EMBARGO ON IMPORTED STOCK.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1934, Page 6

EMBARGO ON IMPORTED STOCK.

It is a pity the members of the .New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association did not give more fully their reasons for supporting the existing embargo upon the importation of live stock. Gradually the stockowners of the Dominion are becoming convinced that the precautions that can be taken in conjunction with such importations are sufficient to prevent any greater chance of the introduction of foot and mouth disease than exists even while the embargo remains. The highest veterinary opinion in Great Britain as well as in the Dominion supports this view. The authorities in both countries promise active and continuous supervision of live stock sent to New Zealand, while the need for new blood has been admitted by quite a number of stock breeders. If, for instance, a healthy industry in the export of chilled beef is to be established the importation of fresh stock is not only desirable, but imperative. The Jersey Cattle Breeders Association has done very fine work in the interests of . Jersey breeding throughout the Dominion. The increased butterfat returns obtained from so many holdings is the best proof of the value of better breeding, testing and culling in establishing and maintaining high-class dairy herds. Importations that are being made, though through other countries than Great Britain, make it evident that Jersey breeders fully recognise the need for new blood. The question is whether it would not be better to make importations of live stock from Britain as easy as possible, always provided the necessary precautions against the spread or introduction of disease are taken. Foot and mouth disease, if it once gained entry into the Dominion, would be a grievous calamity. The desire to prevent it happening can be understood quite easily. But the desire must be interpreted in terms that are practical. In defending New Zealand’s stock from possible disaster sight must not be lost of the deterioration that might occur unless fresh blood is introduced.