NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1928.
7
although certain members of the staff occasionally give lectures at
pagoda festivals and elsewhere this kind of itinerant instruction has not
been as systematic as it should have been. The attention of Superin-
tendents is being drawn to the matter.
CHAPTER IV.—PREVENTIVE INOCULATION.
14. During the year under report 96,070 animals (bovines) were
inoculated by the serum alone method and serum to the value of
Rs. 1,23,313 was obtained from Muktesar. This works out at a cost of
Rs. 1-5-0 per animal inoculated—an extremely small cost when one con-
siders that a good working bullock now fetches Rs. 200. Both the
above figures constitute the maximum for the province up to date.
Although Burma is still dependent on its serum supply from Muktesar
it is satisfactory to report that all orders sent during the year were
promptly complied with by the Muktesar authorities although in some
cases a certain amount of delay took place in transit. The question of
a provincial routine laboratory for the production of serum is at present
under consideration ; estimates are being worked oat by the Special
Veterinary Research Officer and it is hoped will be ready shortly both
for the capital and recurring costs of such an institution. The increase
in the figures quoted above shows that the value of inoculation is
becoming increasingly realized and the reports of the Deputy Com-
missioners and of the Veterinary Superintendents concerned with the
districts in which the biggest outbreaks of Rinderpest took place
confirm this.
15. The serum alone method confers immunity for about ten days
only and it is an important question whether an attempt to introduce
the serum—simultaneous method, which is said to confer life-long immu-
nity, should not now be made. This was the method first tried by
Colonel Evans in 1901, but was subsequently discarded, perhaps because
of the danger, in favour of the serum alone method now in use. The
former method consists in inoculating an animal with protective serum
and then with a small quantity of virulent blood of an animal which has
Rinderpest. The result is actually to set up the disease in a mild form
in the inoculated animal, the latter actively producing anti-bodies
sufficient to enable it not only to overcome the attack but to retain
immunity for years. From the Muktesar reports, it would appear that
improvements in the technique of this method have been made in recent
years and the examination of the possibility of its introduction should
certainly be one of the first items in the programme of veterinary
research.
CHAPTER V.—VETERINARY RESEARCH.
16. In 1926 Government proposed to appoint two special research
officers on Rs. 2,000 each per mensem for five years in each case
and the sanction of the Secretary of State was subsequently obtained to
8
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
the proposal. Attempts were at once made to get men to fill these posts
but this was found to be a matter of much difficulty. One of the posts,
however, has been temporarily filled during the year by the appointment
of Mr. D. T. Mitchell, M.R.C.V.S., who had been in the employ of the
Government of the Union of South Africa which seconded him for one
year's service in Burma to advise on the organization of veterinary
research in this province. Mr. Mitchell arrived in December 1927 and
proceeded at once to examine the laboratory arrangements at the Insein
Veterinary School and the Agricultural College, Mandalay. He found
that neither of these is in its present condition suitable for a routine
laboratory for the production of Rinderpest serum. Later he inspected
the site at Meiktila proposed in 1908 for a dry zone farm for the Agri-
cultural Department and this site he pronounced to be well suited for
the purpose in view. Estimates are being worked out for the cost of
land, buildings and equipment for a routine laboratory on this site.
Mr. Mitchell has subsequently visited again the Agricultural College site
at Mandalay and has somewhat modified the opinion which he first
formed. If a site can be found at Mandalay great economies could be
effected in the matter of buildings and much benefit might result from
the Veterinary Research Officers working in close touch with the other
specialists of the Agricultural Department. It is hoped to come to a
decision as soon as the estimates have been prepared.
17. The small laboratory at the Veterinary School, Insein, was found
to be quite unsuitable for the work on Rinderpest, but Mr. Mitchell
considered that with some slight structural alterations it could be made
suitable for work on vaccines for Anthrax and Black Quarter. These
alterations are now being put in hand by the Public Works Department.
18. In order to understand the conditions under which elephants and
buffaloes are kept in the timber camps and to make enquiries regarding
the manner of outbreaks of disease and present methods of dealing with
it, Mr. Mitchell visited certain of the camps of some of the larger timber
firms early in the year. He has now begun a programme of research at
Insein which in the immediate future will be along the following lines :—
(1) Collection of information on Rinderpest inoculation-serum and
serum-virus tests.
(2) Preparation of Anthrax Vaccines for various animals, principally
elephants.
(3) Preparation of Black Quarter Vaccines.
(4) Preparation of Mallein and Tuberculin.
(5) Collection and identification of internal parasites of animals.
19. The importance of veterinary research cannot be overestimated
and the conditions of Burma make it necessary that the province should
have its own research laboratories and research officers. In Burma
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1928.
