NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
ANNUAL REPORT OF VETERINARY OFFICER INVESTIGATING
CAMEL DISEASES.
FOR YEAR ENDING 3lST MARCH 1910.
THE WORK OF THE OFFICE DURING THE YEAR.
No decision having been arrived at throughout the year with regard to the
proposed head-quarters at Sohawa, all work has been confined to things which
could he done practically without indoor accommodation in Camp.
2. Experimental treatment of Surra in camels has been carried on through-
out most of the year, and the results separately reported UP to 28th February
1910. After a large number of dosage experiments regarding the trypanosome-
dispersing powers of drugs including amongst others Atoxyl, Soamin, Anti-
mony Tartrate, Orpiment, Antimony Sulphide, White Arsenic (in ball, solution,
and as Arsenite), Sodium Arsenate and Donovans' solution, a number of Surra
camels has been treated with drags (singly or combined) on definite lines.
No successful treatment has been yet obtained ; but the results of some combin-
ations such as Atoxyl, Antimony Tartrate and Sodium Arsenate are promising
enough to encourage continued efforts.
3. A special tour was made to enquire into the prevalence of Surra in
Bikanir State and reported ; but the investigation will not be complete without
a visit in the Monsoon season.
4. July, August and September 1909 were spent in the touring of camel
grazing-grounds in the Punjab with the chief object of ascertaining definitely
which are Surra zones and which are not.
5. The cold weather has been spent partly in experimental work at
Sohawa and partly on tour on various investigations.
6. The usual assistance to Camel Corps has been rendered particularly
in dealing with Surra ; and much valuable help has been given by their officers
especially in giving me access to their camels.
7. Sanction for extension of the appointment of Veterinary Officer investi-
gating Camel Diseases for a further five years, from 13th February 1910 was
granted in Despatch No. 9 Revenue, dated 28th January 1910, by the Secretary
of State for India.
8. The two Veterinary Assistants, Ata Mohamed and Kahan Singh con-
tinue to carry out their duties with praiseworthy industry.
Babu Sham Sunder was transferred on 13th June 1909, and Babu Daya
Shunkertook his place as Head Clerk; Babu Faiz Ahmed was admitted as
Second Clerk on 15th July 1909.
9. On 27th March 1910, I proceeded on 3 months' privilege leave, having
prepared this report for the year ended 31st March 1910 before leaving. For the
period, 27th to 31st March, the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department,
took over charge.
DISEASE IN SILLADAR CAMEL CORPS IN 1909-10.
10. The 50th and 51st Silladar Camel Corps are returning to their normal
state after the abnormal year of 1908-09. In both Corps, diagnosis of Surra
has been well carried out as a routine this year and the disease is well in
hand. Owing to the small number of camels locally bred, many are brought
up from the big fairs (Amritsar, Batesar) which are held soon after the Surra
season when Surra camels are often in good condition ; the purchase of these
camels into these two Corps is a constant source of danger ; 1 see many strings
16
8. Mr. Leese has continued to devote himself whole-heartedly to his
work in very trying and unhealthy conditions, and I consider that he deserves
great credit for the progress which he has made during the year.
H. T. PEASE, COLONEL,
Inspector- General,
Civil Veterinary Department.
SIMLA :
The 19th May 1910.
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
Veterinary Officer Investigating Camel
Diseases
For the year ending 31st March 1911
CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA
1911
ANNUAL REPORT OF VETERINARY OFFICER INVESTIGATING
CAMEL DISEASES.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 1911.
THE WORK OF THE OFFICE DURING THE YEAR.
From 1st April to 29th June 1910 the Inspector-Genera], Civil Veterinary
Department, was in charge of the office ; I returned from privilege leave on
the latter date and resumed charge for the remaining nine months.
2. The whole of this time has been spent in camp ; the building at Sohawa
did not begin until the cold weather of 1910-1911 ; and owing to the effect
of heavy rain in January and March much of the building collapsed and is
being rebuilt ; but we cannot now expect to find it habitable until June 1911.
3. On my return from leave I spent the monsoon season from 8th July
to 4th October on tour chiefly in the districts of Lahore, Lyallpur, Shahpur,
Mozuffargarh and Dera Ghazi Khan and in Bikanir State, with a break of
6 days in Simla to attend the first meeting of the Camel Grazing Committee.
