§ 55. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if his veterinary officers have been able to trace the cause of the widespread cases of anthrax among cattle and pigs; and what measures are being taken to stop the introduction of further infection.
§ Mr. NugentCircumstantial evidence suggests that most of the recent outbreaks of anthrax are connected with the use of imported feedingstuffs. It has not yet been possible to determine which particular ingredients are carrying infection, but inquiries are continuing. My Department is examining the possibility of doing more to ensure that imported bones and bone products are made safe during processing. Infection may also be carried on feedingstuffs of vegetable origin, but the introduction of infection by this means could only be stopped by ceasing to import the feedingstuffs.