NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
4
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Civil Veterinary Department, South-Eastern Circle, with the object of
determining where the areas of infection were. The conclusion arrived
at was that some villages on the outskirts of Rangoon were suspected
and a set of instructions was prepared by the Special Veterinary Research
Officer for circulation among the owners of horses. A bulletin on this
disease has also been prepared by the Research Officer and 500 copies
were printed for distribution. In addition to this the preparation of a
special vaccine for the disease has occupied the attention of the
Research Officer and fuller details regarding this will be found in the
section of this report dealing with research.
9. Surra is not registered in Burma but 12 reports were received
from the Military Police. The Myitkyina area appears to be very
liable to this disease which is probably imported by mules from China.
The Deputy Commissioner, Myitkyina, has applied to have the Myitkyina
area brought under the operation of the Glanders and Farcy Act which
includes the disease of Surra in its scope and the question of providing
Practitioners under the Act is being considered. A proposal has been
made that instructions in the diagnosis of the disease should be given
to the Military Police Veterinary Officers at the Insein Veterinary
College after which they would be competent to serve as Practitioners
under the Act. The total deaths recorded from this disease were 66.
CHAPTER II.—SEGREGATION RULES.
10. As in the previous year most Deputy Commissioners appear to
consider that the segregation rules are well understood by headmen
and in some localities at least they appear to be conscientiously and
efficiently followed. In others, however, as in the case of Akyab noted
above it is practically impossible to completely enforce them and that
for the reasons previously given. I have commented on this in paragraph
11 of last year's report. The main difficulties are (1) want of proper
ground for the segregation camp, (2) deficient water supply, (3)
excessive rainfall and flooding as in Akyab, and (4) the necessity for
conducting agricultural operations. There are also some cases reported
of complete defiance of the rules. Thus the Deputy Commissioner,
Salween district, reports : " I had several cases last year where persons
deliberately went into areas in which there was cattle disease in defiance
of the headman's quarantine orders, and coming back with their cattle
brought disease into the first village area. Action was taken against
them under the Village Act but it seems to me that much more severe
penalties are required." The power to stop the movement of cattle in
cases where disease exists is conferred by rules 13 and 14 of the Cattle
Disease Rules and these rules appear to have been successfully enforced
in the case of the Katha and Bassein outbreaks.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 3lST MARCH 1929.
5
11. A more difficult measure is the question of cattle importation
across the frontier from foreign countries or other provinces. The
province of Burma has three such frontiers, viz. (1) The Chittagong
Division of Bengal in the north-west, (2) Siam in the south-east,
and (3. China in the north-east. Arrangements have been in force
for the last eight or nine years whereby notices of outbreaks of cattle
disease in Chittagong are communicated by telegram by the Collector of
Chittagong to the Deputy Commissioner of Akyab. In the case of the
south-east frontier action to prevent the ingress of disease from out-
side is taken in the Salween, Thatôn and Amherst districts. In the
Salween district there is a quarantine station at Methalauk on the Papun-
Dagwin road which the Deputy Commissioner reports has been of
great advantage in preventing the importation of cattle disease from
Siam. During the year 544 oxen and buffaloes from Siam came into
the district. In the Thatôn district there is a Frontier Assistant at
Shanywathit which is on the main road from Siam to Hlaingbwe.
The Deputy Commissioner reports : " He appears to have performed
the duties of checking and examining the cattle carefully. " He was
not, however, able to prevent the ingress of cattle suffering from
Rinderpest from Hmainlongyi and the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, when he toured in February 1929 found a herd which
had come from Siam near that village in which there were 21 sick
animals and 189 in-contacts. It is quite clear that the Frontier
Veterinary Assistants although they may assist in the usual measures
after cattle cross the border are not able to enforce quarantine nor
are there any legal powers to enable them to do so. There is little
doubt that disease is constantly being brought in to these frontier
districts from Siam.
In the case of the North-East Frontier, the Deputy Commissioner,
Myitkyina, has some remarks to make on this subject. He states as
follows : " An attempt was begun about two years ago to protect the
district against infection from China. Two Veterinary Assistants were to
be posted at Sadon and Sima to inspect animals coming along the main
routes into Burma. In any case I doubt the value of the segregation
officers. There are other roads that cattle can come in to avoid deten-
tion. In any case they have long journeys through the hills from the
last place, infection could be got and few infected animals can come in.
