NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
29
(b) Other contagious diseases.—Thirty-seven
deaths among pigs at
Ukhrul and Lambui in the hills were recorded while on tour. The villagers
could not relate the symptoms properly. Thus diagnosis was not possible.
4. Preventive inoculations.—Preventive inoculation was undertaken in
one outbreak at Imphal. Thirty-three animals are inoculated. No cattle
died after inoculation while one died before.
There was a balance of 2,100 c.c. of anthrax serum brought forward
from the previous year. Out of this only 1,500 c.c. was spent leaving a
balance of 600 c.c in stock.
No Anti-Rinderpest or Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia serum was indented
owing to absence of these diseases. Previous year's stock remained unused.
5. In-patients.—Twenty-five
in-patients were treated as against 59 in
the previous year.
6. Out-patients.—The
number of out-patients was 1,664 as against
11,328 in the previous year. The decrease is due to absence of contagious
disease.
7. Operations.—Thirty-two
major and 192 minor operations were
performed as against 51 major and 183 minor in the previous year.
Two major and 58 minor operations were performed on tour.
8. The reporting of cattle-disease by chaukidars is still far from being
satisfactory.
9. The Veterinary staff worked well during the year.
A. G. McCALL,
President, Manipur State Durbar.
GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM.
The Governor and the Minister of Education.
Resolution on the Veterinary Report for the
year 1929-30.
Extract from the Proceedings of the Government of Assam in
the Education Department, No. 2754E., dated the 15th
August 1930.
READ—
The report of the Superintendent, in charge Civil Veterinary Department,
Assam, for the year 1929-30.
RESOLUTION.
MR. Harris remained in charge of the Department
throughout the year. The sanctioned staff of 4 veterinary inspec-
tors was entertained, hut as in previous years it was impossible to
recruit the veterinary assistant surgeons up to strength. Out of
14 sanctioned posts of reserve and staff veterinary assistant sur-
geons (who are employed direct by Government) only 7 were
filled, and 40 in place of 41 veterinary assistant surgeons were
supplied to local boards. Seven veterinary assistant surgeons
were also supplied by Government in hill districts. Recruitment
is looked for mainly from the Bengal Veterinary College at which
16 scholars were maintained by Government. It is noticed with
regret that not less than 5 out of the 8 third year scholarship
holders failed to pass in the year under report. The failure to
recruit up to strength had recently been commented on by the
Public Accounts Committee and will have the attention of
Government.
2
2. The cost of the Department rose from Rs. 1,60,503 in the
previous year to Rs. 2,04,305. This was largely clue to purchase
of serum to cope with the wide-spread outbreaks of rinderpest
which are mentioned below. Local boards also incurred expend-
iture to the extent of Rs. 82,27b. The three Government hos-
pitals at Gauhati, Silchar, and Shillong continued to do good
work and some valuable tests were carried out at the Gauhati
laboratory. A new Government hospital was opened at Sadiya
during the year and the provision for permanent buildings for it
has since been sanctioned.
3. The year was on the whole an unhealthy one, as cattle in the
Surma Valley succumbed in large numbers to rinderpest on ac-
count of their emaciated condition after the floods. Three reserve
veterinary assistant surgeons were deputed to Karimganj,
Kulaura and Sunamganj and other parts of the Surma Valley.
In all 36,301 animals were inoculated, among whom 778 died
after inoculation. The number of deaths previous to inoculation
is reported to have been 17,924. Towards the close of the year
enquiries were instituted into the prevalence of kumri and it is
proposed to bring the matter up before the Imperial Council of
Agricultural Research.
4. As regards other diseases, there were 31 outbreaks of
hæmorrhagic septicæmia in which 8 equines and 278 bovines
were inoculated. Two bovines died after inoculation. Foot and
mouth disease as usual occurred sporadically and was responsible
for 2,353 deaths. Among horses glanders made an unwelcome
reappearance after a period of six years and three horses had to be
destroyed. Anthrax occurred in all districts and 61 horses and
733 cattle died from this disease. There was also an outbreak of
surra in Manipur.