In the cold weather I was engaged in Sohawa most of the time, but also
toured in January in the Sind Sagar Doab to obtain further information for
the Camel Grazing Committee whose third meeting (in Lahore) I attended on
20th February.
4. The want of accommodation has again greatly hampered the work.
5. Veterinary Assistants Ata Mohamed and Kahan Singh have worked
very well indeed under great difficulties.
6. THE CAMEL CORPS.—The percentage mortality for the year ending 31st
March 1911 in camels of the 8 Silladar Corps is as follows, calculated on the
actual average number of camels in each Corps :—
50th
51st
52nd
53rd
54th
55th
56th
57th
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(Campbellpur) .
(Rawalpindi) .
(Jhelum) .
(Sargodha) .
(Lahore) .
(Montgomery) .
(Montgomery) .
(Multan) .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
13.0
15.5
8.8
18.0
19.6
10.0
12.8
9.1
The figures for all the Corps together for the last 4 years are given
below :—
Year ending 31st March 1908
....
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
1909
....
1910
....
1911
....
Average percentage
mortality of all the
Silladar Corps.
13.0
22.3
18.6
18.3
Number of Surra
cases diagnosed.
147
431
333
254
7. The measures taken against Surra in the 8 Silladar Camel Corns are
now much more uniform and the fact that the decreased mortality is accom-
panied by a much larger amount of proved Surra than in 1907-1908 is entirely
due to improved diagnosis.
The years 1908-1909 and 1909-1910 were very bad Surra years owing to
the rainfall and they happened to coincide with strenuous efforts to weed out
the diseased ; in the years 1907-1908 and 1910-1911, the Surra season was
shorter at least in the western Punjab. Considering the difficulty in getting
healthy remounts which increases every year, the mortality of 13.3 per cent.
on an actual average number of 8,230 animals is satisfactory. The weeding
21. G. C. V. D.
12
Fowl Spirochaetosis.—Some trials on the treatment of naturally occur-
ring cases with soamin were made and have been separately re-
ported.
Dispensary work in Sohawa.—341 animals were treated for zamindars,
etc., at Sohawa.
57. By far the most urgent work now is the experimental treatment of
Surra in camels. The results to date are so favourable that I think no opportu-
nity for experiment should be lost and that camels certified for destruction on
account of Surra, and compensated for, should, whenever possible, be utilised
for these experiments. As long as treatment is in the experimental stage
compensation is a necessity as otherwise camels under experiment would be sub-
ject to outside interference. Any camels ultimately cured could be returned
at the conclusion of the experiment and the compensation repaid.
A. S. LEESE, M.R.C.V.S., I.C.V.D.,
Vety. Officer Investigating Camel Diseases.
LAHORE :
The 17th May 1911.
Statement of Expenditure incurred by the Office of the Veterinary Officer Investigating Camel
Diseases, Lahore, during the official year of 1910-1911.
Sub-heads of the budget grant.
Salaries of officers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Pay of establishment
.......
Travelling allowance of officers .
.
.
.
.
.
Do.
of establishment
.....
Supplies, etc. (chemicals and apparatus)
....
Contingencies.
........
Purchase, and stable feed and keep of experimental animals
TOTAL
Amount.
Rs.
7,74.4
3,059
2,487
852
1,292
1,015
855
17,308
a.
14
8
11
9
11
12
9
12
p.
4
4
6
9
7
3
0
9
REVIEW BY OFFICIATING INSPECTOR-GENERAL, CIVIL VETERINARY
DEPARTMENT.
It is anticipated that the buildings at Sohawa will shortly be ready for
occupation. The report as usual shows how much good work has been done.
Mr. Leese has nut confined his attention to Surra only, but has placed on
record his observations on various other maladies and matters of general practi-
cal use to those who have charge of these animals.
2. The measures adopted in Camel Corps against Surra, in spite of the fact
of improved diagnosis bringing to light more cases, have yielded satisfactory
results.
3. The general remarks on Surra in the various localities visited will be
read with interest, particularly those relating to Surra in Bikanir State, but
more especially the outbreak occurring in the desert ; also the fact that
Lyperosia, which have only once before been suspected, are again considered to
be mechanical transmitters of this disease. Mr. Leese will no doubt take the
earliest opportunity of endeavouring to verify his suspicions which if he is
successful in proving will add material support to the conclusion that Surra
may to a large extent be spread by mechanical transmission.
