§ MR. DUCKHAMasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether he is aware that there is an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at Swaffham, in the county of Norfolk; and, if so, whether he can state its origin, date of introduction, and date at which it was reported to the local authority; and, whether the necessary regulations for guarding against its spread have been promptly enforced?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Necton Hall, near Swaffham, Norfolk, was reported to the Agricultural Department on Monday, February 23. Immediately on receipt of the information one of the Inspectors of the Department proceeded to Norfolk, where he found foot-and-mouth disease to exist among a herd of 84 cattle and 52 swine, then on the premises. A flock of 521 sheep, belonging to the same owner, was then on the farm, but at some distance outside the infected circle, and up to the present time have not been attacked by the disease. In reference to the origin of the affection, it was ascertained that a pig had been brought on to Necton Hall from near Gillingham, in Dorsetshire, on January 12, and some of the pigs with which this animal came in contact were seen to be lame about 10 days afterwards; but no suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease appears to have arisen until the cattle became affected, when notice was given to the police in due course. The Local Authority in Norfolk have taken very active and full precautions to prevent the spreading of 1892 the disease. An inquiry at the farm whence the pig was sent to Norfolk on January 12 led to the conclusion that no disease has recently existed on those premises. The pig was sent to Norfolk in a crate, which was cleansed and disinfected, as is usual, before leaving the farm. Assuming that the disease was carried into Norfolk by this animal, the infection must have been contracted in transit. On this point, however, no information has been obtained.
§ In reply to Mr. CHAPLIN,
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, the Privy Council did not think it was a case in which it was necessary to order the compulsory slaughter of all the animals diseased and in contact with them.
§ In reply to Mr. DUCKHAM,
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid: The Lords of the Council have approved of a form of communication addressed by the Foreign Office to Her Majesty's Consuls in the following countries:—Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States of America—instructing them to communicate by telegram to the Agricultural Department immediately on receipt by them of information of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. No reply is expected from the Consuls until they receive information of fresh outbreaks in their districts.