NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
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PART I.—VETERINARY INSTRUCTION.
6. During the year there were 16 Government stipendiaries
of this province at the Bengal Veterinary College, Calcutta.
They were distributed as follows :—
Class.
1
1st year ... ... ...
2nd year ... ... ...
3rd year ... ... ...
Total ...
Number
of
students.
2
6
9
1
16
Number
of
passes.
3
3
8
1
12
Number
of
failures.
4
3
1
...
4
7. There were no local board stipendiaries in the college
from this province during the year 1928-29.
8. There were 6 private students from this province reading
in the college during the year. They were distributed as
follows:—
Class.
1
1st year ... ... ...
2nd year ... ... ...
3rd year ... ... ...
Total ...
Number
of
students.
2
4
2
...
6
Number
of
passes.
3
2
2
...
4
Number
of
failures.
4
2
...
...
2
3
9. One student from this province graduated from the
Bengal Veterinary College in the previous year and joined the
department during the year under report.
PART II.—TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
10. Table II shows the approximate number of deaths of
animals from contagious diseases reported during the year.
Reports have been received from all the districts.
11. The total mortality reported from contagious diseases
during the year as compared with the previous two years is as
follows :—
—
1.
Equines ... ... ...
Bovines ... ... ...
Others .. ...
1928-29
2
338
16,547
3,593
1927-28
3
201
27,270
3,634
1926-27
4
516
47,734
4,706
The figures were supplied by the district officers and cheeked
by the veterinary assistants as far as possible.
EQUINES.
12. Glanders.—There was no report of this disease during the
year. For the last 6 years no case of this disease has been
observed.
13. Epizootic Lymphangitis.—No case of this disease was
detected during the year under report.
14. Anthrax.—36
deaths
were
reported from this
disease from 4 districts. The disease was confirmed by
microscopical examination in all districts. Last year 26 deaths
were reported from 5 districts.
15. Surra.—116 deaths were reported from this disease
from 8 districts against 56 deaths from 5 districts in the
previous year.
16. Dourine.—No case of this disease has been observed
during the year.
4
17. Other contagious diseases.—186 deaths were reported
during the year against 119 deaths in the previous year.
BOVINES.
18. Rinderpest.—This disease was reported from 7 districts
where 3,581 deaths were reported against 13,806 deaths from 10
districts in the previous year. The number of outbreaks was
smaller and the disease was of a less virulent type this year.
Sylhet district contributed the largest number of outbreaks
this year.
19. Foot-and-mouth disease.—This disease was reported from
all the districts except Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Naga Hills and
Lushai Hills and 2,993 deaths were reported from this disease
against 3,993 deaths in the previous year.
20. Hæmorrhagic septicæmia.— 2,256 deaths were reported
from this disease from 9 districts against 2,011 deaths from 9
districts last year.
21. Black quarter.—55 deaths were reported from this disease
from 3 districts against the same number of deaths from 5
districts in the previous year.
22. Anthrax.—1,141 deaths were reported from 9 districts
against 915 deaths from 10 districts in the previous year. The
disease was diagnosed microscopically in all the districts.
23. Other contagious diseases.—6,521 deaths were reported
under this head from 10 districts against 6,490 deaths from 8
districts in the previous year.
OTHER ANIMALS.
24. Contagious diseases amongst other animals,—Altogether
3,593 deaths were reported from 9 districts against 3,634 deaths
from 11 districts in the previous year.
PREVENTIVE INOCULATIONS.
25. Table III shows the number and the result of preventive
inoculations done in the province during the year under report.
26. Rinderpest.—Inoculations
against rinderpest were carried
out in 57 outbreaks in 13 subdivisions. In these outbreaks
1,316 animals were reported to have died before inoculation.
5
Altogether 4,790 animals were inoculated by the serum
alone method. Forty-four deaths were reported amongst the
inoculated animals.
In the previous year inoculations were carried out in 252
outbreaks in 17 subdivisions and one Hill district (Khasi and
Jaintia Hills). In these outbreaks 5,189 animals were reported
to have died before inoculation. The total number of cattle
inoculated was 15,308 of which 163 died after inoculation.
27. This year there was a smaller number of outbreaks and
the disease was of a less virulent type. Sylhet district contributed
the largest number of outbreaks and the greatest number of
inoculations. In the previous year outbreaks of rinderpest were
severe in the districts of Sylhet, Kamrup and Sibsagar and the
greatest number of inoculations was done in tone Sylhet district.