4. Prom the numerous experiments conducted it will be noted that much
time and trouble has been expended in trying to discover a satisfactory remedy.
13
I have every reason to believe that in the near future Mr. Leese will be able,
to report that his efforts have been crowned with success. One thing is certain
and that is, he has obtained very gratifying results.
5. Mr. Leese has been most energetic and unremitting in his labours to
advance our knowledge of the diseases of the camel. Considering his work has
been carried out very often in trying circumstances the success achieved is
highly commendable. I consider we are greatly indebted to him not only for
the zealous manner in which he has carried on his work but also for the pro-
gress made.
G. H. EVANS, LT.-COLONEL,
Offg. Inspector-General,
Civil Veterinary Department.
SIMLA :
The 20th June 1911.
S. G. P. I.—No. 2 I. G. C. V. D—24-8-1911.—1,400.—Atool.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
VETERINARY OFFICER INVESTIGATING
CAMEL DISEASES
For the year ending 31st March 1912.
L a h o r e :
PRINTED AT THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PRESS.
1912.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
VETERINARY OFFICER INVESTIGATING
CAMEL DISEASES
For the year ending 31st March 1912.
L a h o r e :
PRINTED AT THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PRESS,
1912,
No. 2922.
FROM
W. S. HAMILTON, ESQUIRE, I.C.S.,
Director of Agriculture and Industries, Punjab,
To
THE REVENUE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, PUNJAB.
Dated Lahore, the 21th July 1912,
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward the Annual Report of the Officer Investi¬
gating Camel Diseases. During the year under report Mr. Leese was directly
under the Inspector-General of Civil Veterinary Department and neither the
Chief Superintendent of the Civil Veterinary Department of this province nor
I had any connection with it.
Printed instructions on " the curative treatment of surra in camels "
are available on application to the Chief Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, Lahore,
I have, &c,
W. S. HAMILTON,
Director of Agriculture and
Industries, Punjab.
ANNUAL REPORT OF VETERINARY OFFICER INVESTIGATING
CAMEL DISEASES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 1912.
The work of the office during the year.—The greater part of the first
three months of the official year was spent in camp at Sohawa ; the building
was made habitable by 4th July, from which date I was able to use it,
although it was not completed until several months afterwards. On that date
my head-quarters were officially transferred from Lahore to Sohawa.
2. At Sohawa, experimental treatment for surra in camels has been
carried on during the whole year. Early in the year it was recognised that
cures had been obtained and consequently trials of curative treatment were
pushed forward on a large scale. A fair amount of success has resulted by
methods applicable to Camel Corps conditions.
3. From 2nd January to 17th March 1912, a long tour was made
through Sind and a short one in Baluchistan.
4. It had been desired to carry out surra transmission experiments with
Lyperosia minuta, but (unfortunately for this object) the flics were found to be
scarce in the deserts last hot whether owing to the failure of the monsoon, and
the experiments had to be postponed.
5. The ability and industry of Veterinary Assistant Ata Muhammad
were rewarded on 5th October 1911 by his promotion to the rank of Veterinary
Inspector. Veterinary Graduate Kahan Singh received a suitable increment
at the same time.
6. I regret to report the death of the Head Clerk, Babu Daya Shanker,
which occurred on 9th October 1911. His place was filled by Babu Sham
Shanker. The post of Second Clerk was abolished from 3rd September 1911.
7. As a supplement to this report I send an account of the progress of
the experiments on treatment of camel surra from the time of the first cure
but I do not suggest that this supplement be printed with the report as it is
necessarily lengthy, and moreover part has been, and the rest will be published
in Veterinary periodicals.
8. Much experience has now been gained of the diagnosis
and treatment of the general diseases of the Indian camel and his
lamenesses, fractures, injuries, etc., but an account of these is hardly suitable
to an annual report. I have only included the treatment of the two great
camel-plagues—surra and mange—with very few remarks on any other condi-
tions ; and have added a short report on the tour made in Sind and Baluchis-
tan.
9. The Silladar Camel Corps.—The percentage mortality calculated
from mortality returns sent in is as follows :—
50th (Campbellpur)
51st (Rawalpindi)
52nd (Jhelum) ...
