HC Deb 08 December 1925 vol 189 cc298-9W
Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Ministry have made any progress recently in discovering how foot-and-mouth disease is spread in cases where previous contact with diseased animals has not taken place?

Mr. GUINNESS

Such evidence as is available would seem to indicate that infection is generally spread by means of "mechanical carriers" which may be either human beings or other living agencies, or contaminated foodstuffs, hay or straw. In the majority of cases, however, it is impossible to trace definitely the agent responsible for carrying the virus.

Sir H. NIELD

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the practice with regard to the means of dealing with the present outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is uniform throughout all the districts in which the disease has been notified; if he is aware that, whereas in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire the whole herd where infected cattle have been found have not only to be killed, but the carcases burnt, in the Midland districts and the North only the carcases of animals found to be actually infected are required to be burned, the remainder of the herd when killed being allowed to be sold; and will he take stops to ensure equal treatment in all districts?

Mr. GUINNESS

The procedure adopted is uniform as regards the destruction of the carcases of all infected animals. So far as healthy contact animals are concerned, the question of salvage of carcases is considered in every case in the light of the existing circumstances. Where salvage can be attempted without detriment to the speedy eradication of disease, and there is a reasonable prospect of the amount realised being such as to justify the additional risks involved, salvage of suitable stock is undertaken. Where, however, the results are not likely to be commensurate with the risks and expense involved, no attempt at salvage is made, and the carcases are destroyed. This procedure is in accordance with the recommendations of the Departmental Committee which considered the 1923–24 outbreak.

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