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Noakhali.—During a mild outbreak, the people were asked if they would
like to have their cattle inoculated, and they refused.
It will be seen that though the results of the inoculations have been
distinctly beneficial, they vary somewhat. We must have the results of a very
large number of inoculations before any final conclusions can be drawn; but I
may say that it appears that the dose of serum hitherto used has been somewhat
too small.
I have addressed the District Officers, pointing out the benefits likely to
accrue from inoculation during outbreaks of rinderpest, and asking for their
support. So far, nearly all the answers promise assistance.
31. Tuberculosis.—During the year, I was requested to ascertain if certain
sheep belonging to the Calcutta Commissariat suffered from tuberculosis. I
found they had not the disease.
32. Hæmorrhagie septicæmia.—I was deputed to Port Blair, Andaman
Islands, to inquire into the mortality which affected the sheep there. I found
they were dying of hæmorrhagic septicæmia. I also discovered that the
disease existed in Bengal. I submitted a list of preventive measures.
CATTLE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
33. Of the several fairs of Bengal, I have not, for pressure of work, been
able to visit more than two, viz., Kalimpong and Sonepur. The Sitaniarhi
Fair was visited by Mr. Charles Engel, a Lecturer of this College, and the
Barahpur Fair by the Veterinary Assistant at Dumraon. The Suri Fair was not
held this year, as a mark of respect to Her late Majesty's memory. The
reports of the Kalimpong, Sonepur and Sitamarhi Fairs were submitted to the
Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bengal, forwarding copies of the
same to the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department. There was
nothing specially interesting to report about them.
The Barahpur Fair was held on the 17th and 18th February 1901. The
Veterinary Assistant reports a falling off of the number of animals. The
quality of the animals was not good. A sum of Rs. 1,302 was placed at the
credit of the Exhibition Fund, of which Rs. 333 were awarded to the live-
stock. No cases of contagious disease were found.
The Khagra Fair, in the district of Purnea, of which a report was forward-
ed to me by the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bengal, for perusal,
is a very large one. A visit by the purchasing officers of the Commissariat
Department might repay the trouble.
I have been permitted to budget for two Veterinary Inspectors; if final
sanction is given, a much better veterinary system will be possible at fairs and
shows.
CATTLE-BREEDING.
34. During the year under report, bulls were supplied to the—
Maldwar Ward's Estate, Dinajpur
...
...
District Board, Backergunge ... ...
Deputy Commissioner, Palamau ... ...
No.
1 Half-Hissar.
1 Nellore.
Requisitions for bulls, cows, etc., were received from the—
Collector of Birbhum
...
...
...
Collector of Pabna ... ... ...
Superintendent, Alipur Central Jail ... ...
Manager, Dhenkanal State, Angul ... ...
Ditto, Tikari Estate, Gaya
...
...
General Manager, Deoghur ... ...
Manager, Jaipur Government Estates, Bogra ...
1 Hissar bull,
3 Do. milch cows ;
12 Bulls;
1 Up-country bull;
1 Bull;
1 Guzerati buffalo bull,
7 Guzerati buffalo
cows;
3 Bulls;
2 Behari bulls,
but for want of suitable animals, I could not supply them.
35. In response to various applications for advice on the subject of cattle-
breeding, I have given all the assistance in my power.