Embargo to Remain

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6625, 11 August 1931, Page 8

Embargo to Remain

EOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

The Minister .of Agriculture (the Hon. A. J. Murdoch), has advised tho New Zealand Farmers' Union that in view of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain the Government has decided to maintain the embargo on tho importation of cattle, sheep and pigs from that country. Recent advice received by the farmers' Union states that the Highland and Agricultural Show, which opened at Edinburgh on Juno 23, was robbed of over 1500 entries- by tho Government’s embargo on tho movements of cattle, which had also disorganised many other important fixtures, fifteen fresh outbreaks had occurred during tho previous week-end, hundreds of cattle were being slaughtered, and British farmers were faced with, huge financial losses. The Dominion conference of tne Farmers’ Union recently strongly protested against tho removal of tho embargo, and also against the importation of stock from Great Britain through other countries such as Canada. lhc Royal Agricultural Society’s conference also considered the matter, a motion favouring the importation of stock subject to certain conditions being narrowly defeated by 18 votes to 16.

Menace to Stock OUTBREAK IN BRITAIN. LONDON, Juno 25. On Sunday night tho Ministry of Agriculture had received reports of 32 confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and another eight suspected cases. Tho Minister had made an order prohibiting all movements of cattle, sheep, and swine throughout the country, except under license, which is limited to fat stock for immediate slaughter. It seems probable that the source of infection is Ireland, where tho existence of foot-and-mouth disease was reported last week. The outbreaks in England and Scotland ivere discovered among store stock recently imported. All landings from Ireland have been prohibited since June 17. Tho standstill order, which the Ministry is enforcing with the assistance of the police, must inevitably cause a serious dislocation of business by preventing the holding of ordinary markets (writes the agricultural correspondent of The Times). But farmers are prepared to accept this as an essential safeguard against the further spread of infection until the situation is undei control. Fortunately, the main seasonal movement of store cattle within the country and from Ireland has been completed, but a number of Irish cattle were distributed through tho southern counties, as well as the north, in the early part of last week. After a few' days it may be considered ptwsibie to cancel movement restrictions in the south, but this would be risky and inadvisable at the moment.

According to reports made by the Ministry’s veterinary officers who are dealing with the outbreaks, the disease is appearing in virulent form. Every effort is being made to stamp out infection by the slaughter of all. affected stock and contacts, but it will bo a few days before the full seriousness of tho position can bo appreciated. Everyone will hope that prompt action by the Ministry lias prevented a repetition of the outbreaks of 1823-24, which cost the country about £4,000,000 including compensation paid for the animals slaughtered to stamp out the epidemic. Our policy of slaughter may seem expensive at a time like this, but it is sound national economy. Reference to statistics shows that Continental countries suffer a heavy toll of their livestock year after year through tho ravages of tho disease, though the effects may not bo fatal. The vigorous policy pursued to keep this country free from infection is fully justified by our comparative immunity in recent years. Moreover, we have a valuable export trade in pedigree stock to the Dominions. Their ports aro closed against livestock from any country where foot-and-mouth disease exists.

Extensive use is being made of tho new anti-foot-and-mouth serum, whict was first brought into prominence six months ago. A Ministry research officer said: “All contact suspects have been followed up and inoculated. This is the first time the serum has been tried on a large scale, and none of the inoculated animals has so far sickened. As the scrum process is, however, still largely experimental, the Ministry have had to pursue the drastic policy of immediate slaughter.” The first casualty list showing the slaughter of animals includes 1200 cattle, 1800 sheep, 100 pigs, valued approximately at £50,000. Tho dislocation of trade has also added a heavy burden to tho farmers.