NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1926.
Six hundred and Sixteen deaths from the same cause are reported
from Toungoo District, where also inoculation was performed, 3,059
cattle receiving protective doses of serum.
In Amherst District the disease was most severe in Kyaikmaraw
Township, from whence it spread to Mudôn Township. Altogether
there were 331 deaths, inoculation on an extensive scale undoubtedly
keeping the mortality down. Protection in this way was given to 3,865
cattle.
Anthrax.—The only district where the mortality was heavy was
Mergui, where 208 cattle succumbed. The disease was practically
confined to Mergui Township, where it existed from April to October
and then died out.
Sporadic outbreaks occurred in several townships in Amherst
District but these were easily suppressed.
Foot and Month Disease.—Outbreaks occurred in all districts except
Salween, but in no case were they of a serious nature. The highest
mortality was 61 in Pegu District.
SOUTH-WESTERN CIRCLE.
Table II.
8. Rinderpest.—The disease prevailed with some severity in Bassein,
Tharrawaddy, Prome and Henzada Districts. Bassein District in
particular suffered heavy losses, 4,030 deaths being recorded. Inocula-
tion was carried out on an extensive scale. 9,020 cattle receiving
protection in this manner.
In Tharrawaddy District the mortality was also great, totalling 2,772
head of cattle, the majority occurring in Nattalin, Monyo and Minhla
Townships, where the disease raged from February until October in
spite of the precautions which were taken. The Deputy Commissioner
remarks that " In some parts of the District, however, the lack of waste
land renders the proper segregation of cattle a matter of some difficulty.
In other parts, especially in Monyo Township, the prevalence of floods
renders it practically impossible to segregate diseased animals during
the rains." This is, of course, a serious drawback, as it is necessary for
such animals to be segregated until arrangements have been made for
protective inoculation of incontacts to be carried out.
Prome District lost 1,021 head of cattle while in Henzada District
the disease appeared in 19 villages in Myanaung Subdivision, causing
653 deaths.
Lesser outbreaks occurred in Myaungmya and Ma-ubin Districts,
58 deaths being reported from the Danubyu Township of the latter
district.
Anthrax.—This disease was most severe in Myaungmya District
where 318 deaths amongst cattle were reported. Usually Blackquarter
and Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia are included under the head of Anthrax
owing to the difficulty on the part of villagers and headmen in
differentiating between them.
8
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
Bassein District record 143 deaths, which include 5 reported cases
of Blackquarter and 21 of Hæmorrhagic Septicaemia in Kyaunggôn
Township.
Other deaths under this head include 61 in Ma-ubin, 56 in Prome,
and 52 in Henzada Districts, respectively.
Foot and Mouth Disease.—This appears to have been most virulent in
the Bassein and Myaungmya Districts, where 222 and 180 deaths
respectively are said to have occurred. In view of the usually benign
character of this disease it is probable that these figures include many
cases of mistaken diagnosis.
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CIRCLE.
Table II.
9. Rinderpest.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
Northern and Central Circles, states that during the year under review
rinderpest was reported from all the districts in the Central and
Northern Veterinary Circles with the exception of Upper Chindwin
District. The disease broke out in severe form in Thayetmyo, Minbu,
Shwebo, Sagaing and Mandalay Districts and the inoculation of cattle
with Anti-rinderpest serum was carried out on an extensive scale.
Very few cases were reported from Mônywa District where inocula-
tion was done in only one village in Budalin Township.
U Po Ba, Flying Column Veterinary Inspector, was placed on special
duty in charge of the Myingyan Subdivision to deal with the outbreaks
in Meiktila and Myingyin, and when the disease was dying out there he
was transferred to Kyaukpadaung to carry on inoculation work in the
Kyaukpadaung Township.
Foot and Mouth Disease.—This disease was most severe in Katha
District though cases were also reported from Meiktila, Myingyan,
Mandalay, and Shwebo Districts. The Deputy Commissioner, Katha,
in his annual report states that there was an increase of 885 deaths
from foot and mouth disease, but as this would account for a death
percentage much higher than that usually associated with foot and
mouth disease, there is the possibility that the heavy death rate was
due to other causes.
Anthrax and Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.—Several
outbreaks of
Anthrax and Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia were reported from the Mingin
and Paungbyin Townships of Upper Chindwin and the Kani Township
of Lower Chindwin District.
NORTHERN SHAN STATES.
Tables II &
IV.
