Beetle Mania: The Colorado Beetle Scare of 1877
John Clark looks for lessons from the Victorians' 'beetle-mania'
This year marks a significant date in the history of the EEC. But as Britain and the eleven other participating states approach full economic integration, all realise that free trade in agricultural produce does not include free trade in insect and microbe pests. The fear of Newcastle's disease in French poultry in the late 1970s, and Britain's more recent experience with BSE, or Mad Cow Disease, highlight this minor, but important, caveat.
A little over a century ago, the British government grappled with its commitment to free trade as concerns about the incorporation of dangerous livestock diseases and destructive insect pests mounted. Its legislative response to a feared Colorado beetle invasion marks the origins of phytosanitary legislation in Great Britain.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