5. Veterinary stalls were opened at various fairs held
throughout the province and attracted a good deal of attention
but it must be admitted that more interest in the working of the
Department on the part of local board members and of the
general public would be a great encouragement to it. The Gover-
nor and his Minister are anxious that the Department should
give every assistance in the matter of cattle-breeding, both as
regards propaganda for the construction of silos and stall feeding
and also in the sterilization of undesirable bulls. Veterinary
assistant surgeons could probably also give advice in the matter
of cattle selection or obtain it from the Live-Stock and Dairy
Expert. But there must be a readiness on the part of the public
to avail themselves of such assistance.
3
6. The Governor acting with his Minister notes with pleasure
the names of 8 veterinary assistant surgeons who have been
specially mentioned for good work during the year. He is also
indebted to Mr. Harris for his administration of the Department
and to Babu Guru Prasanna Sen, the Superintendent in charge,
for an interesting report.
ORDER.—Ordered that a copy of the resolution be published
in the Assam Gazette.
By order of the Government of Assam,
H. M. PRICHARD,
Offg. Secretary to the Government of Assam
in the Transferred Departments.
SHILLONG: Printed and published by O. M. Roy, Superintendent, Assam
Government Press. (Edn.) No. 13—625—20-8-1930.
REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
ASSAM
FOR THE YEAR
1930-31
SHILLONG
PRINTED AT THE ASSAM GOVERNMENT PRESS
1931
Price 9d.]
[Price 8 annas.
Agents for the Sale of Books published by the Assam Government.
Agents in India.
(1) Messrs. Thacker, Spink & Co.,
Calcutta.
(2) Messrs W. Newman & Co., Calcutta.
(3) Messrs. S. K. Lahit & Co., Calcutta.
(4) Messrs. R. Cambray & Co., 6 and 8/2,
Hastings Street, Calcutta.
(5) Babu Hari Ram Dhar, B.A., Popular
Library, Dacca.
(6) Messrs. D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co.,
103, Meadow Street, Fort, Post Box
No. 187, Bombay.
(7) The Indian School Supply Depôt, 309,
Bow Bazar Street, Calcutta.
(8) Messrs. Rai M. C. Sarkar Bahadur &
Sons, 90-2A, Harrison Road, Calcutta.
(9) Messrs. Students & Co., Coach Bihar.
(10) Messrs, Vas & Co., Madras.
(11) The Standard Literature Co., Ltd. 13-1,
Old Court House Street, Calcutta.
(12) The Standard Book Stall, Karachi.
(13) Messrs. Karsandas, Narandas & Sons
of Surat.
(14) The Proprietor, New Kitapkhana, Poona.
(15) The Association Press Calcutta.
(16) Messrs. Butterworth & Co. (India), Li-
mited, Hastings Street, Calcutta, Post
Box No. 2.
(17) The Director, The Book Company,
Limited, Booksellers and Stationers,
4/4A, College Square, Calcutta.
(18) Kamala Agency, Shillong. (For List of
Residents and Visitors to Shillong only.
ASSAM GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS ARE OBTAINABLE IN GREAT BRITAIN DIRECT
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR INDIA OR THROUGH ANY
BOOK-SELLER.
SUILLONG :
PRINTED BY R. R. CHART, SUPERINTENDENT, ASSAM GOVERNMENT PRESS.
No. R1-1/1844.
No. R1-1/1844.
FROM
W. HARRIS, ESQ., M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S.,
SUPERINTENDENT, CIVIL VETERINARY
DEPARTMENT, ASSAM,
To
THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF
ASSAM IN THE TRANSFERRED DEPART-
MENTS, SHILLONG.
Dated Gauhati, the 6th July 1931.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to submit herewith the Annual
Administration Report of the Civil Veterinary Department,
Assam, for the year 1930-31,
Your obedient servant,
W. HARRIS,
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, Assam.
REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT ASSAM
FOR THE YEAR
1930-31.
PREFACE.—GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.
I held charge of the office of the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, Assam, for 5½ months from the 1st
April 1930 to the 21st April 1930 and from the 6th November
1930 to the end of the year. I was on leave for 6½ months
from the 22nd April 1930 to the 5th November 1930.
Babu Guru Prasanna Sen, Veterinary Inspector, Gauhati, Circle
No. II, was placed in charge of the Department during my
absence. I was on tour for 49 days and travelled 1,396 miles by
rail, 198 miles by steamer and 685 miles by road. Babu Guru
Prasanna Sen was on tour for 71 days, and travelled 2,271 miles
by rail, 201 miles by steamer and 472 miles by road.
