IMPORTING STUD STOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19962, 2 June 1928, Page 13

IMPORTING STUD STOCK.

THE RISK OF DISEASE. PRECAUTIONS IN BRITAIN. PROPOSED LOCAL RESTRICTIONS. The question of permitting the importation of stud stock from Britain was reviewed by Mr. W. Perry in his presidential address to the Royal Agricultural Society's conference in Wellington. "For some time now stud stock breeders in Australia and New Zealand have been crying out for fresh blood for their herds and Hocks, but intermittent and frequent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have prevented any imports from Britain," he said. "In order to accede to these requests tlie Empire Marketing Board lias erected a special quarantine area in London, where animals for export will be kept under strict surveillance for 14 days prior to shipment, as the incubation period tor foot and month disease is less than 14 days. In addition the animals will again be quarantined on arrival." Mr. Perry said the Board of Agriculture had considered the matter, anrl suggested that tlie embargo be relaxed on the following conditions: (1) All animals to be derived from larnis which have been free of foot and mouth disease for 12 months and within 15 nnles of which there has been no outbreak dunng the past six months; (2) animals to bo examined on farm and passed as free from disease by a qualified veterinarian appointed by the Government, who must satisfy himself that all other animals on the farm are free from foot and mouth disease; (3) all vehicles used in their transport to be thoroughly disinfected before use under personal supervision of an approved officer; (4) the handling, feeding and general care ot the animals in quarantine to bo conducted on lines approved by Gov eminent. All foodstuffs and straw used in quarantine and during voyage out to be derived from New Zealand or Canada, but peat moss might bo used as bedding as a substitute for straw; (5) animals to be further examined before shipment, and to be accompanied on the voyage by a competent veterinarian appointed by the Government; (6) if dipping facilities available sheep to be dipped before leaving quarantine; if not, to be sprayed with an approved antiseptic solution ; cattle to be also sprayed. Feet to be thoroughly washed if animals not dipped; (7) all gear and utensils used on ship to be new. Under such conditions the board considered the possibility of the disease reaching the Dominion should be negligible. According to a telegram published yesterday the conference passed a resolution opposing any relaxation of the embargo. SYSTEM OF QUARANTINING. COMPLETE SAFETY ENSURED. The steps being taken in England to eradicate and control foot and mouth disease were reviewed in an interview yesterday by Colonel T. D. Young, chief veterinary inspector of the City of London, who is at present visiting Auckland. Colonel Young is in New Zealand at the invitation of the Government, and during the next few weeks will investigate matters in connection with the meat industry. The visitor stated that under a recentlyintroduced system of quarantining in various zones in England and Scotland, it was hoped to ensure that any cattle exported from the country would be entirely free of the disease. For the purposes of the sch :me three quarantine zones had been established, one being in Scotland, another at Liverpool and the third at London. "I cannot speak of results yet," stated Colonel Young, "for the system was inaugurated only a short time 'before I left London, but I can assure you that the period of quarantine will be sufficiently long to ensure complete safety. Tn addition to this, you in New Zealand would have the security of a long, sea voyage, which is all in your favour, to say nothing of the period of quarantine that would doubtless be required when the stock lands here." The scheme of quarantining was beinnsnonsored by the Roval Agricultural Societv, the Ministry of Acriculture and ♦lie'Emnire Marketing Board, so that New 7ealanders should havo no fears tegarding its efficiency.