DISEASED CATTLE

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 3

DISEASED CATTLE

TUBERCULOSIS INSPECTION. REMIT AT FARMERS’ CONFERENCE. For some time past, the question of testing for tuberculpsis in cows has exercised the minds of farmers in New Zealand and at yesterday’s meeting of the Farmers’ Union a remit was received from the Gore sub-executive: “That this conference strongly recommends to the Government that it be made compulsory that all dairy cows be periodically examined and tested for T.B by officers of the Stock Division, and that when offered for sale to be accompanied by tubercular test certificate, as is the casein Great Britain.” Mr George Irwin moved the remit, saying that if New Zealand could get its exported meat certified as immune from tuberculosis, the trade with Britain would increase enormously. Moreover in the matter of health the most important thing was that New Zealand should produce a hardy and healthy race, and infected milk was a grave menace. Mr E. W. Stephens said that the remit had gone to Wellington at the former conference, but nothing further had been heard of it. Much examination of stock had been carried out in the Balfour district and one farmer had destroyed 25 of his herd. The chief cause of dissatisfaction with the motion was that farmers were not certain of the Government’s compensation. The Government, however, gave £8 per animal destroyed one half of its normal value. Mr A. R. Johnston said he thought the previous speaker was wrong in saying that the Government gave £8 per animal destroyed. He understood that only £6 was given. The testing of cows was only done for the export trade, not for local use. If the farmer objected to the testing of hia cows the Department could go no further. The effect of this remit would be to make the testing compulsory. Some farmers would lose five per cent, of their stock. Mr H. E. Bacon said that the principle was all right so long as the matter was left voluntary. When the testing was made compulsory the whole value of the animal should be paid in compensation. Mr T. Major asked whether there was compulsory testing in England. He received a negative reply. He had been told on authority that the percentage of cows infected was very small in Southland. Mr P. Arnott asked whether it was a fact that some cows who had reacted to the tubercular test and were destroyed on a post mortem examination were found immune. Mr Bacon said in that case the Government would give full compensation. Mr A. Coombe related his experience in the north some years ago when he had seen a man lose half his herd when only a few were really infected. Mr H. S. Stevens commented strongly on the attitude taken in putting pounds, shillings and pence against human lives. The disease must be stamped out. Not only that but the advertisement in guaranteeing our butter and cheese as free from T.B. would be of great value. Mr Campbell spoke .on the necessity for adding bulls to the remit. Mr D. J. Heenan thought there was not a man in the room who would put pounds, shillings and pence against human lives, but the tubercular test was not a reliable one and until a reliable test was obtained, the matter should be left over. Mr Stevens, explaining this point, said that at one time a cow of his had reacted but the tester remarking that the cow was not normal returned later to make the test This state of affairs was probably the cause of much of the wrong diagnoses. Mr Arnott stressed the importance of the matter and the need for due care. Mr Johnston suggested that the mover and seconder should substitute “cattle” for “cows,” and that a clause be added “that full compensation be paid for cows condemned that were found to have no trace*? on a post mortem examination.” Mr T. H. Stephens said that there should be more known on the subject before the remit was carried. Mr O. E. Niederer thought it was premature to take steps at the present juncture with the little knowledge available. Mr Irwin, replying, said that at one time, a Government test had been held in his district (Menzies Ferry) and only three or four had been destroyed. He had had one destroyed and was only too glad to have her off the property when he knew she was infected. The remit as amended was then carried on a show of hands, 34 voting for and 21 against.