Sheep Dipping and Swine Fever

Several informating facts have been brought to light illustrating the influence of the war on the method adopted to check and control contagious animal disease. It is not generally known that certain of the regulations dealing with sheep scab are in abeyance, and that the Orders which control mange and tuberculosis have both been suspended. Action was taken shortly after the outbreak of hostilities as it became evident that more important matters demanded the service of those engaged in the task of administering regulations.

It must not be supposed, however, that the authorities are in any sense less vigilant where strong measures are needed. The foot and mouth disease and the more deadly afflictions are dealt with in the same manner as hitherto, but the tuberculosis regulations were really on trial, while it is possible to afford a respite in those districts immune from sheep scab.

Several protests were made at recent meetings in London against relaxing the oversight of sheep dipping, and these were based upon a commendable desire to strike a sterner blow at a time when the disease has been greatly reduced.

Sympathy must be expressed with the stockbreeder’s attitude, but in extenuation of the action of the authorities it may be effectively pleaded that no change has been introduced in scheduled areas. The double dipping is still demanded in the usual way, but it is left to the stockbreeder’s good sense to determine the treatment of his flock in those parts of the country which have a clean certificate of health. In these days it should not be necessary to urge, much less supervise, the dipping of the flock, but the careful flock-master in his own interest demands that he shall not be subject to the danger of infection owing to the remissness of his neighbour. The position at the moment is that there is no general dipping order, but that the outbreak of sheep scab entails the same procedure as enforced prior to the war.

The tuberculosis regulations, involving the notification of diseases, were put into operation some years ago with the tacit approval of stockbreeders. They have not proved wholly satisfactory, as the cost of administration in proportion to the results has been somewhat heavy. One may regret the suspension of a Departmental Order which is virtually still in the experimental stage, but it must be conceded that if any sacrifice were to be made the tuberculosis regulations should be first to be withdrawn. The more virulent and contagious diseases must receive the same undivided attention which was given to them in times of peace, but a very good case might be made out on behalf of more vigorous measures to reduce the ravages of swine fever.

The Board of Agriculture has quite a good record in the suppression of disease, but swine fever has administered a severe blow to prestige established after many years of laborious work. For some obscure reason the number of outbreaks in 1914 has bounded up, and the number of pigs involved has proportionately increased. ….

Banbury Guardian January 1915