512 



FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 



[SEPT., 



ing special points were studied : (i) The life-history of the Trichostron- 

 gylus pergracilis, which the Committee believed to be the immediate 

 cause of "grouse disease"; (2) the life-history of the other internal 

 parasites of grouse ; (3) the protozoal parasites infecting the alimentary 

 tract and blood of grouse ; (4) the bacteriology of grouse ; (5) the various 

 insects found on the moors, both from the point of view of insect-borne 

 disease and from the point of view of food ; and (6) the questions 

 affecting the food supply of grouse. 



As a result of the investigation a large amount of material of 

 scientific and general interest has been collected, which the Committee 

 have published in two volumes entitled "The Grouse in Health and 

 in Disease." This book is published by Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co.; 

 price £2 2S. 



The Committee consider that although their immediate object has 

 been achieved, viz., the elucidation of the causes of "grouse disease," 

 the present inquiry has scarcely crossed the threshold of the investiga- 

 tion into the general pathology of birds, and there is still a large amount 

 of work which might profitably be undertaken. 



The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries withdrew as from Wednes- 

 day, August 23rd, all the restrictions which were imposed by them on 



_ . „ the movement of animals in connection with 



Out bre£L.KS of 



the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease 

 Foot-and-Mouth at udimorej near winchelsea, Sussex. 



Uisease. existence of foot-and-mouth disease 



among animals at Grange Farm, West Hallam, Derbyshire, was con- 

 firmed on August 25th after an examination of the affected animals by 

 the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Board. The usual precautions were 

 taken to prevent the spread of the disease, and the Board ordered the 

 slaughter of all the animals on the premises. An Order has been issued 

 prohibiting the movements of animals in a large area surrounding the 

 infected farm. 



In conformity with the wishes which have been expressed by 

 members of Parliament on both sides of the House and by representa- 

 tives of some of the leading agricultural socie- 

 Departmental ^ Lord Carrington determined some time 

 Committee on agQ tQ appoint a Departmental Committee to 

 Foot-and-Mouth inquire into the circumstances of the recent 

 Disease. outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and to 



consider whether any further measures can be adopted to prevent their 

 recurrence. The Committee will be a Departmental one in order to 

 enable representatives of the leading agricultural societies to be nomi- 

 nated as members. It will be appointed and sit in the autumn, when it 

 is hoped that the country will again be free from infection, and that 

 the exceptional pressure upon the staff of the Board which has been 

 occasioned by reason of the recent outbreaks will have ceased. 



Lord Carrington invited Mr. Walter Long to act as Chairman of the 

 Committee, but, owing to the pressure of other important duties, Mr. 

 Long was unable to accept the invitation, and Sir Ailwyn Fellowes has 

 now consented to occupy that position. 



