5
Presidency. In the United Provinces, there were 14 outbreaks of the disease,
cases occurring in Benares, Allahabad, Bijnor, Gonda and Dehra Dun, and 25
animals were destroyed. Two cases were destroyed in Karachi, one in the
Central Provinces and one in Eastern Bengal and Assam.
25. Anthrax—Forty eight cases only were reported in the whole of India,
of which 20 were in Madras and 13 in the United Provinces. There was an
outbreak at Motihari, and cases were reported from Champaran and Ranchi in
Bengal. In the United Provinces most of the cases were reported from the
Bulandshahr district.
26. Surra.—Bombay City and surroundings suffered heavy losses, the
mortality being especially severe in Bandra. One hundred and thirty-eight
cases were reported to Major Joslen of which 2 died and the remainder were
destroyed under the Act. Sixteen cases were also reported from Colaba.
Fifty-seven horses are reported to have died in Shikarpur in Sind. In the
Punjab, outbreaks were reported in the Gujranwala, Montgomery, Muzafargarh,
Ferozepore and Ambala districts. Captain Walker ascertained personally that
there were many losses from the disease amongst equines in the Muzafargarh
district. In Eastern Bengal and Assam, several cases are reported to have
occurred amongst the Tonga ponies on the Gauhatti-Shillong road, but no
figures are available.
27. In the United Provinces it appeared at Haldwani, Kathgodam and
Jeolikote and was chiefly confined to the baggage and ekka ponies. The out-
break was detected early and was rapidly suppressed by promptly destroying the
affected animals under the Act. It is interesting to know that the disease did
not spread to the Tonga ponies as it would undoubtedly have done if it had not
been detected and dealt with. There is no doubt that the baggage and ekka
ponies coming up through the Terai import the parasite in their blood and when
biting flies are prevalent, are the means of infecting the tonga and other ponies
working on the road.
28. In the Central Provinces there were outbreaks at Akola and Jubbulpore.
Ordinary precautions of isolation were adopted and only three deaths occurred.
In Bengal, 10 cases are reported from Howrah.
29. Not much progress has so far been made in determining the method
by which the disease is propagated from animal to animal. Everything points
to the Tabanidae being the causal agent in transmission, but, so far, definite
proof is wanting. The early detection and destruction of cases doubtless limits
spread by removing the reservoir of the virus
30. Epizootic Lymphangitis.—This disease does not appear to have attrac-
ted any notice in any of the Provinces during the year in our districts. Five
cases were, however, detected and dealt with in Bombay under the Act.
31. Dourine.—One outbreak of this disease has been reported from Beruni
in the United Provinces. The disease has previously been very prevalent in
this area and has not yet apparently died out. One stallion and several mares
were found to be affected. Legislative measures are under considaration and
it is hoped will shortly be brought into force. Two cases are reported from
Bengal but the diagnosis is not confirmed.
32. Other contagious diseases.—Deaths from other diseases, nature not
specified, number 311 of which the majority 229 are reported from Bengal.
The remarks made last year apply this year.
Contagious dis-
ease in Bovines.
Outbreaks, pre-
ventive inocula-
tion, mortality,
etc.
33. Altogether 339,113 cattle are reported to have died from the various
contagious diseases during the year under report. The question of the reliabi-
lity of the figures was dealt with last year. They are, however, as correct as it
is possible for us to make them.
34. Table III shows the number of outbreaks which it has been possible
for the limited staff at our disposal to deal with by protective inoculation. This
method was utilized against Rinderpest in all Provinces except Sind and
213,933 cattle were injected with serum. The majority of these were in the
Punjab where the Department is most developed and where 81,008 cattle were
injected.