FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18623, 29 April 1932, Page 12

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

CONTINENTAL VEGETABLES SUSPECTED. IN A RECENT OUTBREAK. "Continental vegetables were the only apparent source of infection on the farm" was one of the conclusions in a report which the Government of Northern Ireland has issued in a case of foot and mouth disease in Jnne last, which was traced to animals imported from Ireland. Certain animals in a consignment were turned hack lo the farm of Mr A. Ilutton, of Ballydugan, Downpatrick. The report continues: The problem of determining the manner in which the disease was conveyed to Ireland resolved itself into ascertaining the origin of the outbreak on Mr Hutton’s farm. A careful examination of all the relevant, circumstances showed that prior to May 27 disease in an infective stage did not exist on the farm, but that during the last two or three days of May and the first two or three days of June infection existed. Allowing therefore for the usual period of incubation, it seems certain that the virus of the disease was introduced to animals on the farm during the few days prior to May 27, and although by that date and until some time afterwards there were no clinical signs of disease, the animals were capable of transmitting infection.

The most exhaustive inquiries failed to bring to light any source whatever from which during the period indicated the virus could have been introduced, with, however, one important exception. On May 22 Dutch cauliflowers were brought to tho farm, and the outside leaves were thrown on a refuse heap accessible to the animals. It is an accepted fact that green stuff of this nature can carry the virus of foot and mouth disease, and it, is of tho greatest significance that during tho month of May, 1931, over 700 outbreaks of foot and mouth disease were confirmed in Holland, where it is interesting to note the farming system employed frequently brings animals into close touch with vegetable products.

Two main facts therefore emerge in connection with the unfortunate outbreak: (1) Every case of disease which could be traced to one farm in Northern Ireland; ('2> the only apparent source of infection on the farm was Continental vegetables.