NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
4
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
orders which were received later in the year and henceforth only
High School Finalists or boys with X Standard qualifications will be
recruited.
The new main building has been completed but is not yet supplied
with furniture and gas. Electric lights and water still remain to be laid
on. The drainage scheme is nearing completion.
The Principal's house is completed except for sanitation and electric
light installation. The Septic Tank has been completed and is in use.
It has been equipped with the Hambaker automatic distributor. The
sites for lecturers' quarters and the new hostel referred to in last year's
report have been decided on, the land acquired and levelling commenced.
The present stables are to be dismantled and re-erected elsewhere to
make room for some of the lecturers' quarters. As the old tube well
did not provide a sufficiency of water a new well has been sunk. The
supply is adequate so far as requirements for buildings now in use are
concerned.
5. The Tattnggyi Veterinary School.—The Superintendent, South-
East Circle, visited Taunggyi in January 1927 to hold the final examina-
tion of students who had completed their course of training.
Out of the nine students examined only five passed, the remaining
four being kept back for further tuition. The Inspector in charge,
U Po Ku, seems to have done his best with the material at his disposal
although no additional equipment was provided as noticed and reported
on during the previous inspection.
III.—TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
(1) Contagious Diseases.
(a) ARAKAN SUB-CIRCLE (includes the districts of Akyab, Sandoway,
Kyaukpyu and Arakan Hill Tracts).
6. Rinderpest.—Sandoway and Kyaukpyu Districts remained free
throughout the year. In Akyab District, this disease accounted for
4,797 deaths, the largest number being in Kyauktaw Township. From
this township it spread to Ponnagyun and Buthidaung Townships while
it was introduced into Maungdaw Township from Chittagong District.
Inoculation appears to be becoming increasingly popular amongst the
Arakan cultivators whereas the Chittagonians still manifest a consider-
able degree of antipathy. Of the 8,352 head of cattle inoculated only
81 deaths occurred, or 96 per cent. The Deputy Commissioner, Akyab,
remarks that " the rules are not strictly observed that in some places
carcases are floated down tidal creeks, and that headmen are extremely
reluctant to punish those who disregard the rules. Just before the close
of the year Rules 15 to 18 of the Cattle Disease Rules were enforced in
this district and it is hoped that good results will follow."
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1927.
5
Anthrax.—This
disease was responsible for 207 deaths in Akyab
District. In the Kyaukpyu and Sandoway Districts the death rate was
much lower being only 31 and 13 respectively.
Foot-and-mouth
Disease.—The highest mortality is recorded from
Akyab District, viz., 876 deaths, but the Superintendent in charge con-
siders that for a comparatively benign affection such as this disease is
in this country these figures arc high and arc probably the result of
errors in diagnosis. In support of this it is pointed out that in the
Sandoway District the reported deaths are only 6 from outbreaks in 45
villages while in Kyaukpyu District out of 431 cases the mortality was
only 3—more likely figures than those recorded for Akyab District.
(b) SOUTH-EASTERN CIRCLE (includes the districts of Amherst, Thatôn,
Salween, Tarov, Mergui, Toungoo, Pegu and
Hanthawaddy.
Table II.
7. Rinderpest.—The
highest mortality is recorded from
Pegu
District which suffered most heavily, having 2,826 deaths which number
would undoubtedly have been higher but for timely inoculation. Out
of 2,230 inoculation only 19 died or less than 5 per cent.
As compared with last year the mortality figures for the Salween
District were lowered from 1,154 to 669. Thirty-eight deaths after
inoculating 293 head of cattle suggests that these cattle were far
advanced in the incubative stage of the disease at the time of inocula-
tion. The Deputy Commissioner, Salween, writes : " I believe that the
establishment of the quarantine station at Methalauk on the Papun-
Dagwin Route has been a great safeguard in checking cattle disease
imported from Siam."
Amherst District suffered severely also, there being 603 deaths.
