15
REVIEW BY INSPECTOR-GENERAL, CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
The proposals for the erection of a small hospital and laboratory for the
study of camel diseases at Sohawa in the Punjab is still under consideration
and in consequence work has been much hampered. A great deal of valuable
information of a practical nature has, however, been gathered by Mr. Leese,
whose energy and application to his duties have been remarkable.
2. The important subject of Surra has been further studied (1) with a
view to devising methods of prophylaxis, and (2) to find an effective treatment.
In regard to (1), the advice given by Mr. Leese is of a practical nature,
founded on the accepted fact that the disease is carried from sick to healthy
by the bites of flies. The broad principles involved are the weeding out of
Surra infected camels and the avoidance of Surra-zones. The importance of
providing Surra-free grazing for Silladar Camel Corps is a most important
one and the remarks made by Mr. Leese on this subject deserve very serious
consideration, if Surra is to be diminished in the Corps. The summary of
the condition of the various cadres in regard to their infection with Surra
is valuable as an indication of the efficiency of the measures recommended
to prevent mortality. It shows that weeding out of Surra cases does very
greatly reduce the prevalence of the disease in future years. It is a pity
therefore that more attention is not in some cases given to the routine examin-
ation of camels for this purpose.
3. It has been suggested that working isolation of camels might be
practicable in the Punjab, but this is shown to be unworkable owing to lack
of space and danger to healthy animals. The mapping out of the Surra and
Surra-free zones involves great exposure in very unhealthy country owing to
the fact that it must be carried out during and after the rainy season and in
country covered with jungle and reeking with malaria. The good progress
which has been made in the work, therefore, is very creditable indeed.
4. In regard to the treatment of Surra, considering that no accommoda-
tion has been provided for the experimental animals, the progress made is
extraordinarily good. Mr. Leese has submitted two separate reports on the
subject, giving details of the experiments made with (1) Tartar emetic alone,
(2) Tartar emetic and Atoxyl alternately, (3) Tartar emetic alone followed by
a short course of mercuric bichloride alone, (4) Orpiment, (5) Antimony
sulphide by the mouth, (6) Soamin, (7) White arsenic, (8) Arsenic in powder,
(9) Arsenic in solution in various forms as (a) Solution of sodium arsenate,
(b) Liquor arsenicalis, (c) Donovan's solution, (d) Solution of arsenious iodide,
(e) Solution of sodium arsenite. (10) Methylene blue and mercuric bichloride,
(11) Soamin and sodium arsenate, (12) Soamin and antimony tartarate, (13)
Atoxyl, Soamin and sodium arsenate, (14) Atoxyl, antimony and sodium
arsenate. Contrary to what has been found to be the case in the horse, no
successful treatment has been yet obtained but the results of some combin-
ations are somewhat encouraging. It is interesting as well as discouraging
to note that camel surra offers a separate problem for solution. The experi-
ments are being continued.
5. Various contagious and other diseases of the camel have also been
studied as opportunity occurred, but lack of accommodation proved a serious
drawback. It is interesting to find that little evidence now remains to show
that foot and mouth disease occurs in the camel. Jhooling has been found to be
contagious. A form of specific peritonitis was met with in the Montgomery
district. A separate report is being prepared regarding filariasis. Various
other diseases have been studied and noted on.
6. Three parasites have been added to the check list, i.e., Thelazia
leesei, a new parasite causing ophthalmia, Tænia centripunctata, common
also in the sheep and Onchocerca fasciata, found coiled up in nodules in
the subcutaneous tissue. D. Hepaticum was found in 2 per cent. of the
camels examined and the Jarvæ of Linguatula tænioides once in the
mesenteric glands.
7. It is hoped that sanction may soon be accorded for the erection of the
necessary buildings at Sohawa so that disease may be more thoroughly studied.