§ Major Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if foot-and-mouth disease has broken out in the Isle of Wight; and if, instead of killing all suspected animals, he will, in the interests of economy and future knowledge, segregate any affected herds, such being possible in the island?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe existence of foot-and-mouth disease in the Isle of Wight was confirmed on the 21st ultimo. Slaughter of affected animals and those that have been exposed to infection is carried out with a view to stamping out, at the earliest possible date, centres from which disease, might be carried to other districts. Whenever an initial centre of disease can be surrounded and eradicated, as the Board think possible in this case, it is not economy to keep the virus alive, as84W experience has shown that it may leak out in spite of the most rigid precautions, and its existence in this country seriously interferes with the export trade, upon which the successful rearing of live stock in this country is greatly dependent.
§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have taken place in the Isle of Wight since the middle of last month?
Sir A. BOSCAWENSince the 20th October twenty-six outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in the Isle of Wight.