Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether fresh outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported during the past week; to what are these attributed: what markets and auctions in England and Wales are now closed as a result of this epidemic; and whether further preventive measures are contemplated?
Sir A. BOSCAWENDuring the seven days up to and including the 6th instant, 93 eases of suspected foot-and-mouth disease were reported to the Ministry and 69 outbreaks were confirmed. With one exception these outbreaks occurred at or near existing infected centres. The only new centre was at Buckingham, where an outbreak was confirmed on the 1st instant. Careful inquiries have failed to establish the origin of this outbreak. The other outbreaks during the week are attributable to the close proximity of premises already infected. All markets and auctions of animals other than of fat stock intended for immediate slaughter are closed throughout England and Wales except in the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Glamorgan, Breconshire, Radnorshire, Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire which are free from restrictions. No further preventive measures are contemplated other than the making of some additional rules to be observed on foot-and-mouth disease infected places,1108W the object of which will be to prevent the spread of infection by persons entering and leaving infected farms.