§ MR. JAMES HOWARDasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether the Veterinary Department, in respect of swine fever, which inflicts so much loss upon agricultural labourers, as well as farmers, can suggest means whereby this typhoid disease could be more effectually controlled or stamped out?
§ MR. MUNDELLASir, swine fever has decreased considerably since it was made a contagious disease under the Act, in December, 1878. During the year 1879, 2,765 outbreaks were reported, compared with 1,717 in 1881, and the number of animals returned affected in 1879 was 17,074, compared with 7,994 in 1881. The Privy Council have good reason to believe that if local authorities would carry out the duties imposed upon them by the Order for the slaughter of diseased animals, the declaration of infected places, and the prohibition or regulation of sales when disease is prevalent, the disease might soon be extinguished. The Privy Council propose to issue a Circular, calling the attention of the local authorities to the desirability of prompt and vigorous action in dealing with this disease.