If, as seems to be the case, Rinderpest can occur without any outside
source of infection as for instance occurred in Putao last year, I think
it would be better to concentrate on inoculation and give up this
blocking of frontier roads. The men on the job have, so far as I
know, done no useful preventive work." This opinion is to the effect
that we should not prevent disease coming in from outside but allow
it in and then attempt to control it by the rules under the Village Act
if they are operated in that locality. In last year's report I expressed
6
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
the opinion that Rinderpest is enzootic in the province. It is probably
carried over from year to year by the wild boyines of the jungles which
are known to get it. At the same time as stated in last year's report
there seems no reason why if we take the trouble to prevent cattle
disease from passing from one district of the province to another we
should not also take the trouble of preventing it from passing into the
province from foreign countries. The " Animals Diseases Act " referred
to in last year's report is still under consideration. Mr. D. T. Mitchell,
M.R.C.V.S., Special Veterinary Research Officer, has prepared a draft
which embodies his South African experience and I have made some
suggestions for the amendment of the present " Cattle Disease Rules "
with a view to giving more power to prevent disease coming in from
outside. These matters are at present under consideration by the
Financial Commissioner.
CHAPTER III.—PREVENTIVE INOCULATION.
12. The number of animals inoculated during the year under report
was 106,478 as compared with 96,070 in 1927-28. No attempt has yet
been made to introduce the serum-simultaneous method on a field
scale but preliminary investigations into the method have been made by
the Special Veterinary Research Officer and these will be found described
in the next chapter. Supplies of serum were obtained regularly
from Muktesar with commendable promptitude and there is no
complaint whatever to be made in this respect. There is sometimes
difficulty in maintaining a regular stock in places like Akyab. This is
because large quantities of serum cannot be stored for any considerable
period unless in cold storage. Serum on arrival from Muktesar is stored
in Messrs. DuBern & Co.'s Ice Factory, Rangoon. The Special
Research Officer has expressed the opinion that during the rains in
Burma when the temperature is moderate it may be possible to store
considerable quantities in places like Akyab provided proper storage
pits are constructed. Acting on this suggestion I have asked the Public
Works Department to prepare estimates for a building which has been
designed by Captain Rippon, Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, and an experiment will be tried for storing serum there. There
does not appear to be any necessity for arranging for sub-depots at
other places in Burma as practically all these places are within two
days journey from Rangoon by train. The total cost of serum pur-
chased during the year was Rs. 1,91,255-7-0 which works out at a cost of
Rs. 1-13-0 per animal inoculated as compared with Rs. 1-5-0 the figure
for the previous year. There is no doubt about the popularity of
inoculation among cultivators. Even in Akyab where the cultivators
were supposed to be backward inoculation as pointed out by the Deputy
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1929.
7
Commissioner has been freely allowed. Most other Deputy Commis-
sioners have come to the same opinion. Thus the Deputy Commis-
sioner, Mandalay, states : " It is encouraging to observe that in this
district the people are showing more willingness to co-operate with the
Veterinary Officers in stamping out disease. The villagers generally
appreciate the value of inoculation and they readily come forward to
have their cattle inoculated by the Veterinary Assistants." The Deputy
Commissioner, Myaungmya, also remarks : " Outbreaks of Rinderpest
were very few on the whole land the timely inoculation nipped the
disease in the hud."
13. The real fact is that inoculation can only be of secondary
importance to segregation. In paragraph 11 of last year's report it was
pointed out that the great outbreak of Rinderpest in the British Isles
which took place in the year 1865 was suppressed by "standstill"
measures without any recourse being made to inoculation which was then
unknown. It may be taken as being generally true that even the serum-
alone method of control is quite effective provided the disease is not
allowed to spread rapidly from village to village. This spread can only
be prevented by the stoppage of movement as was done successfully in
Bassein and Katha during the last two years. If the disease can be
prevented from spreading in this way we have segregation and inocula-
tion to fall back on in order to stamp it out in the individual villages. If,
however, the conditions are such, as they are in Akyab, as to make the
segregation and other measures difficult the disease soon assumes a
degree of magnitude which makes the Veterinary staff impotent to deal
with it. Every effort should, therefore, be made towards the enforcing
and the strengthening of the rules under the Village Act. It is hoped
to introduce the serum-simultaneous method, of which a short descrip-
tion was given in paragraph 15 of last year's report, on an experimental
scale during the present year and after standard doses have been worked
out.
14. In addition to inoculation for Rinderpest a beginning has been
made with Anthrax vaccines prepared in the laboratory of the Insein
Veterinary College by the Special Veterinary Research Officer. These
have been used so far only on elephants. Messrs. The Bombay Burmah
Trading Corporation, Limited, permitted an experiment to be made
with the vaccine on three of their animals while Messrs. MacGregor &
Co., who employ their own Veterinary Officer have been given a
supply of the vaccine for trial on their elephants. It is too early yet to
say whether this vaccine will prove a success or not. The Research
Officer proposes to make a crucial test on certain vaccinated elephants
by inoculation of these with Anthrax virus and a site for this experi-
ment has been selected in the Sittang Valley.
8
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA.
CHAPTER IV.—VETERINARY RESEARCH.