2. The following hospitals and dispensaries were inspected
by me during the period I held charge of the Department:—
The dispensaries at Tezpur, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sadiya
and Sootea once each.
3. The following hospitals and dispensaries were inspected
by Babu Guru Prasanna Sen during the period he held charge of
the Department:—
The hospitals at Silchar and Gauhati once each and the
dispensaries at Silchar, Hailakandi, Sylhet, Karimganj,
Habiganj, Maulvibazar, Sunamganj, Palonghat, Pathar-
kandi, Kulaura, Shaistaganj, Jagannathpur, Jorhat,
Sibsagar, Mariani, Nazira, Majuli and Tangla once
each.
4. Babu Guru Prasanna Sen visited some flood-affected
areas in the Sibsagar district to observe the effect of the flood on
cattle.
2
5. In the laboratory at Gauhati 2,919 specimens of various
kinds were examined microscopically during the year, of which
38 were diagnosed as Anthrax, 16 as Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia
and 8 as Surra. The remainder were examined for other blood,
skin, and intestinal parasites, etc. From Khanapara Farm 1,863
specimens were examined. This was in connection with a
campaign for the eradication of parasites from the alimentary
tract which jeopardised the life and health of almost the entire
herd. In the previous year 1,781 specimens were examined of
which 48 were diagnosed as Anthrax, 61 as Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia and 54 as Surra.
PART I.—VETERINARY INSTRUCTION.
6. During the year under report there were 14 Government
stipendiaries of this province at the Bengal Veterinary College,
Calcutta. They were distributed as follows:—
Class.
1
1st year ... ... ...
2nd year
...
...
...
3rd year
... ... ...
Number
of
students.
2
5
1
8
Number
of
passes.
3
3
1
8
Number
of
failures.
4
2
...
...
7. There was no Local Board stipendiary in the college from
this province during the year 1930-31.
8. There were 4 private students of this province in the
college during the year. They were distributed as follows:—
Class.
1
1st year ... ... ...
2nd year ... ... ...
3rd year ... ... ...
Number.
of
students
2
...
2
2
Number
of
passes.
3
...
1
2
Number
of
failures.
4
...
1
...
3
9. Four students from this province—three Government
stipendiaries and one private—graduated from the Bengal Veteri-
nary College, Calcutta, in the previous year and joined the De-
partment during the year under report.
PART II.—TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
10. Table II shows the approximate number of deaths from
contagious diseases reported during the year. Reports have
been received from all the districts. There has been considera-
ble delay and difficulty this year in getting these returns from
district officers and from two districts the returns are incom-
plete.
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
...
...
...
1930-31.
2
173
26,564
8,122
1929-30.
3
863
29,622
4,003
1928-29,
4
833
16,547
3,593
These figures were supplied by the district officers and check-
ed by the Veterinary Assistant Surgeons as far as possible.
EQUINES.
12. Glanders.- There were two deaths from Glanders in
the Goalpara district. Last year there were three cases of Glan-
ders all of which occurred in the Kamrup district.
13. Epizootic Lymphangitis.—No
case of this disease was
reported during the year and none was reported last year.
14. Anthrax.—Thirty-two
deaths were reported from this
disease from 7 districts. This disease was confirmed by micros-
copical examination in all the districts. Last year 54 deaths
were reported from 4 districts.
4
15. Surra.—During the year 27 deaths were reported from
this disease from 5 districts against 91 deaths from 5 districts
in the previous year.
16. Dourine.—No case of this disease was observed during
the year. This disease has not yet been found in Assam.
17. Other contagious diseases.—During the year 112 deaths
were reported from other contagious diseases against 215 deaths
in the previous year.
BOVINES.
18. Rinderpest.—This
disease was reported from all the
districts except the Lushai Hills, Naga Hills and Sadiya Frontier
Tract and the number of deaths was reported to be 15,638 against
20,536 from 10 districts in the previous year. The number
of outbreaks of this disease was greatest in the districts of
Cacher, Sylhet and Darrang.
19. Foot-and-mouth disease.—This disease was reported
from all the plains districts and the number of deaths from this
disease was reported to be 3,966 against 2,353 in the previous
year.
