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Argentina.—This country exported to Great Britain during the year 1928 470,615 tons
of beef, 75,570 tons of mutton and lamb, and 2,890 tons of pork (77 per cent. of the beef
was chilled). Those figures show a decrease of 107,301 tons of beef, 1,254 tons of mutton
and lamb, and an increase of 657 tons of pork. Of those quantities, 177,738 tons of beef
and 26,357 tons of mutton and lamb passed through the Smithfield Markets. As occurred
during the previous year for a considerable period, the quality and finish of the beef was
below the usual Argentine standard, due no doubt to a period of very dry weather in that
country. The number of tubercular quarters of beef discovered shows a very considerable
reduction, apparently the result of more careful inspection at the place of slaughter, but
in conjunction with the other countries from which we obtain mutton and lamb supplies,
there is shown a very large increase in the number of sheep carcases found affected with
Caseous Lymphadenitis; this has in a great measure been due to the method of examination
in the Frigorificos. A new method is being put into operation, from which satisfactory
results are expected; hitherto all carcases of mutton and lamb have been imported in the
frozen condition. During the year several small consignments of chilled mutton have
been received from Argentina. The appearance of those carcases during the weather of
autumn and winter has been so good that it was very difficult to detect them from homekilled
mutton. The carcases may not appear so good during summer weather, but this
new method of transport is important, being a keener competition with home-killed mutton.
Whether due to cost of transport it will prove economically a success remains to be proved ;
it would appear that it may be so chiefly when home-killed mutton is scarce and high priced.
From information supplied, the Government of Argentina appear to be taking careful measures
to ensure that no carcases or offal from animals which are affected with Foot and Mouth
Disease are exported to Great Britain. Over 70 veterinary officers have been appointed
to inspect cattle and sheep on the Estancios prior to their being sent to Frigorificos, and no
animals are accepted there unless accompanied by a certificate. If disease is found in a consignment
at the Frigorificos, no meat or offal from that consignment is exported to Great
Britain.