15. Mr. D. T. Mitchell, M.R.C.V.S., Special Veterinary Research
Officer, on secondment from the Government of the Union of South
Africa, was in charge of the research section throughout the year.
After alterations had been carried out at the Veterinary College, Insein,
Mr. Mitchell was able to begin work there in February 1928. Before
beginning work in the laboratory he was engaged in the examination of
sites and in the submission of detailed estimates for a laboratory for the
preparation of serum. The site at Meiktila originally chosen in 1908
for a farm for the Agricultural Department, but subsequently abandoned
was ultimately found to be the most suitable for the purpose. Prelimi-
nary estimates have been prepared for the acquisition of land and con-
struction of buildings which amounted, roughly, to about Rs. 6 lakhs.
The scheme is at present in abeyance until further experience of the
necessities of the province in the matter of serum has been obtained.
16. On his taking up work at the laboratory the Research Officer
was provided with a staff of two Veterinary Inspectors, one Veterinary
Assistant and one clerk but one of the Inspectors had to spend some
time in Akyab in connection with the Rinderpest outbreak there.
The following is a short summary of the work conducted in the
laboratory during the year :—
Examination of Slides and Diagnosis of Diseases.—The total blood
smears submitted during the period were classified on diagnosis as
follows :—
Anthrax ... ... ...
Black Quarter ... ... ...
Septicæmia Hæmorrhagica ... ...
Surra ... ... ...
Epizootic Lymphangitis ... ...
Piroplasmosis ... ... ...
Miscellaneous
... ... ...
No evidence of disease ... ...
Total ...
77
1
1
105
4
2
8
716
914
This work, viz., examination of blood-slides, was formerly conducted
by the Superintendent in charge of the Veterinary College but has now
been handed over permanently to the Research Officer.
17. Investigations on Rinderpest.—In September 1928, after a con-
ference at which the Hon'ble Forest Minister presided and which was
attended by the Forest Secretary, the Financial Commissioner (Trans-
ferred Subjects), the Director of Agriculture, the Special Veterinary
Research Officer and the Superintendents, Civil Veterinary Department,
it was decided to proceed with the experimental work on the serum-
simultaneous method with Rinderpest. This method was briefly
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1929.
9
touched on in paragraph 15 of last year's report. It was decided that
the Research Officer should collect virus, work out the standard doses
and then begin actual inoculation with Government-owned herds on the
stations of the Agricultural Department. The attempt to collect virus
and to set up the disease in cattle and goats at the Veterinary College
encountered considerable difficulties. Virus was obtained from Thazi,
Yamèthin and Akyab and cattle and goats were inoculated. Owing,
however, either to the low degree of virulence in the strains collected or
to the high degree of immunity of the experimental animals it was some
time before a proper going strain was obtained. Finally, however, it
was possible to begin inoculation on the cattle at Hmawbi. Here 20
full grown animals were inoculated by the serum-simultaneous method
on the 26th February 1929. The animals were divided up into four
batches, receiving doses of serum with two controls which received
virus only. The first batch received 5 c.c. per 100 lb. weight, the
second batch 7 c.c., the third 9 c.c. and the fourth 11 c.c. Of the first
batch two animals gave a definite Rinderpest reaction commencing
about the ninth day when the temparature exceeded 104°F. but returned to
normal about the fifteenth day. One animal gave a double reaction and
showed Surra on the thirteenth day and the fourth did not develop a reac-
tion and was presumably immune. In the case of the second batch
three of the six animals gave a definite Rinderpest reaction. One
showed a double rise of temperature on the eighth day and two animals
showed no reaction. Of the third batch three of the four animals
showed definite Rinderpest reaction combined with clinical symptoms.
The fourth gave no reaction. In the case of the fourth batch three
showed definite Rinderpest reaction and returned to normal about the
thirteenth day. One of these reacting animals developed an attack of
Surra. Clinical symptoms (diarrhoea) occurred in the reacting animals.
Of the two control animals which got virus only one developed an acute
reaction and Rinderpest but recovered. The second control gave no
reaction and was apparently immune. The curious thing about these
figures is that the smaller doses of serum gave the best results.
From these tests the Research Officer drew the following
conclusions :—
(1) That double inoculation against Rinderpest in adults is relatively
safe in Burma.
(2) That the optimum dose of serum for this class of work would be
about 7 c.c. per 100 lb.
(3) That Surra may be expected to complicate inoculation work as
a high percentage of cattle in Burma are chronic carriers but
uncomplicated relapses to this disease appear to recover easily
and without treatment.