20. Hacmorrhagic Septicæmia.—This disease was also re-
ported from ail the plains districts and the number of deaths was
reported to be 1,493 against 1,760 deaths from 7 districts in the
previous year.
21. Black quarter.—Ninety-nine
deaths were reported
from this disease from 5 districts against one death in the pre-
vious year.
22. Anthrax.—The number of deaths from this disease was
reported to be 753 from 8 districts against 733 deaths from
7 districts in the previous year. This disease was microscopi-
cally confirmed in all the districts.
23. Other contagious diseases.—The number of deaths from
other contagious diseases during the year was reported to be 4,615
from 6 districts against 4,239 deaths from 8 districts in the pre-
vious year.
OTHER ANIMALS.
24. Contagious diseases amongst other animals.—The total
number of deaths under this head was reported to be 3,122 from 10
districts against 4,003 deaths from 8 districts in the previous year.
5
PREVENTIVE INOCULATIONS.
25. Table III shows the number and the result of pre-
ventive inoculations undertaken in the province during the
year.
26. Rinderpest.—Inoculations against Rinderpest were carried
out in 301 outbreaks in 18 subdivisions and 2 hill districts
(Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills). In these outbreaks
8,632 animals were reported to have died before inoculation.
Altogether 21,743 animals were inoculated by the "serum alone"
method. The number of deaths amongst the inoculated animals
was reported to be 506.
In the previous year inoculations were carried out in 429
outbreaks in 13 subdivisions and 2 hill districts (Khasi and
Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills). In those outbreaks 17,924
animals were reported to have died before inoculation. Altoge-
ther 36,301 animals were inoculated by the "serum alone" me-
thod of which 778 animals were reported to have died after
inoculation.
27. Seventy-eight animals of the Upper Shillong Govern-
ment Farm, 104 animals of the Khanapara Government Farm
and 13 animals of private owners were inoculated against Rinder-
pest by the " serum simultaneous" method. The method adopted
was that recommended by Dr. Edwards in which the Rinder-
pest virus is passed through goats. A second dose of virus
alone was given on the 5th day. This immunisation was done-
without the loss of a single animal.
Last year only 98 cattle of the Khanapara Government
Farm were inoculated against Rinderpest by the " serum simul-
taneous " method.
28. During the year under report the outbreaks of Rinder-
pest were less severe than in the previous year. Cachar,
Sylhet and Darrang districts contributed the largest number
of outbreaks and the greatest number of inoculations. In the
previous year Sylhet and Cachar districts contributed the largest
number of outbreaks and the greatest number of inocula-
tions.
29. Anthrax.—During the year 59 specimens of suspected
Anthrax were examined miscroscopically in the laboratory of
which 38 proved to be Anthrax. Inoculations were performed
in 26 outbreaks in 11 subdivisions and one hill district (Khasi
and Jaintia Hills). In these outbreaks 11 equines, 161 bovines
6
and 2 others were reported to have died before inoculation. The
number of animals inoculated were 218 equines, 1,182 bovines
and 1 other of which only 2 bovines were reported to have died
after inoculation.
In the previous year inoculations were carried out in 43
outbreaks in 13 subdivisions. In these outbreaks 8 equines, 365
bovines and 57 others were reported to have died before inocu-
lation. The number of animals inoculated was 166 equines
3,035 bovines and 14 others, of which 5 bovines were reported to
have died after inoculation.
30. The submission of the monthly return of Anthrax out-
breaks to the American Consul General in Calcutta was
continued.
31. Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.—The diagnosis of this disease
was confirmed microscopically in 16 cases. Inoculations were
undertaken in 12 outbreaks in 6 subdivisions. In these out-
breaks 182 bovines were reported to have died before inocu-
lation. The number of animals inoculated was 994 bovines
of which one bovine was reported to have died after inocula-
tion.
In the previous year inoculations were carried out in 31
outbreaks in 10 subdivisions, in which 1 equine, 236 bovines
and 3 others were reported to have died before inoculation.
The number of animals inoculated was 8 equines, and
2,741 bovines of which 2 bovines were reported to have died
after inoculation.
