DISEASE PREVALENT IN IMPORTED MEAT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6811, 15 January 1929, Page 7

DISEASE PREVALENT IN IMPORTED MEAT

Widespread Incidence SMITHFIELD INSTITUTES RIGOROUS EXAMINATION DOMINION MUTTON EXEMPT. United Service. LONDON, Jan. 12. The Weekly Despatch asserts that Smithlleld market interests are seriously disturbed by the progress of an almost world-wide disease in sheep which is affecting meat imported into Britain. Great quantities ofi Australian and South American mutton aro being condemned. The Smithfield system of inspection has been altered to combat the menace. Every carcase of mutton and lamb from Australia and South America is individually inspected. Imports from New Zealand arc exempt from special examinatons. Tho disease occurs in the lymphatic glands, and is deep-seated in the shoulders. The origin of the disease, which is not tubercular, is believed to be in tho soil.

Mr Will Thorne, M.P., intends raising the question in the House of Commons. Ho states that ho is dissatisfied with the inspection of meat in the countries of origin, as it is insufficiently rigorous. Tho danger seems to be glossed over. Mr Thorne is of the opinion that the disease is a menace to health, particularly in the poorer districts, "where diseased meat is too frequently brazenly exposed.”