country were strictly observed, the danger of introducing foot and mouth disease into the Dominion was almost negligible was tlie opinion expressed by Dr. C. J. Reakes, Director-General of Agriculture, when addressing the New Zealand Live Stock Auctioneers’ Agents’ Association at its recent annual general meeting. Under these regulations, Dr. Reakes continued, they would be working in close co-oper-ation with tlie British Government in the matter of quarantine isolation. The greater danger existed from the introduction of packing materials than from the importation of the animals themselves. Members showed considerable anxiety that no pains should ho spared to prevent the disease from getting a footing in the Dominion, as, if it once got in, it would he disastrous to all associated with the farming industry. It was pointed out that the stud Hocks and herds of New Zealand were well maintained even as compared with English stock, with the exception possibly of Southdown sheep and beef cattle —which class of cattle is not of such great importance to this country. Dr. Reakes gave a general outline of the proposals that wore under consideration as a result of representations made to the Government in regard to the importation of stock foods and animal medicines. These proposals were strongly approved of by the meeting, and it was hoped that they would be brought into operation. Sir Alexander Roberts was elected president for tho ensuing year, Messrs W. S. Bennett and C. E. Shallcrass being elected vice-presidents.