Inoculation on an extensive scale undoubtedly kept the mortality down.
Protection in this way was given to 3,581 cattle.
While Tavoy and Mergui Districts remained free throughout the year
the disease was again prevalent in Thatôn District where the losses were
278.
Here again inoculation prevented a heavier mortality, protection
being given to 866 cattle. In the Toungoo District the losses were 564
and of 1,120 inoculated all survived. Four hundred and fifty-three cattle
died in the Hanthawaddy District and out of 1,764 inoculated only
2 deaths followed.
Anthrax.—This
disease occurred in the Thatôn, Pegu, Amherst and
Hanthawaddy Districts, the mortality being, respectively, only 44, 43, 40
and 37.
Foot-and-mouth
Disease.—This was most serious in the Thatôn and
Pegu and Salween Districts which had 135, 134 and 107 deaths,
respectively. In no other district did it assume unusual proportions.
6
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
(c) SOUTH-WESTERN CIRCLE (includes the districts of Bassein,
Henzada,
Ma-ubin, Myaungmya, Pyapôn, Insein, Tharrawaddy and Prome).
8. Rinderpest.—This
disease was rife in the Bassein, Henzada,
Myaungmya and Tharrawaddy Districts, but by far the greatest toll was
taken in the Bissein District where no fewer than 5,869 cattle
succumbed before inoculation could be carried out. Inoculation was
carried out on an extensive scale, 11,446 cattle receiving protection
in this manner in the first two named districts alone. The Deputy
Commissioner, Myaungmya, says " the inoculation among diseased cattle
is performed by the Veterinary Assistants in several villages with the
aid of the Veterinary Inspector. Most of the inoculations are greatly
delayed as the Veterinary Assistant has to send for serum and the
services of a Veterinary Inspector. A Veterinary Assistant is not
allowed to perform inoculation without the help of a Veterinary
Inspector." Action has been taken to remedy this by permission being
obtained for Senior Veterinary Assistants to carry an inoculation chest
while on tour.
The Deputy Commissioner. Henzada, writes : " There were outbreaks
of rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease markedly in the Lemyethna
and Ingabu Townships during the year under report. It is expected
that no such serious outbreaks will be repeated or that at least they
will be mitigated in future years if and when the Inoculation
Rules 15 to 18 are extended to the district."
Foot-and-mouth
Disease.—This
disease was apparently virulent in
the Bassein. Myaungmya and Henzada Districts where the deaths
reported are 462,405 and 400 respectively, but the Superintendent is
sceptical of the accuracy of diagnosis. Nowhere else did it assume
abnormal proportions.
(d) CENTRAL CIRCLE (includes the districts of Mciktila, Kyanksè,
Yamèthin,
Myingyan, Magive, Minbu, Thayetmyo and
Pakôkku).
Table II.
9. Rinderpest.—There
Was a decided drop in the number of deaths
recorded, and also in the prevalence of this disease. Thayetmyo
District which suffered rather badly as reported last year shows a
substantial improvement, the figures being 456 against 4,136 for last year.
The Deputy Commissioner, Minbu, reports : "There was a considerable
decrease in the total number of cattle deaths due to rinderpest, the
figures being 98 as against 1,693 of the previous year. The decrease
may be attributed to timely precautions taken by the Veterinary
Inspector of Minbu with his Assistants by way of inoculation in the
infected areas." The Flying Column Veterinary Inspector was deputed
on inoculation duty in the Thayetmyo and Pakôkku Districts, until the
disease was brought under control.
Anthrax.—The
number of deaths from this disease were practically
negligible. Outbreaks occurred in all the districts except Magwe, but in
no case were they of a serious nature.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1927.
