2
5. The utility of the inoculation work done by the Veterinary Assistants is
proved hy the fact that out of 29,986 animals inoculated against rinderpest,
there were 671 deaths, while 9,633 died before inoculation. In all, 36,016 animals
were inoculated, of which only 578 are reported to have died. The number of
inoculations done this year shows a decrease, which is due partly to the smaller number
of outbreaks reported and partly to the reduction in the number of Veterinary
Assistants owing to the deputation of some of them to the Military Department.
6. There has been a considerable improvement in the work of the Veterinary
Assistants in villages. During the year they visited 6,729 villages, treated 25,593
animals for contagious and 34,912 for non-contagious diseases and castrated 246
animals. The corresponding figures for the previous year were 6,621, 15,543, 44,213
and 220. The increase is creditable, as we had only 34 Assistants against 38 in
the previous year.
7. No addition has been made to the number of Veterinary Hospitals during the
year, but 3 new dispensaries were opened at Patharkandi (Karimganj), Badlipar
(Golaghat) and Behali (Darrang). With a view to the hospitals being utilised in
connection with cases of cruelty to animals, some detailed instructions have been issued
to the Deputy Commi sioners of Cachar, Khasi and Jaintia Hills and Kamrup in the
Revenue Department Circular No. 3R., dated the 23rd March 1917.
8. Regarding the breeding of cattle, Mr. Blackwood's report on the survey and
Census of cattle in Assam was published during the year. The recommendations
made therein, as well as the scheme for cattle-breeding in Manipur, were discussed
with Messrs. Harris and McKay and Colonel Smith, Principal of the Bengal Veteri-
nary College, and a report on the result of the discussion was submitted in my
letter No. 2717, dated the 24th May 1917.
9. The staff of the Department was increased by the appointment of two newly
qualified Assistants, while it was reduced by the loss of one who resigned. Six of the
Veterinary Assistants were deputed to military duty, of whom one was returned as
unsuitable. There were therefore at the end of the year 3 Inspectors and 32
Assistants. Of the Veterinary Assistants, 27 were under Local Boards, one on the staff,
three in reserve and one in the hills. Pour stipendiaries who passed out from the Bengal
Veterinary College have since been appointed Veterinary Assistants; therefore, on
the return of the 5 Veterinary Assistants from military duty, we shall have 41.
Taking into consideration the 20 stipendiaries now in the Bengal Veterinary College,
we expect to have within three years more than enough qualified candidates to fill
up the sanctioned staff of 51, as indicated above.
10. The work of the Department has been, on the whole, satisfactory and credit
is due to Mr. Harris for his administration.
The Inspectors appear to have done well, while Mr. Harris has been able to
mention a number of his Assistants for good work : I think that it is very creditable
that we have been able to supply 5 Assistants out of our small staff to the Army
Department: we could hardly spare more and I am not sure that we can spare any
just now for the Indian Defence Force. It is to be hoped that some results may
eventually be achieved from the investigation into kumri at Muktesar.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Tour most obedient Servant,
J. McSWINEY,
Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Astartt.