Report on the catlle plague, or rinderpest : presented to the three national agricultural societies of England, Scotland, and Ireland / by James Beart Simonds.

  • Simonds, James B. (James Beart), 1810-1904.
Date:
1857
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on the catlle plague, or rinderpest : presented to the three national agricultural societies of England, Scotland, and Ireland / by James Beart Simonds. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    18/84 (page 18)
    On the question of our Government ordering all imported animals to be slaughtered on their arrival in the docks, and their carcases sent to the meat-market, M. Poot considered that such a step would be tantamount to the stopping of the importations entirely. The boats very rarely, if indeed at any time, are freighted Avith cattle all belonging to the same person : the cargo is therefore mostly comprised of animals the property of several individuals, and identity of each par- ticular animal. Avhich is necessary for the purposes of trade, could scarcely be made under such circumstances; besides^ he said, a necessity would be created for an immediate sale of the meat to the injury of the interests of the persons sending the animals. He was equally opposed to the esta- blishment of a quarantine, and was of opinion that it could not be carried into practice, and England continue to re ceive full supplies of foreign cattle. The system at present adopted, is for various feeders to consign their cattle to salesmen in the London market, who, as in the home trade, charge a commission on the sales they effect. As no animals are brought into Rotterdam coastways for re-shipment, all consequently have to pass through the town to reach the vessels, so that they are thus subjected to the general inspection of the local authorities, regulationsi existing to prevent diseased animals from entering into this and the other towns of Holland. Besides the security thus afforded, it is clearly not in accordance with the interests of the exporters to put diseased cattle on board, as it is impos- sible for them to bear up against the fatigue of a sea-voyage, or to be on their arrival here in a fit state to pass the scrutiny of our Customs inspectors. The cattle which are fattened either for the home trade, or for exportation, are purchased at the different fairs and mar- kets in the country, and are for the most part reared in Friesland and Guelderland, scarcely any being brought in from other countries. Upon the whole, notwithstanding the dangers we have pointed out, the system which prevails generally with regard to the cattle trade, and the additional regulations which would be enforced did necessity arise, appear to offer a fair amount of security against the introduction of a new cattle pest from Holland. Westphalia and Hanover. These countries are entirely free from Rinderpest, and have been so for upwards of forty years; and besides which, very little disease of any kind was found to be prevalent