(2)
On the recommendation of the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Dera
Ismail Khan District no Horse Show and Cattle Fair was held in Dera Ismail
Khan during the year under report. Reports on different Fairs held in the
Province were sent to the Deputy Commissioners concerned, and, in spite of
great scarcity of fodder, these Shows were, on the whole, well attended. At
Haripur and Peshawar Cattle Fairs, the stock of the Dhanni bulls working in
these districts was seen for the first time, and was very good.
A thorough-bred horse stallion was purchased by the Superintendent
from Calcutta for Peshawar District.
Four Donkey stallions were purchased from the Government Cattle
Farm, Hissar, after being selected by the Superintendent.
Nineteen Dhanni bulls were purchased.
All the District Board and Government stallions in the Province were
inspected.
The Superintendent also attended a special meeting held at Lahore
Secretariat to consider the question of reduction in the number of cattle in the
Province and the measures to be taken for improving the various breeds of
cattle, which were more or less disappearing.
PART II.—TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
SECTION 1.—CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
Mortality.—Table II.
4. During the year under report 4,332 cases of contagious disease
were reported, of which 1,067 proved
fatal, compared with 30,090 cases and
3,087 deaths last year.
Complaint has to be made as usual of slackness on the part of Patwaris
in reporting outbreaks of contagious disease. It is suggested that rewards
should be given to Patwaris and Lambardars who perform this duty promptly.
There is much unnecessary loss of cattle owing to delay in reporting, and many
outbreaks which cause heavy mortality might be mitigated or even prevented
if prompt information were given to the nearest Veterinary Officer.
Veterinary Officers are further hampered in the work of preventing the
spread of contagious diseases by the absence of any rules for the examination of
animals imported into India, for the isolation of infected animals, or for the pre-
vention of the movement of infected cattle from one village or area or Province
to another. It is suggested that, if necessary, legislature should be undertaken
with a view to giving such power to Veterinary Officers. No doubt a considerable
increase of the Veterinary establishment would be required to carry out this work
satisfactorily, and considerable extra expenditure would be involved, but it is
believed that the expenditure would be justified by the saving of valuable
cattle that would result. The value of cattle to the people cannot be over-
estimated and repressive measures to prevent the loss of valuable stock would
appeal to popular imagination and common sense, and would not be resented.
Specimens.
5. Thirty-two pathological specimens were received in the office from the
North-West Frontier Province against 50
last year, and they were fully examined.
At the time of inspection of Veterinary Hospitals, and in different villages while
on tour in the Province several specimens were examined by the Superintendent
and disposed of.
SECTION I-A.—EQUINE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
Mortality.—Table II.
6. There were 63 cases and 27 deaths, compared with 210 cases and
79 deaths last year.
Glandars.—Table II.
7. There were 8 cases of glanders against 4 cases last year. Diagnosis
was confirmed in all cases and the
animals were destroyed under the
Glanders and Farcy Act. Rs. 450 were paid as compensation, against Rs. 360
last year, to the owners of the animals d stroyed.