§ 35. Mr. STANIERasked how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in the Swords district; how many animals have been slaughtered; in what size area has the disease been confined; and if it has yet been found out from whence the disease came?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFoot-and-mouth disease is confined to an area within three miles of the town of Swords, county Dublin. Within this area the existence of the disease was confirmed on the farms of twelve persons. The evidence available goes to show that the disease spread from one infected farm. The origin of the disease has not so far been ascertained. The inquiries into the matter are not yet completed. The numbers of animals slaughtered are: 580 cattle, 314 sheep, 20 swine, and 8 goats.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEHas foot-and-mouth disease been found in any other part of Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI believe not.
§ Mr. HAROLD CAWLEYMay I ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has any further information about the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu, for Mr. Runciman)The situation, both in Somersetshire and Leicestershire, remains unchanged, no further outbreaks having occurred in either county I am sorry to say, however, that information has just been received of the existence of foot-and-mouth disease at Yew Tree Farm, Bridge-mere, Nantwich, in the county of Chester, six milking cows and one calf being affected. Instructions have been given for the slaughter of the animals, and an Order is being prepared and will be issued this afternoon prohibiting the holding of markets and movement of animals along, over, or across a highway within a large area surrounding the infected place.