MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many swine fever inspectors there are in Scotland; where they are stationed; and whether they are personally capable of diagnosing the disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYEight veterinary inspectors are employed by the Board in Scotland. They are stationed at Ayr, Edinburgh, Forfar, Glasgow, Hamilton, Kelso, and Wigtown. All of them are capable of diagnosing swine-fever, but the ultimate decision rests, in every case, with the chief veterinary officer.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that a pig died in Perthshire on the morning of 23rd March, was not inspected, and, in consequence, could not be buried until the evening of the 25th; that part of the pig had 850W to be sent to the Board of Agriculture in London for inspection; whether any answer has yet been received from the Board; whether the owner can kill or sell any of his pigs before a reply has been received; and whether it takes fourteen days to diagnose the disease, and if local inspectors are unable to perform this function?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYA report that swine fever was suspected to exist on premises in Perthshire was received by the Board from the police on the 23rd ultimo. The nearest local veterinary inspector was at once instructed by telegram to proceed to the premises, which he did on the following day. He made a post-mortem examination of the dead pig and sent his report to the Board. As neither the owner or manager were present the local veterinary inspector arranged with the cattleman for the burial of the carcase and saw that the necessary grave was dug. So far as the Board are concerned there was nothing then to prevent the burial being completed. No part of the pig was sent to London for inspection. The restrictions which are always imposed as a matter of precaution when swine fever is suspected to exist were withdrawn on the 6th inst.