PART 11.
After discussion the following Conclusion was adopted : —
(a) On the statement presented by the Trades Commissioner for
South Africa, it is noted that the freight and other charges
on stock imported from South Africa are considerable and it
is requested that the Trades Commissioner should make
representation with a view to effecting reductions.
It is considered that the rates on livestock from England to
East African ports are excessive, are limiting the importa-
tions of stock, and are, therefore, retarding livestock
improvement in East African Territories. It is therefore
urged that representations be made to the Shipping Com-
panies requesting that a substantial reduction be offered.
THE COMPULSORY DIPPING OF CATTLE BY NATIVES.
(Colonel Doherty, Chief Veterinary Officer, Kenya, was present during
the discussion.)
Mr. VAN DEN ABEELE stated that they had made attempts
to compel the natives to dip their cattle. They had experienced
difficulty in establishing legislation towards this end. At the present
time, the natives were encouraged to dip, but no legislation existed.
His Government desired to know what action had been taken in other
countries in connection with native stock. In certain parts of the
Belgian Congo the Europeans were compelled by law to dip their
cattle.
COL. DOHERTY stated that he was glad to give any advice or
place any knowledge possible on this subject before the Conference.
He stated that, as delegates knew, the Pan-African Veterinary
Conference met and discussed veterinary matters with great benefit
and he felt sure that the Agricultural Conference would supply
valuable information. With regard to the dipping of native cattle in
reserves, each problem as it arose should be considered on its merits.
It was impossible to lay down any broad principles to be followed
throughout the country; there were differences of climatic conditions,
pasturage, rainfall, environment, and especially the incidence of
disease. It was not possible to lay down any general policy, but if
Mr. Van den Abeele would specify the conditions under which his
Government desired to enforce dipping he might be able to help them.
CAPT. SHEEDY stated that in Tanganyika they had found that
in whatever centres properly organised and supervised dipping tanks
existed, they had found no difficulty in persuading the natives to take
advantage of them when they found that it resulted in a decrease of
infection, and a diminution in loss of stock. Compulsory dipping
was enforced by the Chief Veterinary Officer in such areas as were
considered necessary. Such measure was applied to all stock and not
confined to native-owned animals. No system of universal compulsory
dipping was yet practicable. Each tank in the remote parts of
Tanganyika Territory cost £400 and water was very scarce in many
areas.
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