§ Mr. Scottasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state his reasons for continuing to order the slaughter of poultry affected with fowl pest; and why vaccination is not permitted.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe policy adopted in this country aims at the total eradication of fowl pest. The only way in which this can be achieved is by the slaughter of affected birds and, where necessary, contacts. In countries where the disease has become very prevalent, widespread vaccination is a useful method of reducing losses, but it cannot bring about eradication of the disease. The adoption of vaccination in this country would inevitably lead to the perpetuation of fowl pest as an endemic disease.
So long as there is a chance that it will be effective, we shall continue the eradication policy which is not only in the best interests of the poultry industry as a whole but also the most advantageous to the national interest.