REPORT Rili 
appeared to result from that operation, that they petitioned the Government to make 
the inoculation of cattle in Holland universal and compulsory. The Ministers, however, 
declined to accede to this request, not only on the ground of expense, but because 
of the difficulties attendant on the carrying out of such a law, and of obtaining 
sufficient inoculating material. 
50. In 1871 an order was issued for the compulsory slaughter of all actually diseased 
animals, compensation being paid out of the Royal funds. After three years, com- 
ulsory inoculation of suspected cattle was also employed, though not universally. Q. 6660-62 
ese combined methods of treatment, however, although reducing the disease, failed Q. 7114, ; 
to eradicate it, and therefore the system of stamping out was adopted, and since 1885 
the Netherlands have been practically free from pleuro-pneumonia. 
51. M. Lameris was very decided in his opinion that compulsory inoculation could not Q, 7126- 
have cleared his country of disease; that stamping out was the safest and most 7127. 
certain way of attaining this result, and proved, in the long run, to be the cheapest. 
52. In considering the efficacy of inoculation.as applied to this country, a distinction Exceptional 
may fairly be drawn between ordinary farm stock, which is kept in the open air under case of town 
natural conditions, and is constantly being moved about the country; and the cows “aities. 
which are kept in town dairies and cowsheds, which for the most part never leave these bai uth 
buildings except for slaughter. As applied to the former class of animals we are Q. 4016. 
decidedly of opinion that inoculation, even if practicakle, would be a method of 
treatment at once expensive, uncertain, and even possibly dangerous. With regard 
to cows in town dairies and cowsheds, we understand that the circumstances are 
somewhat exceptional. In the first place, animals are subject to closer control, 
with better opportunities of inspection, whilst dairymen complain, and not without some 
cause, of a certain: disturbance to their trade by the compulsory slaughter of their 
entire stock. These exceptional circumstances may possibly be held to justify an 
exceptional treatment, which we will more fully indicate when dealing with the 
recommendations we shall have to offer. 
‘ 
(3.) Slaughter. 
53. The evidence before us abundantly proves that, where properly and thoroughly Q. 6543. 
carried out, slaughter has always been successful in completely eradicating pleuro- 
meumonia. In cases where the result has been less satisfactory, it is undoubtedly 
traceable to various neutralising influences. Prominent amongst these are to be Mxpense. 
noticed the unwillingness on the part of Local Authorities to incur large expenses Q. 8461, 
with the unpopularity of heavy rates, and a consequent laxity in carrying out the 8973. 
slaughter of diseased herds. To this feeling, too, in many districts may be attributed 
the advocacy of inoculation as opposed to compulsory slaughter. In proof of this, 
we will call attention to the remarkable admissions made by several witnesses from 
the districts where inoculation is popular, that if the compensation for slaughter were Q. 6338-9, 
payable from the Imperial exchequer instead of the local rates, they would advocate Regenebe 
slaughter in preference to inoculation. In such districts, therefore, the controversy 5, abe ee 
as between inoculation and slaughter resolves itself merely into a question of finance. 
54. Another cause which militates against the success of slaughter we have already Concealment 
alluded to, viz., accidental or wilful neglect on the part of stockowners to report disease. of disease. 
As an illustration of this latter point we would instance the case of Lanarkshire. In Psp opel 
that county the slaughter of diseased and suspected cattle has been carried out at 6960, 7016, 
a large expenditure of money. It is, however, unfortunately the fact, that Lanarkshire 8873. 
is still largely infected with disease, and this we attribute to the distribution of 
infected animals, through the fairs and markets of the county, and to the existence of 
unreported centres of disease. The conclusion which we draw from this is, that whilst 
rigorous slaughter is a necessary part of any system of stamping out, it is still to be 
regarded only as a part, and must be accompanied by a very strict supervision of fairs 
and markets, and the general movement of cattle throughout the country, and also 
by a more vigorous enforcement of the penalties for concealment of disease. 
55. We regret to say that the system of inspection adopted by Local Authorities is, Veterinary 
in very many cases, highly unsatisfactory. Many of the veterinary surgeons, employed ispectors. 
as inspectors, are young men, of small experience, and, consequently, in some degree, Q. 6476-78, 
irresponsible. It is desirable that Local Authorities should select men of higher pedo se 
professional qualifications, at a scale of remuneration which may induce them to Q 5902, 
sacrifice, if necessary, a portion of their private practice. Such officials should be 5946-9. 
4 responsible for the condition of their district, and for its proper supervision by their Q- 508-4, 
8707. 