23 Anthrax.—During the year under report 116 specimens
of suspected anthrax were examined in the laboratory of which
81 proved anthrax. Inoculations were performed in 71 out-
breaks in 14 subdivisions. In these outbreaks 7 equines, 547
bovines and 14 others were reported to have died before inocula-
tion. The number of animals inoculated was 275 equines, 4,450
bovines and 94 others of which 10 bovines were reported to have
died after inoculation.
In the previous year inoculations were performed in 30
outbreaks in 11 subdivisions and one Hill district (Khasi and
Jaintia Hills). In these outbreaks 4 equines, 147 bovines and
22 others were reported to have died before inoculation. The
number of animals inoculated was 220 equines, 1,251 bovines and
194 others. No deaths were reported amongst the inoculated.
29. The submission of the monthly returns of anthrax
outbreaks to the American Consul General in Calcutta was
continued.
30. Hæmorrhagic septicæmia.—The diagnosis of this disease
was confirmed microscopically in 56 cases. Inoculation was
undertaken in 38 outbreaks in 10 subdivisions in which 2 equines,
310 bovines and one other were reported to have died before
inoculation. The number of animals inoculated was 21 equines,
3,155 bovines and 11 others of which 6 bovines were reported to
have died after inoculation.
In the previous year inoculation was performed in 2 out-
breaks in 2 subdivisions in which 18 bovines were reported to
have died before inoculation. The number of animals inoculated
was 4 equines and 110 bovines. No deaths were reported
amongst the inoculated.
6
31. Black quarter.—No vaccination was undertaken against
this disease during the year under report.
32. The total number of outbreaks of all diseases in which
inoculations were undertaken during the year was 166 in which
9 equines, 2,173 bovines and 15 others were reported to have
died before inoculation. The number of animals inoculated was
299 equines, 12,395 bovines and 105 others of which 60 bovines
died after inoculation.
In the previous year inoculations' were undertaken in 284
outbreaks in which 4 equines, 5,354 bovines and 22 others were
reported to have died before inoculation.
The number of
animals inoculated was 224 equines, 16,669 bovines and 194
others of which 163 bovines died after inoculation.
ITINERANT ASSISTANTS' WORK.
33. Table IV shows the work of the staff, itinerating and
the reserve assistants during the year under report. They
visited 10,561 villages, performed 4,430 castrations and treated
21,389 cases for contagious diseases and 59,613 cases for non-
contagious diseases. In the previous year 9,967 villages were
visited, 1,663 animals castrated, 20,177 cases treated for con-
tagious diseases and 53,297 cases for non-contagious diseases.
There was thus an increase of 594 villages visited, 2,767 animals
castrated, 1,212 cases treated for contagious diseases and 6,316
cases treated for non-contagious diseases.
Ten dispensaries
remained temporarily closed for short periods as reserve
veterinary assistants were not available to fill the vacancies.
34. The veterinary dispensary at Sootea under the Tezpur
local board which was opened on 1st May 1926 was closed on
1st April 1928 on the ground of financial stringency. It was
however re-opened with effect from the 17th December 1928
owing to the pressing demand of the local public.
VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
35. Table V shows the work of the three Government
veterinary hospitals at Gauhati, Silchar and Shillong. The total
number of animals treated in the hospitals during the year under
report including both in and out-patients was 4,471 against 4,221
in the previous year. The total number of cases supplied with
medicines for the treatment of animals not brought to the
hospitals was 216 against 54 last year. The distribution of
7
medicines without the cases being seen is discouraged. Owners
are encouraged to bring their animals to the hospitals for
examination and treatment.
36 Gauhati veterinary hospital.—During the year under
report 88 in-patients and 1,621 out-patients, making a total of
1,709, were treated in the hospital against a total of 1,600 in the
previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 9 cruelty cases
and one maiming case were treated in the hospital against 16
cruelty cases and 3 maiming cases last year. Medicines were
supplied in 15 cases for treatment of animals not brought to the
hospital against 20 cases in the previous year.
37. Silchar veterinary hospital.—During the year under
report 30 in-patients and 1,778 out-patients, making a total of
1,808, were treated in the hospital against a total of 1,718 in the
previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act only one
cruelty case was treated in the hospital against 9 cruelty cases
and 4 maiming cases in the previous year. Medicines were
supplied in 158 cases for treatment of animals not brought to the
hospital against none in the previous year.