53rd (Sargodha) ...
54th (Lahore) ...
55th (Montgomery)
56th (Montgomery)
57th (Multan)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
12.2
17.2
8.2
11.7
12.6
7.2
9.4
6.9
3
It has been found that Atoxyl and Soamin act in an exactly similar
manner in identical doses as regards curative properties ; and as Soamin is less
than half the price of Atoxyl, the former drug is the one which it is recom-
mended to use.
Sodium Arsenate given by the mouth sometimes causes severe diarrhoea,
but it has been found that in such cases Arsenious Acid given intravenously
can take its place in the longer treatments, acting as well as regards curative
properties, and without causing diarrhoea. The best treatments cost Us. 4 or
Rs. 4-8-0 in drugs per camel treated.
I do not think any of the treatments will often prove applicable to the
camel of the private owner, but they are applicable wherever camelmen are
more or less controlled by authority and when a Veterinary Assistant's services
are to be had ; e.g., Camel Corps and all Government camels.
I am convinced from actual experience that the average camel-owner
could rarely be made to understand the necessity of bringing his camel at definite
times for the doses, and any irregularity in dosing means failure. Some day,
perhaps, some method may be arrived at which will cure Camel-Surra by a
single injection ; until then the general treatment of surra in camels outside
Government employ in the districts is not likely to be on a very large scale.
11. Recommendations for the treatment of surra in Camels—
Instruments required—
Accurate scales and weights.
Glass mortar and pestle (capacity 3 ounces).
A 50 c. c. hypodermic syringe with metal nozzle and all spare parts.
(As a rule, instrument-makers do not stock them, but Messrs.
Baird and Tatlock, Limited, 14 Cross, St. Hatton Garden,
London, E.G., make them to order which should however be
marked " very urgent." It is necessary to have at least ½
dozen of each of all spare parts, and 1 dozen needles, fitting
the syringe, strong, " for camels," and with the opening at the
point, not at the side ; the needles must not be of the " screw
on " pattern.)
A 20 c. c. hypodermic syringe (can be obtained in India) ; this is
only kept as a reserve in case the former goes wrong any
time. Its use, however, increases the amount of manipulation
during intravenous injection, although, at a pinch, the whole
treatment might be carried out with it.
Wide-mouthed glass stoppered bottle for keeping the needles in
(capacity 10 ounces).
Filter papers—
Plain glass funnel, conical, diameter at widest part 4 inches.
A small retort-stand and one or two hard-glass flasks for boiling.
The latter may be of 5 ounces capacity and the bottoms should be
flat.
Drugs required —
(1) Soamin (quoted at Rs. 5 per 30 grammes in Lahore). It is
an organic compound of Arsenic and is the only expensive
drug used in the actual treatment.
(2) Tartar emetic, not from the bazaar.
(3) Sodium Arsenate ; this must be the dry salt as the crystalline
will not do.
(4) White Arsenic.
(5) Sodium Bicarbonate (powdered form).
6
The sodium arsenate is given by the mouth dissolved in ½ gallon of
ordinary water and followed immediately by another ½ gallon of water. This
ensures plenty of dilution in the stomachs, and care to prevent spilling is only
necessary when giving the first ½ gallon. In drenching the camel, there is no
danger of choking, provided the man who holds it does so by the lips so as
to leave the nostrils free ; unless warned the camelman will seize the nostrils
and upper lip in his grip, effectually closing the former.
The Veterinary attendant should inspect the camels at least twice
daily, that is, morning and evening, and signs of intolerance or constipation
should be carefully looked for at each inspection.
14. " 264 Treatment."—In this treatment the dose is the same for
camels of all heights, and from 4 years of age upwards—
Dose in grammes.
Dose in grains.
1st (day—Soamin intravenously...
2nd day—Tartar emetic intrave-
nously (injected slowly).
3rd day—Sodium Arsenate by
mouth (2 days' interval.)
5th day—Soamin intravenously...
6th day—Tartar emetic intrave-
nously.
7th day—Sodium Arsenate
by
mouth (4 days' interval.)
11th day—Soamin intravenously...
12th day—Tartar emetic intrave-
nously.
13th day—Sodium Arsenate by
mouth (8 days' interval.)
21st day—Soamin intravenously...
