Scrapie

Professor Bruere`s article could lead one to believe that the decision to permit the special importation of sheep from the United Kingdom in 1972 was made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries without any consideration being given to the views of the sheep industry and that this decision was the result of pressure from a certain irresponsible group. This was certainly not the case; the advisory group set up by the Minister of Agriculture included highly responsible experts, not associated with the Ministry, as well as representatives of the sheep farming industry. The decision to import these sheep was made after a full consideration of all aspects of the case including the improvement of our national flock and the possible dangers of importing dangerous exotic disease…