38. Shilloug veterinary hospital.—During the year under
report 49 in-patients and 905 out-patients, making a total of 954,
were treated in the hospital against a total of 903 in the previous
year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 8 cruelty cases and 3
maiming cases were treated in the hospital against 6 cruelty cases
and one maiming case last year. Medicines were supplied in 43
cases for treatment of animals not brought to the hospital against
34 cases in the previous year.
PART III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
39. Table VIII shows the number of stud bulls reported to
have been serving in this province during the year.
There were 29 bulls at the beginning of the year and the
number at the close of the year was 28.
CATTLE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
40. Table XIV shows the number of cattle fairs and shows
held in the province during the year under report. In these fairs
there was little of importance to record. The veterinary stalls
with specimens and other exhibits were one of the most attractive
features of the shows.
8
PART IV.—SUBORDINATE ESTABLISHMENT.
41. Table VII shows the strength of the subordinate veteri-
nary staff of this province as it stood on the 31st March 1929.
There were four veterinary inspectors during the year. The
number of the veterinary assistants at the close of the year was
54 including one on deputation to the Iraq Government. One
new graduate joined the department during the year and the
services of one veterinary assistant were dispensed with and one
veterinary assistant died.
42. A brief account of the work performed by the veterinary
inspectors is given below :—
(1) Babu Satya Charan Mukherjee, Veterinary Inspector,
Dibrugarh circle, held charge of the Dibrugarh circle from the
beginning of the year up to the 25th August. From the 26th
August to the end of the year he was on leave. During the
period he held charge of the circle he was on tour for 41 days and
visited and re-visited 34 villages and Tea Estates in connection
with the inspection of veterinary assistants' work, investigation
of diseases and enquiries into the results of treatment and inocula-
tion. He inspected the following dispensaries:—Dibrugarh three
times, Tinsulda and Nazira twice each and Sibsagar, Jorhat,
Majuli, Mariani, Golaghat and Badlipar once each.
Maulavi Azizuddin Sarkar Staff Veterinary Assistant, Gauahti,
held charge of the Dibrugarh circle as officiating Veterinary
Inspector from the 26th August 1928 to the end of the year,
during the absence on leave of Babu Satya Charan Mukherjee.
During this period he was on tour for 144 days and travelled 290
miles by country boat and steamer, 1,228 miles by road and 2,685
miles by rail. He visited and re-visited 212 villages and Tea
Estates in connection with the inspection of veterinary assistants'
work, investigation of diseases, demonstration of castration, etc.
He inspected the following dispensaries :—Dibrugarh, Tinsukia,
Nazira and Mariani thrice each, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat,
Badlipar, North Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana twice each. He
also visited Dibrugarh Goshala once. He attended and supervised
the veterinary camp hospital at Mariani during the Camp of
Exercise of the Assam Valley Light Horse. He attended the
agricultural and industrial exhibition held at Sibsagar and also
attended the All-Assam Kachari Conference held at Khowang,
where he delivered lectures on cattle welfare illustrated by
lantern exhibitions, and also demonstrated castration by Burdiz-
zio's castrator. He visited Sadiya once in connection with enquiry
into the result of castrations done by a reserve veterinary
assistant. He examined 18 specimens microscopically.
9
(2) Babu Srish Chandra Ghose, Veterinary Inspector,
held tcharge of the Silchar circle throughout the year except
for the period of one month from the 22nd May 1928 to
21st June 1928 when he was on leave. He was on tour for
138 days and travelled 3,174 miles by rail, 815 miles by steamer
and 1,432 miles by road. He visited and re-visited 55 villages
and Tea Estates in connection with the inspection of veterinary
assistants' work, investigation of diseases and enquiry into the
results of inoculations. The following hospitals and dispensaries
were inspected by him:—hospital at Silchar, dispensaries at
Silchar. Palonghat, Hailakandi, Karimganj, Patharkandi, Sunani-
ganj, Maulvi Bazar, Habiganj and Shaistaganj four times each,
Sylhet, Kulaura and Jagannathpur thrice each. He also inspected
the work of the staff and reserve veterinary assistants. He
attended and supervised the Field veterinary hospital opened
during the Camp of Exercise of the Surma Valley Light Horse at
Silchar. He attended the industrial and agricultural exhibi-
tion held at Karimganj and the cattle show held at Hailakandi
where he delivered short lectures on cattle welfare.
He
examined 159 specimens microscopically.
