§ 33. Sir John Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many outbreaks of fowl pest there have been in Scotland; what actions are being taken to curtail the disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere have been five recent cases of fowl pest in Scotland, three primary outbreaks and two secondary.
Movement restrictions were placed on the premises concerned and the birds slaughtered.
386 The last case was confirmed on 29th October: there have been no more outbreaks.
§ Sir J. GilmourIn view of the seriousness of the disease, will my hon. Friend consider giving the widest possible publicity to the means by which it is spread, to cut down its incidence?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. Steps have been taken to alert poultry keepers to the risks of infection, particularly from improperly-treated swill. I cannot emphasise too strongly how necessary it is that poultry-keepers observe these elementary precautions.