Abstract
The practice of selling Brucella-infected cattle in the open market appears to be widespread in Britain and is increasing. The introduction of an infected cow into a herd can cause serious economic loss to the farmer and often compels him to resell despite the risk of spreading the infection. It is suggested that markets should be more closely controlled by veterinary surgeons; certificates of freedom from brucellosis should accompany animals for sale; and some compensation should be paid to prevent infected animals from being sold.