9
lone, of the provinces of India, is the elephant an important domes-
icated animal. The total number of domesticated elephants in this
province is, according to a figure supplied to me by the Chief Conservator
of Forests, about 5,600. The capital value of these is probably in the
neighbourhood of three crores of rupees and the total annual loss due to
contagious diseases calculated from figures which have been supplied to
me by some of the timber firms must work out at between five and six
akhs of rupees per annum. This is not the only loss. In addition we
have got to take into consideration the dislocation of work that is caused
oy an outbreak of Anthrax in any of these camps. I cannot provide
gures for this, but it is clear that it must be very large. The main con_
agious disease among elephants is Anthrax and the discovery of a
protective vaccine for Anthrax in elephants is, Mr. Mitchell assures me,
lot likely to be a particularly difficult matter although a large number of
ests will have to be made before the correct quantities and strengths for
noculation are determined.
CHAPTER VI.—HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
20. Insein Veterinary Hospital. —The Superintendent in charge, Captain
S. R. Rippon, M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S., reports as follows :—" During the year
3,146 new cases were treated, of which 2,890 were out-patients and 256
in-patients, the daily average number treated being 29.33.
Out-patients.—Cattle again formed the majority, viz., 1,393, dogs
coming next with 1,090. Amongst these the following specific diseases
were observed :—
Foot-and-mouth disease, trypanosomiasis, piroplasmosis, necro-
bacillosis, streptothricosis, filariasis, distemper, rabies, acariasis, strongy-
losis, tetanus, ankylostomiasis, fowl cholera, anthrax and hæmorrhagic
septicæmia.
Non-specific diseases met with include the following :—
Diseases of the Digestive System
Diseases of the Respiratory System
Diseases of the Generative System
Diseases of the Skin ...
Diseases of the Eye ...
Diseases of the Ear ...
Diseases of the Nervous System
Lameness ... ...
Ordinary Wounds
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
552
67
31
375
102
35
28
62
482
One hundred and eighty operations were performed, including two
bulls and three cats castrated.
In-patients.—Dogs as usual formed the majority, viz. 195. Four
castrations were performed, all in ponies.
The brains from five dogs suspected to be suffering from rabies
were sent to the Pasteur Institute for examination, of which three were
positive.
10
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Seven dogs and three cattle were given the full course of anti-rabic
treatment with vaccine obtained from the Pasteur Institute.
Laboratory.—During the year 5,199 slides were examined, of which
1,326 were sent in from the districts, the majority being material from
elephants working for the various timber firms. The remainder were
made from hospital patients. Amongst the diseases recognized were
" anthrax, hæmorrhagic septicæmia, trypanosomiasis, piroplasmosis,
epizootic lymphangitis, filariasis, ankylostomiasis, strongylosis, strangles
and both sarcoptic and demodectic mange."
21. Veterinary Dispensaries.—The number of these remained the same
as last year, viz., four at Prome, Pegu, Myingyan and Pakôkku. The
total number of cases treated at the Prome dispensary, including in-
patients, out-patients and cases supplied with medicine although not
brought to the hospital amounts to 745, compared with 626 last year.
This institution must be regarded as more or less of a failure as after an
existence of 6½ years its daily average number of animals treated is only
a fraction over 2. When the fact is taken into consideration that of the
608 out-patients treated only 179 were bovines there hardly seems to be
sufficient justification, from an economic point of view, for its continued
maintenance.
At the Pegu dispensary the figure amounts this year to 4,816 compared
with 5,831 last year which indicates that its popularity is decreasing. The
daily average number treated is less than 13.2. The out-patients
numbered 3,756 and of these 1,416 were cases other than bovines. I
think, however, the experiment might be continued for a further period.
At the Myingyan dispensary one Veterinary Assistant was in charge
to attend on duty from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The total number of animals treated at this dispensary was 2,864, of
which 212 were in-patients, 2,332 out-patients and 320. other cases
supplied with medicine, but not brought to the hospital. A total of 13
castrations were performed and all were successful. Most of the cases
treated at the dispensary belong to the Municipal area.
At the Pakôkku dispensary 607 head of cattle were treated as out-
patients, 4 as in-patients and 505 supplied with medicine, but not
brought to the hospital. The Superintendent in charge, Captain
J. Birkenshaw Idle, has reported that the Assistant in charge of this
dispensary was found to be negligent in the performance of his duties
and on the cases being investigated he was punished with loss of
increment of pay for the year and transferred to Pauk. The site of this
dispensary has been changed for a better one where there is a good
compound and shade. Arrangements are also being made to move the
Myingyan dispensary to a better locality and the President of the
Myingyan Municipality has been approached to have the proposed new
dispensary provided with water pipes and water free of cost.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1928.
