—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, November 11, 1972 6 Newcastle - Consumers, poultry producers and pet bird enthusiasts alike will suffer substantial economic losses if exotic Newcastle disease is not completely eradicated from the United States, ac cording to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Last spring this viral infection, deadly to chickens, turkeys, pet birds and wild birds, seriously threatened consumer supplies of poultry products. Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz declared the problem a national emergency on March 14, thus allowing the federal government to release funds for a nationwide eradication program. Although these measures have stopped its advance, exotic Newcastle disease is far from eradicated. AVMA and other concerned organizations such as the American Association of Avian Pathologists fear that the government may now relax recently-imposed import restrictions or cut back eradication efforts Unless the disease is completely purged from the U S., they point out, a reservoir of the virus could develop in wild and exotic pet bird populations. This would necessitate continuous vac cination of domestic birds that would hamper poultry production and increase the price of poultry, poultry products and pet birds. Total losses to the public could be staggering. Concerned over U S Depart ment of Agriculture actions apparently aimed at winding down the Newcastle disease program, the American WITH THE PURCHASE OF REMINGTON MIGHTY MITE CHAIN SAW Gas and Diesel Engines Sales and Service GEHMAN BROS. 1 Mile North of Terre Hill on Route 897 East Earl. R.D.I, Pa. Phone 215-445-6272 Veterinary Medical Association recently urged the secretary of agriculture to continue intensive efforts until the disease is completely eradicated. In a letter to Secretary Butz dated November 1, the association commended USDA “for the vigorous steps that have been taken to contain and ultimately eliminate exotic Newcastle disease from the United States.” Long-Range Benefits Speaking on behalf of the nation’s 29,000 veterinarians, the association called for total eradication of exotic Newcastle disease virus from the U.S. In the long run, a less vigorous program not only would cost' far more but also would adversely affect many more people, ac cording to the association. “The American public should not be asked to live with the disease,” AVMA declared, urging Secretary Butz to consider the long-range benefits of con tinued efforts aimed at complete eradication. “Money spent on the eradication program will be well justified in comparison to the financial impact the disease will have if it is allowed to spread across the country,” the association pointed out. Ecologic Disaster Veterinarians of the American Association of Avian Pathologists add that the effects of the newly imported Newcastle disease virus on America’s wild bird population are not even known yet and could lead to disastrous ecologic disturbances. • Attractive lightweight carrying case protects your 6Vz pound Remington Mighty Mite Chain Saw. • It also protects the inside of your car or trunk, luggage, blankets, etc. A Threat to All In a statement developed by its Committee on Diseases of Wild and Pet Birds, AAAP has warned that “the limited natural wildlife and domestic animal resources of the U.S. cannot continue to afford the losses which have resulted from direct or indirect effects of uncontrolled introduction of exotic birds and animals. The potential dangers to native wildlife species, domestic animals and man make it im perative that more responsible actions be developed to prevent further serious assaults upon our environment.” AVMA supported the AAAP position, stating in its letter to Secretary Butz that, “since exotic Newcastle disease exists in many parts of the world, the vigorous enforcement of im portation regulations for all avian species is vital to the success of keeping the disease out of the United States.” Research Needed The association also called for a more permanent solution to the threat, pointing out that “as this very serious problem presents a continuing danger to the United States, increased funding for exotic Newcastle disease research is urgently needed. “A cooperative program with Mexico to ultimately eliminate the disease from that country wouldgive added protection to the ALSt 8-hp. TRACTOR with SNOWTHROWER Belt-driven snowthrower hooks up easily in minutes ... cuts a 36-inch path. Roy A. Brubaker r. E. Wllev A Son Inc A.B.C. Groff, Inc. 700 WoodcrestAve. * >OI,/ ,I,C * 110 S. Railroad Ave. Lititz 6?«.77fi6 United States,” the association offer to assist USDA in ii added, and concluded with an eradication efforts. 101 S. Lime St., Quarryville 786-2895 U CHANGE FROM MOWER IN ONLY W MINUTES! 12-hp. TRACTOR with SNOWTHROWER Cuts a 48-inch path with every pass. Direction of throw is ad justable. Snowthrower hooks up without belts or pulleys. available New Holland 354-4191
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