18. Shortly after the Hmawbi test information was received to the
effect that Rinderpest had broken out in a herd of 400 animals of all
10
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
ages and including a number of buffaloes at the Pinjrapole Society's
Depôt for old cattle at Bauktaw on the outskirts of Rangoon. Seeing
in this outbreak an excellent opportunity for carrying out a test of the
serum-virus method of protection, the Research Officer in company
with the local Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, interviewed
the Society and was able to prevail upon the committee to agree to have
the method carried out. It was pointed out that if the department was
willing to spend approximately Rs. 600 on serum for inoculation of
animals, the majority of which were apparently useless pensioners, the
Society should in return give some assistance in the experimental work
on this disease and if they were not prepared to do this the question of
control of the disease by segregation measures would have to be con-
sidered. This resulted in the necessary permission being given not only
to the double inoculation of portion of the herd but also to the collec-
tion of virus from sick animals. Inoculation work was commenced on
the following day, viz., 8th March 1929, in the following ways, with
virus derived from an animal that had died of Rinderpest and with
ordinary and special serum got from Muktesar. Deaths had only been
occurring among the young stock and it was decided to use the serum-
virus method on this class of animal only as being most likely to give
the required information. At the time the Research Officer had only
50 closes of special serum on hand but a further batch of 50 animals of
the same class was inoculated with virus plus a double dose of ordinary
serum. Animals showing a febrile reaction were not inoculated with
virus. High percentages of temperature of over 103'5°F. were found
among the young stock indicating that the disease was spreading
rapidly among these animals. The remainder of the cattle and all the
buffaloes were protected by serum alone. Five methods were tried as
follows :—
(1) Special serum plus virus.
(2) Special serum (no virus).
(3) Ordinary serum plus virus.
(4) Double dose of ordinary serum alone.
(5) Ordinary serum alone.
Of the first lot 46 in-contact animals were inoculated on the 8th March.
One became sick on the 13th and recovered slowly. One died suddenly
showing symptoms which were definitely not Rinderpest. All the
remaining amimals recovered. The conclusion arrived at was that the
inocluation was safe and effective. Of the second lot 18 cattle of ages
varying from one to two years and showing temperatures of 103° to
105 F. or over were given special serum alone at the rate of 7 c.c. per
hundred pounds. One animal became visibly ill. All the other
inoculated animals recovered. The conclusion is that special serum gave
complete protection. The third batch consisted of 65 cattle of varying
ages which were inoculated with a double dose of ordinary serum at the
rate of 10 c.c. per hundred pounds plus ½ c.c. of virus. These animals
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1929.
11
showed a temperature of under 103° to 105° F. at inoculation. The
inoculation took place on the 9th March. Up to 21st March 9 deaths
had occurred in the batch : 7 cattle and 2 calves. A number of the
animals became visibly ill and recovered. The conclusion arrived at
was that inoculation with a double dose of ordinary serum plus virus
cannot be recommended. The fourth batch consisting of 20 cattle
which showed a temperature of 103° to 105° F. and over were given
a double dose of ordinary serum without virus on 9th March. By 20th
March 11 deaths had occurred : 7 cattle and 4 calves. The conclusion
to be drawn is that ordinary serum given to reacting animals affected
with Rinderpest in doses of 10 c.c. per hundred pounds is not sufficient
to control the disease and to effect a recovery. The remaining batch
consisting of 233 cattle and buffaloes of varying ages were inoculated
with a normal dose of ordinary serum in the following ways :—
Cattle with normal temperature, minimum dose ...
Cattle with high temperature, minimum close- ...
Cattle calves, minimum dose ... ... ...
Buffaloes, minimum dose ... ... ...
40 c.c.
60 c.c.
20 c.c.
80 c.c.
Up to 21st March 11 deaths occurred and the Research Officer drew
the conclusion that ordinary serum does not completely control reaction
but it does produce rapid immunity on inoculation and prevents
excessive mortality when given in the doses quoted.
These tests were undertaken as a continuation of the first test
carried out at Hmawbi on Government bullocks there. About 40 per
cent. of the animals were under two years and the test with special serum
plus virus was carried out on these young animals. Out of a total of 370
animals immunised by the various methods 32 died.
The highest
percentage of mortality occurred in the cattle with high temperatures
which received a double dose of ordinary serum alone. The next
highest occurred in those receiving a double dose of ordinary serum
plus virus and the highest of all was in the lot receiving a single dose
of serum only.
After these tests the Research Officer came to the following
conclusions:—
(1) Special serum plus virus is safe in the inoculation of cattle of
all ages. The suggested dose is 7 c.c. of special serum plus
½ to 1 c.c. of virus.
(2) Surra appears to be the complication to be expected but no
cases were noted in the Bauktaw cattle as smears could not
be made from all the sick cattle. Piroplasmosis did not
appear as an infection either at Hmawbi or Bauktaw. It is
unlikely that either of these diseases would cause much
trouble resulting from inoculation infection but "break-
down " in chronic carriers may be expected when undergoing
the Rinderpest reactions.