7
Foot-and-mouth Disease.—The same remarks apply to this disease, but
it is interesting to record what the Deputy Commissioners, Yamèthin,
Magwe and Kyauksè, have to say on the matter. The Deputy Commis-
sioner, Yamèthin, remarks : " As a result of late heavy rains this year
villages near Nyaungbintha, Bawywathit, Tatkôn and Kyauksu in the
Yamèthin Township were flooded and owing to cattle having had to
stand long in water a great number of cattle from these villages suffered
from foot-and-mouth disease. The Inspector reports that this accounts
for the increase in the number of cases of attack by foot-and-mouth
disease. This year the high percentage of recovery, however, reflects
credit on the Veterinary Staff and village headmen who were taking
prompt precautionary measures." The Deputy Commissioner, Magwe.
says : " There was, on the other hand, a large increase in foot-and-mouth
disease but without a single fatality, the figures being 1,715 cases with no
deaths against 986 cases with also no deaths in the preceding year."
The Deputy Commissioner, Kyauksè, states : " There were several out-
breaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the district specially in the
Myittha Township which were due to cattle infected with the disease
being brought by caravans from the Shan States and by travellers of
Myingyan and Meiktila Districts where water and fodder were scarce
during the summer months. Owing to the prompt treatment given to
the cattle by the Veterinary Assistants with the help of the headmen,
however, the outbreak of the disease was stamped out soon after the
outbreak."
(e) NORTHERN CIRCLE (includes the districts of Mandalay, Sagaing, Lower
and Upper Chindwin, Chin Hills, Shwebo, Bhamo, Katha and
Myitkyina).
Table II,
10. Rinderpest.—This
disease occurred with some severity in several
districts, the principal being Katha, Myitkyina, Upper Chindwin, Bhamo
and Shwebo Districts. It was most severe in the Katha District where
5,346 deaths occurred against 364 last year.
The Deputy Commissioner, katha, reports : " From the comparative
statement attached it will be seen that rinderpest was prevalent in the
whole district and the rate of mortality was extremely high during the year
under report despite the preventive measures taken by the Veterinary
Department." The Deputy Commissioner. Myitkyina, writes : " Rinder-
pest was prevalent from the months of April to August 1926 and
measures to prevent the spreading of the disease were taken as far as
possible. Segregation was arranged, but as there are large unfenced
grazing grounds it is difficult to enforce and seldom stopped the progress
of the disease. Inoculation would have saved many lives had it been
possible to arrange for early supplies of serum and for the presence of
an operator. Unfortunately, with the arrangements in force last year,
it was frequently difficult to get an operator and impossible to get serum
until the epidemic had done its worst."
8
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
Anthrax and Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia.—There is very little to
record under this head. There were only slight outbreaks in most
districts which were quickly stamped out. The Superintendent reported
one instance recorded by a Veterinary Assistant where the people
removed the skins from the dead bodies and dried the flesh for
consumption. The matter was reported by the Superintendent to the
Township Officer for the punishment of the people concerned.
Foot-and-mouth Disease.—There was a considerable reduction in the
number of deaths recorded from this disease, and this is due to a large
extent to the effective protective measures adopted.
(f) Northern Shan States.
Table II.
11. Rinderpest.—The mortality from rinderpest is estimated at 4,488
which indicates a fair reduction against last year's figures of 12,865.
The Veterinary Establishment figures however show a total mortality
as being 4,696. As stated in the Annual Report of last year, agreement
at figures is at present impossible. While there were no deaths from
Anthrax, only one death is recorded from foot-and-mouth disease.
Segregation Rules.—The Commissioner reports that the working of
the rules framed for the prevention of cattle disease was on the whole
satisfactory.
Veterinary Staff.—The Inspector visited 291 villages and attended
20 outbreaks. He was out on tour for 230 days. Two Veterinary
Assistants were appointed during the year, and the 14 Veterinary
Assistants treated 11,316 cases, and were on tour for an average of
160.3 days.
(g) The Southern Shan Stales.
Tables
II and IV.
