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Foot and Mouth Disease.—A number of outbreaks were
reported in various parts of tlie country during the year, tlie
nearest to this district occurring at West Ham, near Eastbourne,
Sussex. In consequence of this outbreak a warning
telegram, followed by a confirmatory letter, was received by
the Town Clerk from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,
to the effect that we were to "warn all concerned and direct
the Police to make careful inquiries with a view to immediate
reports being made to the Board in case of any suspicious
outbreak occurring amongst live stock." Immediately on
receipt of this communication I visited all places where
animals were kept and warned the persons in charge; but no
case occurred in the district.
In the early part of the year notices for distribution
amongst persons concerned were received from the Board with
reference to hay and straw used for the packing of foreign
imported goods being likely to promote the spread of the
disease if used for manure on farms. It. recommended that
persons using such hay and straw should be warned of the
element of danger which it contains, and of the risk of allowing
it to come in contact with any animals; it also advised
that where possible it should be burned.
In all there were twenty-two various orders received
from the Board during the year, chiefly respecting Foot
and Mouth Disease in other parts of the country, landing of
animals, etc., some of which had to be distributed locally for
the guidance of persons likely to be affected by the orders.
One hundred and fifty-four visits were made in connection
with administration of these Acts during the year.
The necessary weekly and special returns have been made
to the Board of Agriculture as required.
I have accompanied the Council's Veterinary Inspector
when examining cows belonging to Cowkeepers in the district,
and those of the Contractor supplying the Borough Isolation
Hospital, for Mammary Tuberculosis. Five hundred and
three examinations were carried out by him, and all the cows
were found to be healthy.
Tuberculosis Order, 1913.—On 1st May, 1913, this Order
came into operation, and entailed an inspection of all dairy
cows within the district immediately prior to this date. I
accompanied your Veterinary Inspector (Mr. F. W. Chamberlain)
to the various Cowsheds in the borough, and the necessary
inspections were made by him. I am pleased to report
that in no instance was any animal found to be affected with
the disease.
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