FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.

HL Deb 05 February 1908 vol 183 cc838-9

On the Motion for the Adjournment of the House—

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

Before your Lordships adjourn I should like to ask a question of the noble Earl, the President of the Board of Agriculture, and that is whether there is any truth in the rumour that there has been an outbreak of foot and mouth disease among cattle north of the Tweed.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Earl CARRINGTON)

I am sorry to have to say that there is truth in the report, for a telegram was received late last night from Professor Dewar, F.R.C.V.S., Edinburgh, reporting suspected foot and mouth disease in a large herd of dairy cows at Gorgie, Midlothian. Veterinary Inspector Smith, Glasgow, was instructed to visit, and he reports by telegram— Eighty-one cows out of 111, property of John Robertson, Elvan Bank, Gorgie, are affected with foot and mouth disease. Lesions well marked in mouth, feet and udder. The Chief Veterinary Officer considers that the existence of the disease must be regarded as established, but in view of the importance of the matter he is proceeding himself to Edinburgh to-night, and will advise as to further procedure.

In the meantime Orders are being prepared, and will be issued this afternoon confirming the existence of disease, I and prohibiting absolutely the movement of animals in the district surrounding I Edinburgh to the South of the Firth of Forth pending full inquiry.

A staff of veterinary inspectors has been dispatched to Edinburgh to search out any other possible centres of disease, and assistance has been dispatched to Mr. Douglas, our General Inspector in Scotland who will conduct the further inquiries, and report at once.

I hope the House will believe that every possible step has been taken to prevent the spread of this terrible disease.

House adjourned at quarter before Five o'clock, till To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.