Rinderpest.—The total number of deaths from Rinderpest is 4,835
as given by the Veterinary Department against 2,824 recorded for
last year. On the other hand, there were 55 deaths from Anthrax, and
47 from foot-and-mouth diseases. This indicates a considerable falling
off against last year. I have not had a separate report for the Southern
Shan States giving details relative to the figures.
Segregation and Cattle Disease Rules.—From the Report of, the
Commissioner it would appear that the rules are generally understood
and the working of the rules on the whole satisfactory.
Sixteen
assistants were employed during the year. They treated 6,430 cattle,
attended 227 outbreaks and were out on tour for 3,060 days.
General.—The Commissioner reports with the exception of Maung Po
Thaung, Maung Po Htway and Maung No, the work of all other Veteri-
nary. Assistants is said to have been done well and. satisfactorily.
(2) Preventive Inoculation.
Table III.
12. Anti-rinderpest inoculations were performed in twelve districts
in Lower Burma and thirteen districts in Upper Burma.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1927.
9
Seventy-nine thousand and sixty-eight animals were inoculated during
the year, 32,029 in Lower Burma, 29,840 in Upper Burma and 17,199 in
the Shan States ; a decrease of 7,787 animals inoculated under last year's
figures.
Of the number of animals inoculated Akyab lops the list with 8,352,
Bassein being second with 7,202.
(3) Other Diseases.
13. The registered number of deaths from non-contagious diseases
from Lower Burma were :—
South-Western Circle
South-Eastern Circle
Arakan Sub-Circle
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total
...
...
...
...
25,868
14,602
17,484
57,954
The total mortality returns for Upper Burma non-contagious diseases
are as follows :—
Central Circle
Northern Circle
Northern Shan States
Southern Shan States
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total
...
...
...
...
14,509
8,492
2,573
25,574
(4) Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries.
Table V.
14. Insein Veterinary Hospital.—During
the year 3,144 new cases were
treated, of which 2,893 were out-patients and 251 in-patients, the daily
average number treated being 34.53. Cattle as usual form the majority of
these, viz., 1,534, dogs coming next with 999.
The following specific diseases were observed:—Rinderpest, Foot-and-
mouth disease. Trypanosomiasis, Piroplasmosis, Necro-Bacillosis, Strepto-
thricosis, Filariasis, Distemper, Rabies, Ascaris, Strongylosis, Tetanus and
Ankylostomiasis ; whilst among general ailments the following were
included:—
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 ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
668
49
16
330
124
39
9
58
639
One hundred and seventeen operations were performed including one
goat and two cats castrated.
In-patients.—As
usual dogs formed the majority, viz., 196. Eight
astrations were performed, 7 in ponies and one in a cat. The brains from
10
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPT., BURMA,
6 dogs suspected to be suffering from rabies were sent to the Pasteur
Institute for examination and Negri bodies were found in 4 cases.
One
dog received the full antirabic course of treatment, with material from the
Pasteur Institute. Two members of the teaching staff and 2 pupils
were also treated at the Institute.
Laboratory.—During
the year 7,600 slides were examined, of which
1,459 were sent in from the districts and of these the majority consisted
of the material from elephants working for the different timber firms.
Amongst the diseases thus microscopically demonstrated were Anthrax,
Haemonhagic Septicaemia, Trypanosomiasis, Piroplasmosis, Filariasis,
Ankylostomiasis, and other microbial and parasitic diseases.
15. Dispensaries.— Dispensaries at Pakôkku, Myingyan, Prome and
Pegu remained open during the year. Of the number of animals treated,
Pegu, which was second last year, heads the list with 3,730 cases against
3,144 for Insein which comes second. The dispensary at Pakôkku has
again shown considerable improvement exceeding last year's figures by
393 cases. At the Prome dispensary 472 cases were treated, a small rise
over last year. There is an increase of 1,472 cases in the grand total of
all the dispensaries, and though there should be a need for more in many
of the larger towns, a further step in this direction would hardly seem
justified at present. The Veterinary Officer in charge of the Bassein
Municipality has addressed me as to the average cost of these dispensa-
ries as he contemplates suggesting the advisability of opening a dispen-
sary for that town.