Babu Bhudhar Chandra Chatterjee, Staff Veterinary Assistant,
Silchar, officiated as Veterinary Inspector, Silchar circle, from
30th May 1928 to 21st June 1928 during the absence on leave
of Babu Srish Chandra Ghose. During the period he was in
charge of the circle he was on tour for 9 days and travelled 188
miles by rail and 30 miles by road and inspected the dispensaries
at Sylhet and Kulaura once each.
(3) Babu Hem Chandra Sen, Veterinary Inspector, held
charge of Gauhati circle No. I, throughout the year. He was
on tour for 190 days and travelled 1,211 miles by rail, 1,256
miles by steamer and 2,209 miles by road. He visited and re-
visited 120 villages in connection with the inspection of
veterinary assistants' work, investigation of diseases and enquiry
into the results of inoculations. The following hospitals and
dispensaries were inspected by him :—the dispensaries at Gauhati
and Nalbari four times each, Nowgong, Misa, Behali, Tezpur,
Tangla and Mangaldai thrice each, the hospital at Shillong
twice and the dispensary at Sootea once. He held lantern
demonstrations in six villages in his circle,
(4) Babu Guru Prasanna Sen, Veterinary Inspector, held
charge of Gauhati circle No. II for 10 months. He was on
leave for 2 months from the 4th July 1928 to the 3rd September
1928. He was on tour for 109 days and travelled 1,909 miles by
10
rail, 391 miles by steamer and 1,084 miles by road. He visited
and re-visited 69 villages in connection with the inspection of
veterinary assistants' work, investigation of diseases and enquiry
into the results of inoculation. He inspected the following
hospitals and dispensaries:—the hospital at Gauhati 9 times,
and the dispensaries at Barpeta, Patacharkuchi, Goalpara,
Abhoyapuri, Dhubri and Bilashipara four times each and Tura
twice.
He inspected and supervised the work of the staff
veterinary assistant and reserve veterinary assistants at Gauhati.
43. The number of reserve veterinary assistants was 8
during the year.
Two were employed in charge of the
Government veterinary hospitals at Gauhati and Silchar, one
on deputation to the Iraq Government, and the remainder were
employed on leave vacancies and on deputation to supplement
the local staff.
44. The names of the following veterinary assistants are
noted for good and steady work :—
(1) Babu Bhudhar Chandra Chatterjee, Staff Veterinary
Assistant, Silchar.
(2) Maulavi Dewan Faizuddin Ahmed, officiating Staff
Veterinary Assistant, Gauhati.
(3) Babu Surendra Mohon Sen Gupta, Veterinary
Assistant, Shillong.
(4) Babu Hemanta Kumar Nag Chaudhury, Veterinary
Assistant, Tezpur.
(5) Babu Narendra Nath Basu, Veterinary Assistant,
Nalbari.
(6) Babu Monmatha Nath Ghose, Veterinary Assistant,
Nazira.
(7) Babu Debendra
Nath Chatterjee,
Veterinary
Assistant, Patharkandi.
(8) Srijut Jagadish Prasad Das, Reserve Veterinary
Assistant in charge veterinary hospital, Gauhati.
(9) Srijut Bhabit Chandra Das, Veterinay Assistant,
Dibrugarh.
(10) Babu Abani Kanta Dutta, Veterinary Assistant,
Sootea.
11
PART V.—EXPENDITURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
45. Table XIV(a) shows the expenditure of the department.
The total expenditure during the year was Rs. 1,60,502-14-3
against Rs. 1,71,801-7-10 of the previous year.
46. The local boards in Assam incurred the following
expenditure in connection with veterinary charges. These figures
are furnished by the boards and are included in the above
total:—
Veterinary instruction
Subordinate establishment
Hospitals and dispensaries
Breeding operations
Fairs and shows
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Rs.
62,285
12,175
860
300
a.
11
14
0
0
p.
9
0
0
0
The sum of Rs. 860 was spent for breeding operations by the
Sibsagar and Dhubri local boards.
PART VI.—GENERAL REMARKS.
47. Owing to fewer rinderpest outbreaks during the year the
demand for anti-rinderpest serum was not great and the balance
at the close of the previous year was sufficient to meet the
demand. Consequently no anti-rinderpest serum was indented
for during the year.
48. The following table shows the doses of the various sera
received during the last five years : —
Serum.
1
Anti-rinderpest ... ...
Anti-anthrax ... ...
