Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Abstract

SOME interesting information was given by the Minister of Agriculture in the House of Commons on June 25, when Sir Arnold Wilson asked two questions on the subject of foot-and-mouth disease at the request of the Parliamentary Science Committee. Sir Arnold asked what progress has been made by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee during the last two years and what, broadly speaking, the results of its investigations have been, moro particularly in the direction of preventive treatment by inoculation. Mr. Elliot promised a memorandum on the subject in reply and stated that the Fifth Progress Report of the Committee is in course of preparation, and is expected to be available in the autumn. Sir Arnold also asked whether the Committee has considered, the possible connexion between the quality of the food of cattle and the incidence of this disease; and whether the Committee is dealing with the question of the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease by a combination of high-quality food and improved hygiene. Mr. Elliot in his reply stated that the Committee has advised that there is “no evidence to show that diet or hygiene, or a combination of both, have any influence on the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Clinical observations and experimental work carried out by the Committee have in fact shown that animals in very good condition may contract the disease in a more severe form than animals in poor condition”. Referring to the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease by imported straw, in answer to a question by Col. Acland-Troytc, Mr. Elliot stated that the importation, into Great Britain from countries where foot-and-mouth disease exists of hay and straw for use as fodder or litter for animals is prohibited, and imported straw used for packing merchandise has to be destroyed after use; there does not appear to bo justification for further prohibition of the importation of this material.