Evening star., 1947-02-09
Cattlemen Fear Disease War
Foot.and-Mouth Outbreak in Mexico
Casts Shadow Across Border
By Malcolm Lomborne, Jr.

Lomborne. Jr.
In October, l945, however. the
Mexican government permitted the
entry of two consignments Of Zebu
(Indian cattle from Brazil, where
the disease is known to exist. The
cattle, numbering 457, were unloaded
near Veracruz, one shipment ar
irving in December, 1945, and the
second in September, 1916.
The Agriculture Department, with
the cooperation of the State De-
partment, protested strongly against
the importation. taking the position
that this was a violation Of the
treaty and endangered the livestock
industries Of the two countries.
When protests were unavailing,
the Secretary of Agriculture in May
of last year frightened up on regu-
lations governing the inspection
and quarantine Of livestock i'm
ported from Mexico. 1t placed Sc
we're restrictions on cattle and swine
moving north.
United States Restrictions Lifted.
Meanwhile, joint veterinary
group of the two countries conducted
an inspection of the ranches in the
area where the Zebu cattle were
located. This covered a period OF
about a month, beginning in mid
September. the experts found no
evidence OF the disease, and accord
ingly the restrictions of the previous
May were lifted.
Everyone concerned breathed
easier.
But then on December 18, the de-
partment received word OF a dis
ease in Mexican livestock. The de-
partment Immediately sent two
experienced veterinarians, DR.. M. s.
Shahan and DR.. A. E. Wardlow to
work with authorities there on ar
irving at diagnosis.
The report was telephoned here
on December 26. The diagnosis: foot
and mouth disease.
Word went out within q short
space of time to Bureau Of Animal
Industry border stations to with
hold inspection of all cattle and
swine destined for the United
States. On January Mr.. Anderson
issued the formal order clamping
the lid on Mexican livestock for i'm
port.
Mexican States Hit.
BY an odd quirk, the disease first
appeared on a ranch near Vera
cruz just short time after the
joint veterinary group had COM
pleted its work. 1t was at this ranch
that the second group Of Zebu cat
tie had been delivered. The disease
soon appeared in adjoining states
and by the latter part of January
had wildfred to a total OF nine
states.
The Mexican government then es-
tablisned a quarantine line around
the affected area, bring troops into
play. As further precaution, con-
troll officials designated a second
quarantine zone around the affected
area.
Mexican authorities have stated
their intention to eliminate by
slaughter any eases of the disease
outside the quarantine line.
But what of the Mexican cattle
that moved into the United States
from October 18 to December 27?
Oficials estimate about Isl 800 cat
tie crossed the border during that
period.
Lists of all shipments during that
time have been furnished Bureau
of Animal Industry Offices in all the
States of destinations. Instructions
have gone out for prompt investt-
cations and close supervision over
the herds and districts involved.
IS Bulls Imported Into u. s.
Another cause of concern is the
importation to Texas prior to last
June of Is Brazilian bulls from
Mexico. The bureau reports that
their condition is being closely
watched. So far no cases of the dis
ease have appeared in northernmost
Mexico or in the United States.
Until the current outbreak, only
North America and Australia were
free of the disease. although this
country has fought of eight attacks.
There have been no cases of it since
1929.
The virus of the disease is too
small even to be seen by the most
powerful microscope. It is so viru-
lent it will infect in dilutions as
great as l to 100000.
Many persons recall the bold plac-
ards warning of the disease and
posted on fences, poles and other
places in rural areas of the Nation
in 1915. Yes, and the slaughtered
livestock piled in bitches and buried.
This Government is determined
that it won't happen again. Com
ing at time when the Nation is
enjoying a high income and able
to support a large livestock popu-
lation and when many other coun-
tries look to us for food, it could
spell disaster for millions.