HC Deb 26 May 1930 vol 239 cc822-3W
Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any cases of natural cow-pox have been recently brought to the notice of his Department; and what steps are taken to prevent the spread of the disease?

Mr. N. BUXTON

The only cases of cow-pox brought to the notice of the Ministry in recent years were reported in November, 1929, from the county of Dorset. Cow-pox is a disease which normally responds readily to treatment. It is usually confined to individual herds and does not become epidemic in character. It is not a source of serious loss to the owner, and a herd can be protected against infection by isolation of newly purchased cows or by the demand of a guarantee when cows are being bought. No administrative measures exist under the Diseases of Animals Acts, with regard to this disease. Having regard to its nature such measures would result in greater inconvenience and loss than the circumstances warrant.