11
22, These dispensaries are supposed to be run by the District Councils
which budget for the medicine and other contingent expenditure, the
Provincial Government providing the pay of the Assistants in charge.
The Municipality should certainly be called upon to pay half the cost.
Enquiry shows that the inhabitants within the limits of the Municipality
were the main users of these dispensaries.
The District Councils appear to take little interest in them although
the provision of institutions and staff to deal with the ordinary ailments
of cattle and the supply of drugs appear to be legitimate and
workable services for the District Councils and Municipalities. These
local bodies should be encouraged to erect dispensaries at suitable
places where cattle owners could come and obtain the medicines
necessary for the treatment of foot-and-mouth disease and ordinary
ailments of their cattle. There is no reason why drugs should be dis-
tributed free. The Agricultural Department which distributes seeds in
large quantities to cultivators gets paid at market rates, and general
experience goes to prove that only things that have to be paid for are
accounted of any value. The Deputy Commissioners might be
instructed to encourage these local bodies in the creation of dispensaries
with the help and advice of the Veterinary Department.
CHAPTER VII.—VETERINARY INSTRUCTION.
23. Insein Veterinary School.—There were 14 pupils on the roll on
the 1st April 1927, all belonging to Class A, but one pupil was removed
in May for a breach of discipline. Nine pupils passed the annual
examination in June. Those who failed were re-examined in October
when they all passed and were permitted to join Class B. On the 31st
March 1928 there were 13 pupils on the roll. The Veterinary Assistant
from the Yawnghwe State was allowed to take a six months' refresher
course at the school from October to March.
The members of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in India paid
a visit to the School in November and were shown over the buildings
and ground by the Superintendent in charge.
Good progress has been made with the new buildings. Gas,
electric light and water have been laid on and the Principal's house is
now ready for occupation. Six Lecturers' quarters have been built on
the old stable site. The new hostel is now complete except for
furniture.
24. In accordance with the recommendations of the Agricultural
Committee of 1925 which were subsequently approved by Government
an advertisement has recently appeared in the papers calling for appli-
cations for twenty stipends of a value of Rs. 25 each, applicants to have
either the High School Final or Ninth Standard Vernacular qualifica-
tions. At the time of writing applications from only eight suitable
12
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
applicants have been received, of which only one came from a High
School Final candidate. It has, therefore, been necessary to postpone
the meeting of the Board for the selection of stipendiaries and to stop
recruitment until such time as a suitable policy of veterinary instruction
has been decided on.
25. As a result of complaints received from Superintendents relating
to the low standard of efficiency exhibited by many Veterinary Assistants
it has been decided to institute refresher courses for the district staff
beginning from 1st September 1928, each course to be of three months'
duration. The Assistants:who attend these courses will be given training
in inoculation and in general veterinary practice. It is hoped to take in
30 to 40 Assistants in each batch.
The Veterinary School at Taunggyi has been closed since July 1927.
CHAPTER VIII.—REMARKS ON GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
AND ORGANISATION.
26. The superior staff employed during the year was the same as
last year. Captain S. R. Rippon, M.R.C.V.S., was in charge of the
Sonth-Eastern and South-Western Circles and the Arakan Sub-Circle
in addition to the school. His charge is far too heavy to have proper
justice done to it and to enable him to cope with the heavy outbreaks
of disease in Akyab and Bassein.
Captain J. Birkenshaw Idle,
M.R.C.V.S., remained in charge of the Central Circle. This circle
remained practically free of any serious outbreak of contagious disease
during the year. U Pe Than, Burma Veterinary Service, continued to
discharge the duties of the Superintendent, Northern Circle. Proposals
have been submitted to Government for the filling of the two vacant
posts in the cadre of the Indian Veterinary Service. The clerical and
menial staff provided for each Superintendent is one clerk and two
peons only. If the circles are to be properly organised the Superin-
tendents will each have to be provided with a second clerk as soon as
possible.
Of the Provincial staff five Deputy Superintendents were entertained
out of a sanctioned number of fifteen. At the end of the year two
promotions to this grade were made from the Inspector's rank, viz.,
U Saw Hla U and U Aung Tun U.
The number of Inspectors at work in March 1928 was 27. Eight
Veterinary Assistants were promoted to this grade during the year.
The number of Veterinary Assistants was 205. Six were discharged
during the year for various offences and neglect of duty while eleven
had their increments stopped as a disciplinary measure.
27. Table IV gives a detailed account of the touring of the Inspectors
and Veterinary Assistants. I am not satisfied with the touring of the
Inspectors. The average touring of each Inspector in Lower Burma
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1928.
