11
laboratory at Bareilly is in working order, as the accommodation for men under-
going the course at this place is practically unlimited; whereas, Muktesar is
only capable of accommodating 8 men at a time. The machinery to meet the
anticipated demand for serum has been sanctioned, and it is hoped will be in
working order at an early date. To effectually cope with outbreaks, it was
necessary that the method of reporting should be much improved upon. This
has been done and matters so arranged that Superintendents get telegraphic
intimation direct from the office nearest to the scene of the outbreak. For
many reasons it has been decided to abandon the " simultaneous " method and
confine ourselves entirely to the "serum alone." Experience has proved that
the latter is absolutely safe, effectually checks the disease and confers a period of
immunity for several months; moreover, it does not offend caste prejudices.
108. A reference to Table XXIII (Provincial) will show that 44 outbreaks
have been dealt with and 19,859 cattle inoculated. Out of this large number,
only 161 died after inoculation. These casualties are in no way attributable to
the method utilized and the animals which succumbed must in every case have
had the disease germs in their system previous to the injection of serum. When
dealing with rinderpest by the above method, the actual number of inocula-
tions is no creterion of the total number of cattle saved. It must be taken into
consideration that by effectually checking an outbreak we prevent disease
spreading to the neighbouring herds and in this manner probably prevent large
numbers of cattle contracting the disease.
109. Anthrax.—Three outbreaks occurred (Lahore, Sialkot and Hissar)
where inoculation was carried out with the result that only one animal died out
of the 86 inoculated, 55 having died prior to the arrival of the Superintendent.
110. These results are most satisfactory when it is taken into consideration
that in severe outbreaks, where no preventive measures have been adopted, the
mortality in these diseases often reaches the high rate of 80 to 90 per cent.
111. The greatest credit is due to the Superintendents, Bengal and Burma,
for the excellent work they have performed under this head and for the care
and tact which they have displayed in introducing the system.
112. We are now able to effectually cope with the two most prevalent and
fatal diseases of Indian cattle and I feel sure, as we increase our staff, improve
our system and gain the confidence of the people, that it will be the means of
saving the country enormous sums of money annually.
VETERINARY DISPENSARIES.
113. The figures given in Table XIX (Provincial) show that the number
of animals treated at Veterinary Dispensaries during the year under report,
was as follows :—
In-patients
Out-patients
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
4,750 against
1,25,536
„
3,902 last year.
48,944 „
„
making a total of 1,30,286 against 52,846 or an increase of 77,440, which is
satisfactory as indicative of growing confidence on the part of cattle owners.
It will be observed that the largest numbers are recorded in Burma and the
Punjab where the system of collecting statistics is far more reliable than in
any other Province. No dispensaries have yet been started in the Madras
Presidency.
114. Statement showing receipts and expenditure of Veterinary Dispen-
saries will be found in Table XXII (Provincial).
VETERINARY ASSISTANTS.
115. A glance at Table XXIV (Provincial) will show that the strength of
the subordinate Veterinary staff consisted of 8 Veterinary Inspectors and 242
Veterinary Assistants, or a total of 250.
116. The Provincial graded service of Veterinary Assistants in the Punjab
is working very satisfactorily under the management of Veterinary Lieutenant
Walker, and the introduction of the same system will, it is hoped, ere long be
effected in the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh and other Provinces of