§ 69. Mr. CAREWasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the outbreak of rabies in Devon and Cornwall is now stamped out; whether there have been any fresh cases reported lately; if he will state the total number of cases to date; and whether he has any statement to make as to the way the muzzling order is being enforced?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENAt present the outbreak of rabies in Devon and Cornwall cannot in any sense be said to be stamped out. The disease may show itself at any time within six months from its inception. The last case was confirmed on the 11th inst., and in addition there is still a number of suspected cases under investigation by the Board's Veterinary Department. The total number of cases confirmed by the veterinary officers of the Board to date is 118—Devon 94, Cornwall 24. The Board have reason to think that the responsible local authorities are carrying out their duty as efficiently as their staff permits. I am informed that to date eighteen civilians, two soldiers, and one sailor have been bitten and undergone the Pasteur treatment for hydrophobia.
§ Mr. LAMBERTCan the hon. Gentleman say whether, generally, rabies in these two counties is decreasing or increasing?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENOn the whole, it has been better recently, but it is by no means stamped out yet.