( 4 )
Angul and Puri, where disease occurred, no doubt, but was not reported.
Table XX shows that 42,302 head of cattle were attacked, of which 9,529 are
reported to have died. A comparison with the last year's figures will show
that the numbers under the headings of "Rinderpest" and "other diseases"
are less, while those under the heading of "foot and mouth disease" are greater
than those of last year ; the total number shows an increase.
Temporary aid was given to Jessore, Khulna, Alipore Central Jail,
Presidency Jail, Bhagalpur Central Jail, Darjeeling, Backergunge, Chittagong,
Midnapore and to the Commissariat Department at Siliguri. In the majority
of these places anti-rinderpest inoculations were performed, while in others,
advice as to preventive measures was given.
ANTI-RINDERPEST INOCULATION.
32. In pursuance of the Government of India's orders, 15 Veterinary
Assistants were sent up to the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory at Bareilly
to receive training in the process of inoculation, and they were all passed by
the Imperial Bacteriologist as competent for inoculation work.
33. Nine thousand four hundred and fifty-four (9,454) head of cattle were
immunised this year against 11,472 of last year (Table XXIII). There was
no friction or misunderstanding of any kind between the operators and the
owners.
The supply of serum broke down several times, which had an unfortunate
effect upon the operations. The want of staff Veterinary Assistants (of whom
only one could be appointed instead of four) made itself felt.
EXPERIMENTS AND INVESTIGATIONS.
34. Besides the usual work, which must constantly go on in an Institu-
tion like the Bengal Veterinary College, investigations were carried out in
various places in the mufassal for the purpose of diagnosing outbreaks of
disease in cattle and horses.
35. The Piroplasma Bigeminum, the presence of which in the cattle of
India was reported by me on the 25th September 1898, continues to be found
when looked for in suitable cases. I observe that the Imperial Bacteriologist
also found it in various animals in 1902.
CATTLE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
36. I attended the Sonepore, Kalimpong, Suri and Sitamarhi fairs.
Barrahpur fair was not held owing to prevalence of plague in the Shahabad and
neighbouring districts. Another new show which was started during the year
at Rajnagar in Bachour was also visited by me. I could not attend Khagra
and Bihta shows owing to other important engagements; they were visited by
the Inspectors of this Department.
My report upon the effect of the Imperial prizes, during the last three
years, is under consideration of Government.
CATTLE BREEDING.
37. At the request of the Inspector-General of Agriculture the purchase
of cattle for the Pusa Farm has been undertaken by this Department. With
this object I toured in parganas which have the reputation of breeding good
cattle. I found a great scarcity of suitable animals. During my temporary
absence in Bombay, the people in Bachour imagined that my men intended to
poison the wells with plague, with the result that my camps and assistants had
to be withdrawn. My second Inspector, who was detailed to collect informa-
tion about cattle, is now prostrated by serious illness; but the first Inspector
has been carrying on the work as far as practicable without interfering with
other duties.
HORSE AND PONY BREEDING.
38. Hathwa.—The Manager of the Hathwa Raj Estate reports that the
Arab pony stallion served one mare during the year under report (Table V).
The cost of feed and keep, &c., was Rs. 241-8 (Table IX).
TOURS.
39. I was on tour for 119 days, and travelled 13,664 miles by rail, 911
miles by road, and 460 miles by steamer.