§ Lord APSLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, from the evidence Committee which reported on foot-and-mouth disease that have occurred in this country, any conclusion has yet been reached as to the probable source of infection, the main carriers of the germ into this country, and the principal agencies through which it is spread once infection has occurred?
§ Mr. GUINNESSThe Departmental Committees which reported on foot-and-mouth disease in 1922 and 1925, respectively, expressed the view that the virus may be introduced from abroad through 853W two classes of channels, (a) uncontrollable, such as the movement of birds and air-borne infection, and (b) controllable, such as the movement of human beings, importation of animals, feeding stuffs, packing materials, fodder and meat. To prevent the introduction of disease through these agencies, a number of Orders are in force, such as that prohibiting the import of hay and straw from countries in which foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent, and of fresh car cases from the Continent. Other Orders are designed to prevent the spread of infection once it has occurred in this country.