584 



The Epizootic Abortion Order, 1921. 



[Oct., 



eggs (to the nearest thousand) distributed in 1921 was over 

 104,000, being a sHght decrease on the figures for 1920 (118,000) 

 but an increase of nearly 100 per cent, over those for 1919 

 (53,000). The number of day-old chicks distributed was 

 nearly 38,000, an increase of nearly 17,000 over the previous 

 year and 35,000 above the figures for 1919. The total number 

 of stations engaged in the work of distribution is now 256, 

 showing an increase of 84 since last year and 93 more than in 



1919. In 1921 the number of ducks' eggs distributed was 

 nearly 1,500, as compared with less than 100 in 1920, when 

 the distribution of ducks' eggs was included in the scheme. A 

 beginning was made this year in distributing duckhngs, over 

 200 being distributed by 28 stations. The scheme is adminis- 

 tered by local authorities, and in view of the necessity for 

 economy and the fluctuating prices during the season, the 

 distribution during 1921 is regarded as quite satisfactory. 



****** 



The Ministry of Agriculture has issued an Order requiring 

 that no cow or heifer which has calved prematurely shall be 



The E izootic ^^P^^^^ ^ market fair-ground or 



^. V-^ , sale-yard, or taken to a bull, within two 

 Abortion Order, L u u i. i • 



1921 months alter such premature calving, ex- 



cept that a cow or heifer may be sold pri- 

 vately or taken to a bull within that time if notice in writing of 

 the premature calving is given to the purchaser or bull-owner 

 before the sale. If that notice is not given, or an animal is 

 taken to market contrary to the provision mentioned, the owner 

 or person in charge of the animal is liable to prosecution under 

 the Order. A further clause of the Order requires that no such 

 animal shall be turned out on any common or unenclosed laiid 

 or in a field or other place insufficiently fenced. The Order 

 applies to the whole of Great Britain and comes into operation 

 on 1st October, 1921. 



The position in regard to this matter is that on 19th January, 



1920, the Ministry made an Order enabling Local AuthoritieB 

 to make regulations prohibiting the exposure in a market, or 

 the private sale without notification of premature calving, of any 

 cow or heifer coming within the category mentioned . Most TiOcal 

 Authorities made regulations, and some of those which did not, 

 gave it as their reason that regulations would be of little use 

 unless they were general throughout the country. The Ministry 

 has also received representations from several of the chief Asso- 

 ciations and Unions of Farmers in the country, as well as from 



