FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21224, 2 July 1932, Page 17

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

DISCUSSION IN BRITAIN. Ihe Highland and Agricultural Society is not satisfied that every possible precaution is being token to keep the. infection of foot-and-mouth disease from l'.ritain. At, the May meeting of the directors, Colonel l\ J. Carruthcrs reviewed the circumstances which caused the cancellation of the live stock classes at last year's Highland Show at Edinburgh. It will be remembered that a serious outbreak of the disease was threatened, following the importation of store cattle from Ireland, which were found to be affected. Thorough investigations were made into the origin of the trouble by the Ministry of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, from which it. appears that the most probable source of infection was a cargo of broccoli shipped from the Continent., though no definite conclusion could be established. As a result of considerable discussion, the Highland Society decided to consult with the Royal Agricultural Society and the Royal Ulster Society to secure their co-operation in making representations to the Minister of Agriculture urging that tho importation of vegetables should be prohibited from countries where foot-and-mouth disease exists. British breeders would like to see a test carried out. by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee with tho object of finding out whether guinea pigs w r ill contract foot-and-mouth disease when fed on fresh vegetables grown in districts where (he disease is a common complaint. Veterinary authorities evidently recognise that the sacking used to wrap imported meat may be a cause of spreading infection. A new Order has lately been n"'de by the Minister of Agriculture to prevent, wrappings from meat imported from infected countries being manufactured into bags for packing feeding stuffs for animals, fertilisers, or agricultural produce.