4
32. Anthrax.—Daring the year 100 specimens of suspected Anthrax were received
in the Laboratory of which 58 proved Anthrax. Inoculation was undertaken in 69
outbreaks. In these outbreaks 19 equines, 307 bovines and 5 others were reported to
have died before inoculation. Three hundred and sixty-three equines, 3,790 bovines
and 44 others were inoculated of which 1 equine and 10 bovines died subsequently.
In the previous year inoculation was undertaken in 50 outbreaks. In these out-
breaks 14 equines, 187 bovines and 7 others died before inoculation, 273 equines and
1,699 bovines were inoculated of which 2 equines and 6 bovines were reported to have
died subsequently.
33. Two outbreaks of Anthrax occurred in the Upper Shillong Farm during the
latter part of the year. The disease was confirmed microscopically. Prompt action
was taken to check the disease. One hundred and sixty-eight cattle were inoculated
against Anthrax. An enquiry was held to trace the source of infection. The importa-
tion of unsterilised bone meal from the plains seemed to be the most probable cause.
It cannot be too strongly emphasised that no unsterilised bone-meal should be brought
into the Khasia Hills which are at present comparatively free from this disease.
34. The submission of monthly returns of Anthrax outbreaks to the American
Consul General, Calcutta, has been continued.
35. Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.—The diagnosis of this disease was confirmed
microscopically in 21 outbreaks in 19 of which inoculation was undertaken. In these
outbreaks 185 bovines and 17 others died before inoculation. One thousand eight
hundred and seventy bovines were inoculated of which 12 bovines subsequently died.
36. Black quarter.—No vaccination was undertaken during the year under
report.
37. The total number of outbreaks in which inoculation was undertaken during
the period under review was 304 in which 19 equines, 5,620 bovines and 22 others died
before inoculationg 363 equines, 21,433 bovines and 44 others were inoculated of which
1 equine, 242 bovines are reported to have died.
In the previous year inoculation was undertaken in 276 outbreaks. In these
outbreaks 17 equines, 3.626 bovines and 7 others died before inoculation; 277 equines,
21,719 bovines were inoculated of which 2 equines and 151 bovines subsequently died.
38. One hundred and twenty-nine deaths amongst cattle were suspected by the
Veterinary Assistants to have died from poisoning. In twenty-seven oases arsenic
was detected by the Chemical Examiner. In the previous year 102 died from suspect-
ed poisoning. All these cases were reported to the local authorities by the Veterinary
Assistants.
ITINERANT ASSISTANTS' WORK.
39. Table IV shows the work of Itinerant Veterinary Assistants during the
year. They visited 8,373 villages, performed 646 castrations and treated 12,309 for
contagious diseases and 50,411 for non-contagious diseases. In the previous year
8,739 villages were visited, 465 animals castrated, 18,702 animals treated for con-
tagious diseases and 43,737 animals treated for non-contagious diseases. There is a
decrease of 366 in the number of villag3s visited, 6,393 in animals treated for con-
tagious diseases and an increase of 181 in castrations and 6,674 in oases treated for
non-contagious diseases during the year. The itinerating work of six districts was
temporarily suspended as the Assistants in charge were granted leave and no reserve
was available to fill the vacancies. The Veterinary Inspectors were not able to inspect
the work of the Itinerant Veterinary Assistants as regularly and as often as required
owing to the lack of funds. This has an adverse effect on the standard and quality
of the work and is responsible to some extent for the reductions noted.
VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
40. Table V shows the working of the three Veterinary Hospitals during the year
under report. The total number of animals treated during the year as both in and
out-patients was 4,145 of which 581 were equines, 2,178 bovines and 1,886 others.
In the previous year 3,783 animals were treated. The total number of cases supplied
with medicines was 1,229 against 784 in the previous year. The distribution of
medicines without the case being seen is not encouraged as medicines may be wasted
by a misleading description of the symptoms or by faulty application or administra-
tion. Owners are encouraged to bring their animals for examination and treatment.