10. Rinderpest.—The mortality from rinderpest is estimated at 12,865,
the figures for the different states being Hsipaw 663, Möngmit 1,056,
North Hsenwi 2,159 and South Hsenwi 8,983. Tawnpeng State was
practically free, only 4 deaths being recorded. The Superintendent,
Northern Shan States, remarks " This estimate should include details of
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1926.
9
all outbreaks which have occurred throughout the year whether or not
they were visited by the Veterinary Establishment or entered in the
records. It is necessarily very rough. It is, however, an attempt to
show the total mortality for the year. In theory the figures of the
Veterinary Establishment and the figures of the circle headmen would
agree. In fact with small staff, bad communication, and large areas,
agreement is at present impossible— .
. . . The Veterinary
Establishment figures show 8,148 attacks and 4,011 deaths. . . .
Rough as the estimate is there is no doubt that it reflects the truth.
1925-26 has been a bad year. Only in Hsipaw, which is happy in the
possession of a senior Veterinary Inspector, U Tha Dun Zan, A.T.M.,
was inoculation practised. There 1,238 cattle were inoculated with
successful results."
Thirty-five deaths from Anthrax and 317 from foot and mouth
disease were also recorded for North Hsenwi while Möngmit had 7
deaths from foot and mouth disease.
Segregation Rules.—In this connection the Superintendent remarks
" It can hardly be claimed that the rules for the prevention and
suppression of cattle disease are rigidly followed. There is, however,
a general appreciation of the advantages of segregation though it
often takes considerable mortality to get these advantages generally
recognised."
Veterinary Staff.—The Inspector visited 261 villages and attended 26
outbreaks. He was out on tour for 208 days.
One Veterinary Assistant was appointed during the year and the 14
Veterinary Assistants treated 19,289 cases and were on tour for an
average of 238.7 days. In Hsipaw the work of the Veterinary Establish-
ment was reported as good and well supervised. Elsewhere the
Veterinary Assistants are isolated and generally young. They have
little chance of doing much under existing conditions but the Assistant
Superintendent reports that they have done their best.
SOUTHERN SHAN STATES.
Tables II &
IV.
11. Rinderpest while prevalent in all Subdivisions was most serious
in the North-Eastern (1,974 deaths), Kengtung (743 deaths), and Karenni
Subdivisions (107 deaths).
The Assistant Superintendent, Western Subdivision, reports that
although the disease was reported in Loilong, Loimaw, Pinhmi,
Thamakan, Loiai and Kyawkku States, the Veterinary Assistants
appeared to take no active steps and the Commissioner is of opinion
that an inspecting staff is required. With this opinion I am in entire
agreement.
Surra accounted for 81 deaths in the North-Eastern Subdivision and
for 59 in Kengtung Subdivision.
Anthrax was also responsible for 242 deaths in Kengtung Sub-
division.
10
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
Foot and Mouth Disease.—Two hundred and fifty-five cases of foot
and mouth disease were reported in the North-Eastern Subdivision,
243 in South-Eastern Subdivision, 12 in Yawnghwe, 285 in Western, and
771 in Central Subdivision.
Segregation and Cattle Disease Rules.—In this connection the Commis-
sioner states : " It is reported that in the Central Subdivision, the majority
of the population, not excluding the headmen, are still not fully alive to
the advantages obtained by having segregation camps and by observing
the cattle disease rules. Though the Chiefs understood the advantages,
they are apathetic. In connection with this, instruction has been given
to the people by the Veterinary Assistants during their tours in the
States. It is hoped that the people will gradually follow the instruction
given. The Assistant Superintendent, Yawnghwe, also holds that the
value of immediate segregation and prophylactic measures generally are
not understood by the majority of the population."
Three Assistants were appointed during the year, making in all 15
Veterinary Assistants employed during the year. They treated 7,674
cattle, attended 243 outbreaks and were out on tour for 1,944 days
(excluding figures for 2 Veterinary Assistants which were not reported).
General.—Maung Po Tu was reported by the Assistant Superinten-
dent, South-Eastern Subdivision, as having " taken great interest in his
work and prosecuted men who had contravened the rules by skinning
their diseased animals and selling their hides."
The Superintendent and Political Officer, Southern Shan States, also
added : " There were eight prosecutions in the Bawmin State of the
Western Subdivision under the Veterinary Rules. The results of these
cases were, however, not reported and it would entail delay to ascertain
the information now. There has been no prosecution for breach of
cattle disease rules in other subdivisions."
(2) Preventive Inoculation.
Table III.