32. Black quarter.—There were two outbreaks of black
quarter, one in the Khanapara Government Farm and one in
Gauhati Goshala. In these outbreaks 2 animals died before
inoculation. Ninety-eight animals were inoculated against this
disease and no further deaths occurred.
In the previous year there was one outbreak of Black
quarter in the Khanapara Farm in which one animal died before
inoculation. The number of animals inoculated was 66 and
none died after inoculation.
33. The total number of outbreaks of all diseases in which
inoculations were undertaken during the year was 341 in which
11 equines, 8,977 bovines and 2 others were reported to have
died before inoculation. The number of animals inoculated was
218 equines, 24,017 bovines and 1 other of which 509 bovines
were reported to have died after inoculation.
7
In the previous year inoculations were undertaken in 504
outbreaks in which 9 equines, 18,526 bovines and 60 others
were reported to have died before inoculation. The number of
animals inoculated was 174 equines, 42,143 bovines and 14
others, of which 785 bovines were reported to have died alter
inoculation.
34. The submission of the monthly return showing the
prevalence of Rinderpest and other contagious diseases to the
Consul General for Italy in Calcutta was continued.
ITINERANT VETERINARY ASSISTANT SURGEONS' WORK.
35. Table IV shows the work of the Staff, Itinerating and
the Reserve Veterinary Assistant Surgeons during the year. They
visited 11,035 villages, performed 12,233 castrations and treated
24,390 cases for contagious diseases and 63,037 cases for non-
contagious diseases. In the previous year 10,701 villages were
visited, 7,102 animals were castrated, 20,292 cases were treated
for contagious diseases and 66,365 cases for non-contagious
diseases. Nine dispensaries remained temporarily closed for
short periods as Reserve Veterinary Assistant Surgeons were
not available to fill the vacancies.
VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
36. Table V shows the work of the three Government Vete-
rinary Hospitals at Gauhati, Silchar and Shillong. The total
number of animals treated in the Hospitals during the year
under report including both in-patients and out-patients was
4,640 against 4,277 in the previous year. The total number
of cases supplied with medicines for treatment of animals not
brought to the hospitals was 16 against 90 in the previous year.
The distribution of medicines without the cases being seen is
discouraged. Owners are encouraged to bring their animals to
the hospitals for examination and treatment.
37. Gauhati Veterinary Hospital.—During the year under
report 56 in-patients and 1,332 out-patients making a total of
1,388 were treated in this hospital against a total of 1,299 in the
previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 3 cruelty
cases and 2 maiming cases were treated in the hospital against
one cruelty case and 2 maiming cases in the previous year. In
no case were medicines supplied for treatment of animals not
brought to the hospital against 12 cases in the previous year.
8
88. Silchar Veterinary Hotpital.—During the year under
report 23 in-patients and 2,042 out-patients, making a total of
2,065, were treated in this hospital against a total of 1,952 in the
previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 2 cruelty
cases were treated in the hospital against 2 cruelty cases and
3 maiming cases in the previous year. As in the previous year
no medicines were supplied for treatment of animals not brought
to the hospital.
39. Shillong Veterinary Hospital.—During the year under
report 61 in-patients and 1,126 out-patients, making a total of
1,187, were treated in this hospital against a total of 1,026 in the
previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 4 cruelty
cases and 2 maiming cases were treated in the hospital against
4 cruelty cases and one maiming case in the previous year.
Medicines were supplied in 16 cases for treatment of animals
not brought to the hospital against 78 cases in the previous
year.
40. During the year under report a sum of Rs. 961 was
realised in the hospitals as hospital fees and credited to the
treasuries against a sum of Rs. 1,086 in the previous year.
PART III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
41. Table VIII shows the number of stud bulls reported to
have been serving in this province during the year.
There were 27 bulls at the beginning of the year and the
number at the close of the year was 28.
CATTLE PAIRS AND SHOWS.
42. Table XIV shows the number of cattle fairs and shows
held in the province during the year. In these fairs there was
little of importance to record.
PART IV.—SUBORDINATE ESTABLISHMENT.
43. Table VII shows the strength of the Subordinate
Veterinary staff of this province as it stood on the 31st March
1931. There were 4 Veterinary Inspectors and 57 Veterinary
Assistant Surgeons at the close of the year. Four new Graduates
joined the Department. The Veterinary Assistant Surgeon who