§ 7. Sir J. SPEARasked the Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state the number of cases of anthrax in cattle for the year ending 29th September, 1917, and the number occurring in the previous year, and also the number of outbreaks of swine fever during the same periods; and whether the serum treatment of pigs is of value and should be extended?
§ Mr. PROTHEROFive hundred and sixty-seven cattle were attacked by anthrax in the year ended 29th September last, as against 583 in the previous year. The corresponding figures of outbreaks of swine fever are 2,531, as against 4,424. The serum treatment of pigs is undoubtedly of value; but until a trustworthy system of vaccination against the disease can be brought forward, the Board is not prepared to make the serum treatment compulsory. As a voluntary method it is now being carried out to the fullest possible extent.