WAIT FOR THE NEW GRASS

In the account of the attempts to control and wipe out hoof and mouth (aftosa) in Mexico veterinarian Bill Richardson's personal history becomes part of the field work, the vaccinations, disinfections, inspections etc. Bill, from Ohio, is teamed with Gabriel, and they are sent from Hnchinango to Vera Cruz when a new outbreak occurs. Bill falls in love with -- and is disturbed for the future by -- young Maria whose death from anthr solves his questions, finishes his career. Here are the spies used to check the man's work; the laborers who strike when they are to bury the slaughtered cattle; the owners and villagers that shoot and kill those who are ordered to destroy the sick herds; the hypocrisy of the members of the mission; the effects, since the virus is big business, on -- and orders from -- Washington; the contrasts of American and Mexican ways of thought, of love and living -- these make up a documentary in a little known area that has, perhaps, more import as a sociological picture than as a narrative.