13
was 205 days and in Upper Burma 172 days. An Inspector should
certainly be on tour for not less than 20 days in the month. The
Superintendents are being instructed in this matter. The average
touring of Veterinary Assistants is 236 days in Lower Burma and 244
days in Upper Burma. This may be regarded as satisfactory. Many
reports sent in by the Superintendents complain of the low standard of
efficiency of not only the Veterinary Assistants but of certain Inspectors.
It is stated that they are frequently ignorant of such elementary facts
as the gestation period and dentition of the domesticated animals and
are unable to calculate the body weight of an animal or to take the
temperature satisfactorily. As an immediate remedy I am arranging as
stated above to have refresher courses started at the Insein Veterinary
School beginning from September this year.
28. A matter which requires the most serious consideration is the
policy to be adopted with regard to veterinary instruction. In the past
this has been entirely in the vernacular and so far as I know this is the
only branch of technical instruction in Burma which is so taught.
Vernacular instruction has now been abolished in the Punjab Veterinary
College—the most up-to-date of the Indian Colleges. The disadvan-
tages of vernacular instruction are obvious.
In the first place it
excludes the most intelligent pupils from entrance. In the second place
the vernacular is not a convenient vehicle for instruction in a highly
technical and complicated subject like veterinary science. Lastly a
vernacular student when he passes out has no opportunity of carrying on
and increasing his knowledge by recourse to text-books as there is no
such literature in the Burmese language at present. It was presumably
to overcome these difficulties that the Agricultural Committee of 1925
proposed to raise the entrance standard to the High School Final or
10th Standard Vernacular and this was subsequently accepted by
Government, the pay of the Veterinary Assistants at the same time being
raised from Rs. 40—2—50—3—80—-5/5—90 to Rs. 50—3—80—4—120
—10/3—150. The reason why the Committee proposed the dual standard
of entrance in English and Burmese is obscure. The proposal to have
the High School Final as the standard of entrance must obviously have
been made with a view to getting students who could understand the
course in English but clearly the course cannot be conducted in both
English and Burmese at the same time and the one proposal negatives
the other. However, in accordance with the proposals and Government's
sanction an advertisement was issued recently calling for 20 stipendia-
ries with these qualifications when only eight suitable applications were
received of which only one was from a High School Final candidate.
The problem which we have now to solve is whether we must go back
to the old system of vernacular education or devise some means whereby
we can attract High School Final candidates and have the instruction
in English. An extra reason in favour of English instruction is that
14
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
from the graduates of the Insein Veterinary College must be obtained
by promotion in the future the members of the Provincial Service. It
has also been proposed that of the new Superior Service cadre 20 per
cent. shall be recruited by promotion from Class II of the service. An
English course would, therefore, appear to be imperative.
The Royal Commission on Agriculture may perhaps in its report
give a lead in the matter. One method out of the difficulty would
appear to be to abolish the grade of Veterinary Assistants altogether and
replace it by a grade on a scale of pay not less than that drawn by the
present Inspectors. When the Agricultural Committee of 1925 naively
suggested that High School Final candidates could be got to undergo a
three-year course in veterinary science and then start on an initial
pay of Rs. 50, they must have overlooked the fact that High School
Finalists can, as soon as they pass, obtain a clerkship on Rs. 70 without
undergoing the tedium of a further three-year course in a College. The
introduction of the High School Final standard, therefore, in the first
place postulates a higher paid class of men and the reorganisation of the
staff of the department. 1 have calculated that a cadre of Inspectors of
three-fifths of the total number of the present Inspectors and Veterinary
Assistants combined would, provided each were supplied with a peon,
cost Government only about Rs. 20,000 more than the present cadre.
The diminution in numbers proposed is doubtless liable to criticism, but
this would be counterbalanced by other advantages. Another of the
Committee's suggestions subsequently accepted by Government provided
for the division of the province into four circles each under a Superin-
tendent of the Superior Service. Thus reorganisation has been effected
by the creation of four circles and one sub-circle. If, therefore, the
suggested new staff is placed completely under the Superintendents and
the latter have power to move them to any place in their circle where
disease may break out, the diminution in numbers would be offset by
the greater mobility attained. The evolution of the Veterinary Depart-
ment in Burma has clearly been, as the old reports show, along the
following lines. When the Veterinary Assistants were first appointed
they were meant to treat the individual animal and to deal with all
manner of diseases. Later in 1895-96 what may be called mass tactics
were adopted by the framing of the Segregation Rules under the Village
Act and the energies of the department came to be directed more and
more to the control of the main contagious diseases. The Veterinary
Assistants, however, are still attached to townships and controlled to
some extent by the Deputy Commissioners. I consider that in the
future a proper division of labour would be as follows : The registration
of deaths of cattle, the reporting of outbreaks and the enforcement of
segregation measures, which are essentially police measures, should be in
the hands of the district executive. Inoculation measures should be in
the hands of the Veterinary Superintendents, each of whose staff should