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ON VETERINARY SURGEONS AS EXAMINERS FOR 
IMPORTATIONS OF FOREIGN CATTLE. 
By Alex. Henderson, V.S. to H.M. the Queen Dowager. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian 
Sir,— In looking into the last Number of The Veterinarian, 
my attention has been drawn to an extract from The Times par- 
liamentary reports, referring to inquiries made by Mr. Bagge, Mr, 
W. Milnes, and Mr. Henley, respecting the importation of diseased 
sheep. Mr. Labouchere, in reply, stated that he believed that 
skilful veterinary surgeons were employed to inspect the importa- 
tions into the port of London, and that he also believed it was the 
same in all other ports. 
It must be evident to everyone, that the greatest possible atten- 
tion should be directed towards so important a subject as the health 
of animals destined for the food of man, so that an animal suffering 
under any disease which would make it unfit for food should not 
be allowed to enter the markets. Now, it is very well known to 
professional men, that an animal may have a disease of a virulent 
nature lurking within it, one perfectly apparent to an experienced 
professional eye, though no strongly-marked outward signs may be 
visible. 
It, is therefore clear that none but properly educated and expe- 
rienced veterinary surgeons should be chosen, and that the ap- 
pointment of such persons should be approved of by a much more 
competent authority than a Custom-house officer. By such a plan, 
respectable veterinary surgeons really qualified would readily be 
found, who, for their own reputation’s sake, would not allow any 
infected animal to pass them, and hence there would be a much 
less number of diseased animals admitted. 
It appears from the same report that but very few sheep, on 
landing in the port of London, have shewn outward symptoms of 
disease ; but other reports state that many foreign sheep have been 
affected by the disease after their arrival in England. 
I would strongly recommend every one interested in this im- 
portant subject to peruse the Editorial remarks on the sheep dis- 
ease in The Veterinarian for August 1848, p. 471. 
I am, Sir, yours obediently. 
August 22, 1848. 