12. Anti-rinderpest inoculations were performed in sixteen districts
in Lower Burma and thirteen districts in Upper Burma. Eighty-six
thousand eight hundred and fifty-live animals were inoculated including
Northern Shan States, viz. 45,728 in Lower Burma, 39,889 in Upper
Burma, and 1,238 in the Northern Shan States ; an increase of 23,650
animals inoculated over last year's figures.
Of the number of animals inoculated, Sagaing tops the list with
10,414, Bassein being second with 9,020.
It is not always possible to ensure that segregation rules are rigidly
adhered to and it is, therefore, the more encouraging to observe that in
many districts the people themselves are showing more willingness to
co-operate with the district authorities in stamping out disease.
The Deputy Commissioner, Shwebo, remarks : " The rules of segrega-
tion were strictly enforced and inoculation was taken kindly by the people "
while the Deputy Commissioner, Sagaing, observes : "it is, however,
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1926.
11
gratifying to note that no opposition was offered to inoculate anywhere.
Rinderpest has been successfully stamped out. The villagers generally
appreciate the value of inoculation and they readily come forward to
have their cattle inoculated by the Veterinary Assistants."
From several sources complaints have been made with regard to
difficulty in getting prompt and adequate supplies of serum. Serum is
obtained from Muktesar and every effort is made to meet all normal
demands by keeping supplies in cold storage in Rangoon. The delay in
some cases in meeting the requirements was due mainly to the unpre-
cedented demands which were made. In one instance also a supply
was held up at Calcutta owing to the Puja holidays, while on another
occasion a consignment was sent by mistake to Singapore.
(3) Other Diseases.
13. The registered number of deaths from non-contagious diseases
from Lower Burma were :—
Araknn Division
Pegu Division
Irrawaddy Division
Tenasserim Division
...
...
...
...
Total
...
...
...
...
...
6,968
13,870
20,108
7,906
48,852
The mortality returns for Upper Burma—non-contagious diseases—
are as follows :—
Magwe Division ...
Mandalay Division ...
Sagaing Division ...
Federated Shan Slates Division—
(1) Northern Shan States
(2) Southern Shan Slates
Total
...
...
..
...
...
...
9,336
4,941
7,237
217
651
22,382
(4) Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries.
Table V.
14. Insein Veterinary Hospital.—During the year 3,790 new cases were
treated, of which 3,488 were out-patients and 302 in-patients, the daily
average number receiving attention amounting to 3408.
Out-patients.—Cattle again formed the majority of these viz. 2,140,
dogs coming next with 980. Important specific diseases seen amongst
these were—Rinderpest, Foot and Mouth Disease, Glanders, Surra,
Piroplasmosis, Necrobacillosis, Streptotrichosis, Filariasis, Distemper,
Rabies, Mange and Ankylostomiasis ; whilst among general ailments the
following were met with :—
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 ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
723
151
65
289
77
28
6
53
421
12
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
One hundred and twenty operations were performed.
In-patients.—As usual dogs formed the majority, viz. 262. The
segregation ward not being yet completed cases of a contagious nature
were not admitted. Eight castrations were performed, five in ponies
and three in cats.
Nine cases of suspected rabies in dogs were examined at the hospital
and the owners were warned regarding the nature of the disease, and
the precautions to be taken. The brains from three of these cases were
later sent to the Pasteur Institute and evidence of rabies was found in
one case.
Laboratory.—During the year 7,278 slides were examined of which
1,535 were sent in from the districts, the remainder being from hospital
patients. The majority of slides examined from the districts are those
of material from elephants sent in by the different timber firms.
Diseases detected during the year include Anthrax, Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia, Blackquarter, Trypanosomiasis, Piroplasmosis, Strangles,
Filariasis and other microbial and parasitic diseases.
15. Dispensaries.—The dispensaries at Pegu, Prome, Pakôkku, and
Myingyan remained open during the year.
Of the number of animals treated, Myingyan, which was second
last year, heads the list with 2,652 cases, Pegu being second with
2,393, a decrease of 721 cases from last year's figures for the latter
district. The dispensary at Pakôkku has shown slight signs of improve-
ment, the number of animals treated being 660 against 598 last
year. At the Prome Dispensary only 433 cases were treated during
the year. There is a decrease of 564 cases in the grand total of all the
dispensaries, and although there appears to be a need for more
dispensaries in many of the larger towns in Burma a further step in
this direction would hardly be justified until wider patronage is given
to the existing dispensaries.
IV.—GENERAL REMARKS.