Anti-hæmorrhagic septicæmia ...
1928-29
2
Nil
6,000
1,000
1927 28
3
1,03,000
2,000
Nil
1926-27
4
1,74,000
Nil
Nil
1925-26
5
1,25,000
9,000
6,000
1924-25
6
65,000
6,000
2,000
12
49. The number of cruelty and maiming cases examined and
reported on during the year and previous years is as follows:—
—
1
Number of cruelty cases examined ... ...
Number of maiming cases examined ... ...
Number of attendance at court to give evidence
Number of cases fined or imprisoned ... ...
1928-29
2
300
261
183
265
1927-28
3
219
214
160
228
1926-27
4
142
173
98
125
1925-26
5
219
156
135
172
My remarks on this subject in previous years still hold
good. There is no evidence of any improvement. Large num-
bers of animals still come to hospitals and dispensaries with
wounds showing gross ill treatment and neglect. If the number
of cases sent up to court for punishment were increased ten times
some good might be done. At present these numbers are negli-
gible and have little or no effect on the mass.
50, During the year under report veterinary assistants
observed 373 cases of suspected poisoning amongst cattle and all
died. This year Sunamganj circle again showed the largest
number, namely, 190 cases of suspected poisoning with 187
deaths. In one case material was sent up to the Chemical
Examiner who reported poisoning by Aconite. In the previous
year there were 462 suspected poisoning cases of which 393
cattle died.
61. During the year two cows and sixteen dogs were treated
with anti-rabic vaccine supplied from the Pasteur Institute,
Shillong. In the previous year one horse, one elephant and
eleven dogs were successfully treated.
52. As there was less demand for inoculation, the opportunity
was taken to concentrate in a campaign for the castration of
weedy bulls. Instructions were given accordingly and the num-
ber of castrations increased from 1,663 to 4,430. Only two
assistants did over 250. A considerable number of assistants,
13
I regret to say, did not show any enthusiasm or interest in this
work, which is so important in any scheme of cattle improve-
ment.
53. The opportunity was taken of carrying out farther
experimental treatment of surra. The method recommended
by Dr. Edwards of the Veterinary Research Institute, Muktesar,
was tried this year. In this method intravenous and intra-thecal
injections of Nagonal (Bayer 205) are given at definite intervals.
The treatment extends over a month. Eleven horses were
placed under treatment and of these eight appear to have been
cured. Three died during the course of treatment from various
causes. These results are much better than any previous efforts
at treatment. The disadvantage of this method is that it is not
one that can be carried out in the field. This drug was also
used as a preventive in cases where valuable horses were
exposed to infection. No definite decision as to the value of the
drug for this object has been arrived at. No horse receiving
preventive treatment acquired the disease, On the other hand
other methods of prevention, e.g., eradicating biting flies, etc.
were adopted at the same time.
54. For some years my attention has been drawn to the poor
condition of many elephants including those of Government,
The poor condition was usually found to be due to various intestinal
and hepatic parasites and was characterised by emaciation and
anæmia which gradually became more profound and complicated
with dropsical swellings on various parts of the body. It
was also found that when the clinical symptoms were at all
advanced it was difficult to cure the animals so that they would
be of further use and, death often supervened. With the
object of getting these cases treated earlier and before any or
only slight clinical symptoms were shown, the fæces of most of
the Government elephants including those of the Forest
Department have been examined from time to time. All
veterinary assistants were instructed to forward specimens, and
after examination a suitable treatment for the condition shown,
was prescribed. It was found that all elephants were infested with
various forms of Nematodes and when these became numerous
the health of the host suffered. A considerable number of
specimens showed that the liver was infested with a liver fluke—
the Fasciola Jacksoni. This parasite when in numbers causes a
serious condition resulting in death. Suitable treatments have
been adopted and reports show that these animals when treated
14
in time have improved in health and condition. It is necessary
to re examine each animal at various intervals. Instructions
have also been issued to avoid as far as possible re-infection.
55. The Hon'ble Minister of Local Self-Government
visited the veterinary hospital at Silchar during the year.
56. All the inspectors carried out their duties in a very
satisfactory manner and the department owes much of its
success to their keenness and ability.
57. Office staff.—During the year the staff carried out the
clerical work in a satisfactory manner.
58. The department wishes to thank district officers, members
of the local boards and private gentlemen who have taken an
interest in veterinary work and the general welfare of cattle.
W. HARRIS,
Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary Department, Assam.