THE COLLEGE of Agriculture, Science and Education and the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Agriculture are to host a seminar on April 12 about two livestock diseases which have caused international concern.
We refer to the so-called Mad Cow and Foot-and-Mouth diseases; the latter, which is said to be very contagious, is ravaging livestock in England and parts of continental Europe as well as Argentina in South America. Mad Cow may be more serious since it can also infect humans.
While neither malady has reached Jamaica it is comforting to see that the Ministry of Agriculture is actively pursuing a preventive role. In recent weeks entry points such as the international airports have been furnished with specially treated welcome mats for arriving passengers.
Minister Roger Clarke, himself, has taken a lead role. Earlier this week in a radio programme he was expounding on the status of preparedness which involved consultations with several agencies and the stocking of the relevant pharmaceuticals.
The Minister made reference to the prospect of quarantining of animals should the need arise; but that raises a question which has relevance to another persistent livestock problem. We refer to the dangerous nuisance of straying animals, particularly cows, on roads throughout the island.
The danger to vehicular traffic goes without saying; but if any of the livestock diseases now raging elsewhere should land here, control and counter-measures will be a serious problem. It seems to us that neither central nor local authorities have lifted a finger to deal with this menace on the roads.
Occasionally some Parish Council points to a decrepit animal pound bereft of funds to keep it functional. It may take a major accident or the invasion of Mad Cow or Foot-and-Mouth to get some action in the long-run.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
