15
A special programme of opening mass inoculation centres in endemic
zones, particularly against Ranikhet disease and Fowl Pox, was initiated.
About 27,244 birds were thus protected.
Ranikhet disease.—Regarding seasonal variation in the occurrence of
Ranikhet disease it was observed that reports on Ranikhet disease were
more constantly received during the period October to March than the
period April to September, in the ratio 15:1. Mass inoculation centres
against the disease were therefore started early in April and by October 1948
while 6 such centres were already operative, another 7 centres were made
up to close of the year in March 1949.
Fowl Pox.—With regard to Fowl Pox, out of the total number of
9 outbreak reports received during the year there was 1 report each in the
months of April and May 1948 and 7 reports during December 1948 to March
1949. No report on Fowl Pox was received during June to November 1948.
Mass inoculation against the disease was taken up at four centres during
April and May 1948 and the work continued at 3 other centres commencing
in December 1948.
Fowl Cholera.—Outbreak of suspected Fowl Cholera was reported from
8 centres; 2 among ducks and the rest among fowls. In one of the out-
breaks among a flock of 61 ducks, mortality was more than 25 per cent. of
the entire stock within the first 4-5 days. Inoculation of Fowl Cholera
serum at the dose rate of 5 c.c. per bird failed to check infection, as even-
tually only 12 survived. Strict measures of isolation and segregation was
not possible, nor was slaughter. Mass inoculation against the disease was
adopted at a Government farm where vaccine alone method was adopted
among 1,600 birds in October 1948.
Most of the outbreak reports were in the period September to February.
It is, however, significant to observe that the period from middle of
June to end of August, i.e., the period which coincides typically with the
height of rainy season in the Province was practically the off season for
virulent diseases like Ranikhet, Fowl Pox or Fowl Cholera.
Coccidiosis.—Treatment prescribed by Indian Veterinary Research
Institute for control of Coccidiosis was tried. Due to easy availability of
Sulphaguanidine, the drug was universally applied and the disease control-
led within a short time without great loss. The other two drugs, viz.,
Sulphamezathine and Sulphapyrazine could not be tried.
Helminthiasis.—Cestarsol for control of tapeworm infection
was
prescribed in some cases. Reports from field indicated that the drug was
found effective in several cases of mild infection. Control experiments
could not be undertaken.
Trichomoniasis.—Infection from Trichomonas flagellates was observed
in 6 reports. The organisms were isolated and seen in large numbers in
occasional scrapings mostly from the lower bowels including Coecum but in
two occasions they were also found though very few in number in the
Duodenum. The liver was found unaffected in most cases except one.
Mortality was about 50-60 per cent. Treatment with Sulphaguanidine was
ineffective. "Phenothiazine" a new drug by the Imperial Chemical
Industries is under investigation.
External parasites.—Gammaxene and D.D.T. for treatment of external
parasites were employed in two organised farms. The reports were fairly
satisfactory in eradicating the external parasites with single application.
But fresh invasion was reported within three months. The optimal concen-
tration and time for single application is being worked out.