HC Deb 27 November 1952 vol 508 cc73-4W
70. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Agriculture what information he has regarding the disease of hard-pad among dogs, particularly sheep-dogs; in what areas it is most prevalent; to what extent it is increasing; and what steps are being taken to combat it.

Sir T. Dugdale

Hard-pad disease, which is very infectious, is caused by a virus of the distemper type and may affect any animal which is susceptible to distemper. I have no information about its prevalence and or whether it is increasing. Immunisation against distemper is believed to offer some protection against hard-pad. I understand that research on the disease is continuing at the Wellcome Foundation and the Animal Health Trust, and that investigations of methods to obtain a better immunity appear to be making some progress.