16. Cattle Disease.—The year has been a bad one, rinderpest having
prevailed with varying intensity in most districts of Upper and Lower
Burma and in the Shan States. The only districts to escape were Upper
Chindwin, Tavoy and Mergui. The mortality was particularly heavy in
the Northern Shan States and in Akyab, Thayetmyo, Bassein and
Tharrawaddy Districts, the total deaths being more than three times the
number recorded last year. A number of factors no doubt contributed to
the difficulty in keeping the disease under control. In the Shan States
probably the most important of these is the absence of a well organised
inspecting staff and the small number of the assistants. In Burma, in
addition to the exiguous staff we have to contend with the apathy of the
people, the averseness of many to inoculation, the still existent lack of a
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1926.
13
proper understanding of the segregation rules on the part of certain
headmen or the failure to put these rules into operation, and the tardy
reporting of outbreaks.
The highest mortality recorded from Rinderpest during the
year was 12,865 from the Northern Shan States ; from Anthrax 318 in
Myaungmya ; and from Foot and Mouth Disease 1,566 in the Southern
Shan States.
17. Segregation Rules.—I have already stated that these are not always
understood or if known are not invariably carried out. In some cases
headmen have remained indifferent to the advice given by the Veterinary
Staff, or else have only carried out instructions while a member of the
staff has been present, and on his departure allowed themselves to lapse
into the old habit of letting things slide. In the Central Circle parti-
cularly a brisk trade is done in hides of diseased animals, whereas such
carcases should of course be buried intact after slashing the hides to
render them valueless. It is, therefore, encouraging to hear of instances
where headmen do take a real interest in Veterinary matters. The
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Northern Circle, mentions
specially U Nhwe, Myothugyi of Mohnyin, who is said to have been of
the greatest help at the time of outbreaks, personally accompanying the
veterinary staff to villages and explaining to the people the advantages
of serum inoculation and segregation, and getting many converts. If
more were to follow his example the prospects of stamping out disease
in the Province would be brighter.
The Deputy Commissioner, Akyab, on the other hand states that the
rules for segregation of cattle are not properly understood and are not
strictly observed in the district, whilst the Deputy Commissioner, Bassein,
remarks that the rules are understood but not generally observed.
Close supervision of course is impossible with the staff at our disposal
and, while most breaches of the rules go undetected, it is pleasing to
record that from many districts encouraging reports have been received
to the effect that cattle owners are showing a keener interest in the
work of the Veterinary Department.
18. Subordinate Establishment.—The
work and conduct of the
Inspectors and Assistants are, on the whole well reported on by the
District Officials. Those deserving special mention are :—U Shwe Dok,
U Po Thet, U Saw Hla U, U Tun Nyet, U Aung Tun U, U Pe
(1), U Po Ba (2), Veterinary Inspectors ; Maung Tha Wa, Bhamo ;
L. Z. Tanaw, Sinlumkaba ; Maung Po Lwin, Katha ; Maung Maung,
Shwebo ; Maung Zin, Wetlet; Maung San Hla, Mandalay; Maung
San Pe, Thazi ; Maung Kyi Sint, Myingyan ; Maung Po Hmi,
Taungdwingyi ; Maung Thant, Sale ; Maung Khant, Insein ; Maung
Tun Maw, Insein (for frontier in Amherst District), and Maung Mya
Maung, Yandoon.
14
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1926.
19. The department has now been placed temporarily under the
Agricultural Department, with the Director of Agriculture as the Officer-
in-charge. This change was effected on January 1st, and on the same
date the Province was divided into 4 Circles and a Sub-circle, as
recommended by the Agricultural Committee 1925. So far, however
the superintending staff has not been augmented and the circle charges
are divided between the existing small staff. The charge of the
Veterinary School is now regarded as part of the normal duties of the
Superintendent in charge South-Eastern Circle. It is to be hoped that
the reorganisation of the department will not be unduly delayed, as
until the extra teaching, research and field staff are recruited very little
progress can be made towards putting Veterinary science in the province
on a sound basis.
20. As in previous years the department is largely indebted to the
District Officials, who have always been ready to help in every way in
what is, and must be for years to come, exceedingly uphill work.
Without their co-operation the Veterinary Staff would often find them-
selves severely handicapped, and they must be heartened by the know-
ledge that assistance from District Officials is always forthcoming.
Finally I would like to express my thanks to Captain S. R. Rippon,
I.V.S., for help in the preparation of the report and compilation of
statistics.
T. D. STOCK,
Director of Agriculture, and Officer-in-charge Civil
Veterinary Department, Burma, Rangoon.