IV.—GENERAL REMARKS.
16. Cattle Disease.—The
year under report was another bad one
although the figures show a slight improvement on those of last year.
The total mortality for the Province was 127,569, of which 44,041 deaths
were due to contagious disease.
The mortality due to contagious
disease represents a rate of 5'6 per 1,000 of the bovine population of
Burma proper and the rate is the same as that of last year.
Rinderpest
accounted for practically ninety per cent. of the deaths from contagious
diseases. The total deaths for the year from Rinderpest are recorded
as 39,933, from Foot-and-mouth 3,063, from Haemonhagic Septicaemia
10, from Surra 66 and from Anthrax 969, or a total of 44,041 deaths as
against 50,942 for last year. The four districts which suffered most from
Rinderpest were Akyab, Pegu, Bassein and Katha. Bassein had the
highest mortality figure of 5,869 deaths. Kyaukpyu, Sandoway, the
Arakan Hill Tracts, Tavoy and Kyauksè were the only districts recorded
as free from disease. The fight against cattle disease in Burma is thus
essentially a fight against Rinderpest.
I have worked out the mortality figures for contagious disease per
thousand of the bovine population for the last twenty years. The figure
FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1927.
11
for this and last year, viz. 5.6, was exceeded in 1905-06, 1910-11, 1911-12
and 1919-20, the highest figure for the twenty years being that for
1905-06 which was 23'8 per thousand and the lowest being that recorded
for 1915-16, viz. 1.2 per thousand.
Going back still further it is
recorded that in 1895-96 in the Akyab District alone 42,309 cattle died
from Rinderpest, this figure being nearly as high as the present year's
figure for the whole province.
17. Supply of Serum.—I regret to report that on several occasions short-
age of serum was again reported. It is becoming yearly more clear that
necessity of obtaining serum from such a distant source as Muktesar often
places this province in an awkward position when outbreaks of disease
occur. The Agricultural Committee of 1925 reported against the estab-
lishment of a special serum institute for Burma. The Committee, how-
ever, did not give in its report any very convincing reason why this pro-
position was turned down. I consider that it should be reopened now
and I have taken the preliminary step of making informal enquiries from
the authorities in India as to the probable cost of an institute to supply
the local demand. The necessary information has not yet been supplied,
but when it is obtained it will be possible to form an idea as to whether
the creation of a serum institute for Burma is within the bounds of possi-
bility or not. The existence of such an institution would certainly be of
the greatest value, as it is not possible to store large quantities of serum
at any one time and in any case the supply from Muktesar is not
unlimited.
18. Cattle Disease Rules.—Besides inoculation the other weapon which
is at hand for the combating of this scourge consists of the segregation
rules of the Burma Village Act. It is satisfactory to record that generally
speaking the reports of Deputy Commissioners are optimistic and state
that inoculation is becoming more and more popular, that the segrega-
tion rules are understood and the instructions properly carried out and
that the people as a whole are coming to see the benefits being derived
from these measures. Here and there, however, a jarring note is struck.
Thus the Deputy Commissioner, Myitkyina, states that there are large
unfenced grazing grounds where segregation is difficult to enforce and
that it seldom stops the outbreaks of the disease. The Deputy Commis-
sioner, Katha, reports that the segregation rules although understood are
not invariably carried out by cattle owners and that he has issued strict
orders to enforce the rules. The Deputy Commissioner, Henzada, states
that villagers are more or less still ignorant of the benefits of inoculation.
The Deputy Commissioner, Myaungmya, while reporting that the cattle
disease rules are followed in his district mentions a difficulty in the case
of villages where land is scarce and segregation camps cannot be built at
the time of infection. He also mentions that Veterinary Assistants are
not allowed to perform inoculation without the help of the Veterinary