22nd day—Tartar emetic intrave-
nously.
23rd day—Sodium Arsenate by
mouth (12 days' interval.)
35th day—Soamin intravenously...
36th day—Tartar emetic intrave-
nously.
37th day— Sodium Arsenate by
mouth.
4.0
0.5
3.575
4.0
0.5
3.575
4.4
0.5
3.9
4.4
0.5
3.9
4.4
0.5
3.9
62
7½
55
62
7½
55
68
7½
60
68
7½
60
69
7½
60
When a camel has shown no inconvenience from the drugs up to the 19th
day it is recommended that the 3rd and 4th intervals be reduced from 8 and
12 days to 6 and 8 days, respectively ; this reduces the time covered by the
treatment to 31 days.
Sometimes the Sodium Arsenate causes diarrhoea ; in cases where this
can be controlled by Chlorodyne (dose 6 drachms) it does little harm ; but if
it is severe, I recommend that instead of continuing to give the Sodium Arsenate
by the mouth to such cases, the following intravenous injection should be sub-
stituted for it :—
Dose in grammes.
Dose in grains.
Arsenious Acid...
Sodium Bicarb.
Distilled water...
0.6
0.6
60 c.c.
9½
9½
17 drachms.
This must be boiled until the Arsenic is dissolved and given when cool
after filtering.
No case of nephritis or peritonitis has occurred with " 264 treatment."
15. "668 Treatment"—In this treatment the dosage was graded ac-
cording to the camels' heights (at withers in a line with elbow-pad) and ages.
7
The dosage is as follows :—
Day.
1st
2nd
3rd
5th
6th
7th
11th
12th
13th
21st
22nd
23rd
Drug.
1
Soamin subcutaneously
...
Tartar emetic intravenously
(injected slowly).
Arsenious Acid intravenously
(injected slowly) (2 days' in-
terval.)
Soamin subcutaneously
Tartar emetic intravenously...
Arsenious Acid intraven-
ously ( days' interval.)
Soamin subcutaneously
...
Tartar emetic intravenously...
Arsenious
Acid
intrave-
nously (8 days' interval.)
Soamin subcutaneously—
either
or
Tartar emetic intravenously...
. Arsenious Acid
intrave-
nously.
Class A.
Grammes.
5
0.5
0.6
6.0
0.5
0.6
6.5
0.5
0.6
6.5
7.5
0.5
06
Grains.
77
7½
9½
92
7½
9½
100
7½
9½
100
115
7½
9½
Class B.
Grammes.
4.75
0.475
0.6
5.7
0.475
0.6
6.175
0.475
06
6.175
7.125
0.475
0.6
Grains.
73
7
9½
88
7
9½
95
7
9½
96
110
7½
9½
Class C.
Grammes.
4.625
0465
0.6
5.550
0.465
0.6
6.0
0.465
06
6.0
0.9
0.465
0.6
Grains.
71
7
85
7
9½
92
7
9½
92
107
7
The Arsenious acid is dissolved by mixing it with an equal quantity of
Sod. Bicarb.; and boiling in 60 c.c. (17 drachms) of distilled water.
On the 21st day there is a choice of two doses ; as a rule the highest is
the one to use, but if the animal has already shown the slightest sign of poison-
ing, the lowest should bo chosen.
If a camel has shown severe signs of intolerance or poisoning which
have not disappeared before the 11th or 21st day of treatment, it is advisable
to omit or delay the rest of the treatment, and allow the camel to recover.
Similar cases have shown themselves cured of surra in my experiments
although they had not had the full treatment. Others have relapsed, but were
cured with a second treatment. There are 3 forms of poisoning which may
occur in camels exhibiting an intolerance to Arsenical treatment by " 668
method."
This was done as follows :—
CLASS A.—
CLASS B.—
CLASS C.—
—Full doses
—Five per cent, less than full doses of Soamin
and Tartar emetic.
—7½ per cent. less than full doses of Soamin
and Tartar emetic,
All camels of 6 years of
age or more which mea-
sured 6'9" or over in
height
Camels of 6 years of age
or more, which measured
6'7"to 6'9" in. height.
Also any 5-year olds of
6'9" or over in height.
5-year olds under 6'-9"
Also all camels of 6 years
or more which measure
6'7" or under in height.