APPENDICES.
TABLE I.—Statement showing the main results of Veterinary Colleges and
Schools during the year 1925-26.
TABLE II—Statement showing the number of deaths from Contagious
Diseases amongst animals during the year 1925-26.
TABLE III.—Statement showing the results of preventive Inoculation during
the year 1925-26.
TABLE IV—Statement showing the number of animals treated and castrated
by Veterinary Assistants on tour during the year 1925-26.
TABLE V.—Statement showing the number of animals treated at Veterinary
Hospitals and Dispensaries during the year 1925-26.
TABLE VII.—Statement showing the total strength of Subordinate Veteri-
nary Staff employed during the year 1925-26.
NOTE.—Tables VIII to XIV are blank.
TABLE XIVa.—Statement showing the cost of the Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment in Burma during the financial year 1925-26.
MAP.
PAGE
16
17 & 18
19
20 & 21
22
23
24
16
APPENDICES.
TABLE I.—Statement showing the main results of Veterinary Colleges and Schools during the year 1925-26
(Paragraphs 4 and 5).
Veterinary
Colleges and
Schools.
(1)
(A)
Insein ...
(B)
Taunggyi,
(S. S. States).
Total for
1925-26.
Total for
1924-25.
Name of course of instruction if more
than one course followed.
(2)
3 years'
Verna-
cular.
1½ years'
Verna-
cular.
...
...
Number of Students
Admitted during
the year.
Scholarship holders.
(3)
No.
...
3
3
2
Others.
(4)
No.
...
2
2
6
Passed final examination during
the year.
(5)
No.
13
2
15
16
Failed to pass final examina-
tion.
(6)
No.
...
...
...
4
Remaining
under instruc-
tion at the end
of year.
In ordinary course.
(7)
No.
15
11
26
36
Instruction pro-
longed by reason
of failure to pass.
(8)
No.
...
...
...
...
Students admitted during
the year classed by
educational qualifications.
Matriculation with higher quali-
fications.
(9)
No.
...
...
...
...
Knowing some English but not
matriculated.
(10)
No.
...
...
...
1
Knowing no English or very
little English.
(11)
No.
...
...
...
7
Receipt.
From fees.
(12)
Rs.
...
...
...
...
From other sources.
(13)
Rs.
...
...
...
...
Total.
(14)
Rs.
...
...
...
...
Expenditure.
Salaries of Instructing Staff.
(15)
Rs.
894
2,940
3,834
4,063
Other expenses.
(16)
Rs.
33,596
200
33,796
21,811
Total.
(17)
Rs.
34,490
3,140
37,630
25,874
Employment of students
who passed out during the
three years preceding.
Total number passed.
(18)
No.
13
16
29
55
In service of Government or
Local Bodies.
(19)
No.
28
...
28
54
In service of other Bodies or
institution.
(20)
No.
...
...
...
...
In private practice.
21)
No.
...
...
...
...
Number unemployed.
(22)
No.
...
...
1
APPENDICES.
17
TABLE II.—Statement showing number of deaths from Contagious Diseases
amongst animals during the year 1925-26 (Paragraphs 6 to 11.)
District.
(1)
Akyab ...
Kyaukpyu ...
Sandoway ...
Hill Dist. of Arakan
Hanthawaddy ...
Insein ...
Pegu ...
Prome ...
Tharrawaddy
...
Bassein ...
Henzada ...
Myaungmya ...
Ma-ubin ...
Pyapôn ...
Amherst ...
Tavoy ...
Mergui ...
Thatôn ...
Salween ...
Toungoo ...
Total ...
Equines.
Columns.
(2—7)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Bovines.
Rinderpest.
(8)
4,763
612
818
...
33
308
830
1,021
2,772
4,030
653
338
303
92
331
1
...
83
1,154
616
18,758
disease.
(9)
111
1
6
...
25
37
61
105
99
222
149
180
124
6
10
4
38
5
...
26
1,209
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmic.†
(10)
Black quarter.†
(11)
219
4
18
...
24
15
22
56
21
143
52
318
61
...
66
7
208
...
...
10
1,244
Anthrax.
(12)
Other Conta-
gious diseases.
(13)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total.
(14)
5,093
617
842
...
82
360
913
1,182
2,892
4,395
854
836
488
98
407
12
246
88
1,154
652
21,211
Others.
(13)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
* There is no system of registration in force in Burnia.
† These diseases are not differentiated by villagers or headmen, but are considered as different manifest-
ations of Anthrax, and so are included under this heading.