6
I believe this programme is now being carried out in its entirety in the
Bombay Presidency, but it might be more so in other parts of India; and those
which mainly concern us are the States on the Bombay Presidency frontier—
Mysore, Hyderabad, Central India, Rájputána, &c., can do us much mischief
(and I have reason to believe in some cases do so now) through conveyance into
the Presidency of disease which prevails in them among cattle.
7. Although disease of cattle of a serious nature has been infrequent during
the last two years, it is to be feared that the prolonged shortness of fodder during
that time will be followed by disease prevalence. Bombay recently has had a slight
outbreak of rinderpest, and more serious ones have been reported from Bhadgaon,
Nágpur, Kámpti, and the Morvi State. In the latter camels are said to have
suffered from this fell disorder. One good result which I look forward to as an
outcome of diffusion of our Graduates is the increase of our knowledge of the
diseases of that useful creature the camel. We know but little of the pathology
of this valuable animal, but that little I have endeavoured to summarise in a series
of papers contributed to the Quarterly Journal of Veterinary Science in India,
which will shortly appear in book form as Volume III. of my series of Indian
Veterinary Manuals.
Foot and mouth disease remains universally prevalent but seems to have
been specially severe in Ahmedabad, where (under orders from the Collector)
Mr. J. K. Bhatt, G.B.V.C., is reported as doing good service in dealing with it.
Anthrax has been most infrequent ; and the rarity of true anthrax in this
Presidency, in so far as we know, has been reported by me in connection with
the Government of India enquiry as to prevalence of the disorder.
* It will continue to do so
until the " Arab Stables " are
thoroughly overhauled and
brought under Municipal or
State supervision.
Glanders seems to always hang about Bombay and we have generally some
suspicious
cases
in
our
isolation
ward.*
The
Act
has
doubtless
rendered
its
occurrence
more
en
evidence,
and
I
recently
had
the
satisfaction
of
hearing
an
empiric
complain he had little to do since he has been prevented
treating
cases
of
this
contagious
and
incurable
disorder.
The control over suspects is but slight, so they are apt to be taken out of the
Bombay limits—a matter for regret. No difficulty is experienced in working the
clauses of the Act which compel slaughter of the affected by the Police.
Rabies is a disease of which we hear a good deal ; I fear it is on the increase
and will sooner or later necessitate legislative measures for its repression ;
doubtless the new Pasteurian Laboratory in Poona will be able to do something
to lessen its prevalence and importance.
A few instances have cropped up during the past year showing the need
for a Veterinary Inspector for the port of Bombay.
The Principal of the College has, as hitherto, reported to Government on
such veterinary questions as have been referred to him for opinion. They include—
(a). Outbreak of sheep and goat disease in Khándesh.
(b). Questions concerning importation of hides from Zanzibar.
(c). Organization of the Civil Veterinary Department.
8. The following extra collegiate work of a more or less public nature has
been performed by the College staff :—
The Principal has published a work on Indian Veterinary Medicines,
and another Kolhápur State Primer ("on Breeding and Rearing of
Horses").
He has conducted an enquiry of a prolonged nature into equine relaps-
ing fever (Surra); also into the Khándesh goat disease : he has worked as
joint Honorary Secretary at the Horse and Cattle Show, Bombay ; as judge
at the Horse and Cattle Branches of the Nadiád Agricultural Exhibition :
and has visited demi-officially the local Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries
at Nadiád, Ahmedabad, and Násik.