11
Veterinary Assistants distinctly state that outbreaks of rinderpest and foot and
mouth disease occurred in the two districts, i. e., Kolába and Surat. The Collectors
have been asked in future to forward reports in the prescribed form. As there are
no Veterinary Assistants in Sholápur and Bijápur it is difficult to ascertain whether
these districts were free. The probabilities are that they were not. The report-
ed numbers of attacks from various diseases was 5,465 against 4,284 last year.
Of this number 1,934 or 35.4 per cent. proved fatal. The attached sketch map
of the Bombay Presidency will show the tracts affected by cattle-disease during
the year and the degree of severity with which they were affected.
(2).—Outbreaks during the year.
39. Rinderpest—This disease was prevalent in several districts, being
severe in Thána. It contributed nearly 70 per cent. to the total mortality from
various diseases reported, 1,338 animals or 56.43 per cent. dying out of 2,371
attacked. After visiting reported outbreaks myself and deputing thoroughly
skilled Veterinary Graduates I came to the conclusion that during the past season
a great many cases have been reported as rinderpest which were nothing more
than the result of feeding emaciated animals on green leaves and other deliteri-
ous fodder.
Anthrax—Reported from Násik, Belgaum, Ratnágiri and Thána, being
serious in Násik. The total number attacked was 271, of which 249 or nearly
92 per cent. proved fatal.
Foot and mouth disease—Occurred in 7 out of 14 districts from which
reports were received. It was also reported from the Bombay City. The
mortality was low except in Kánara, where it reached 38 per cent., but where
the number attacked was only 18. In Khandesh it reached 31 per cent. and is
attributed to the emaciated condition of the cattle.
Pleuro-pneumonia.—A few cases reported from Poona and the Panch
Maháls only.
Charbon Symptomatique—Reported from 5 districts. The total number
attacked was 158, out of which 147 or 93 per cent. proved fatal.
Other diseases—Include cases of gloss anthrax reported from Poona and
Dhárwár, rabies from Kánara and surra from Broach.
(3).—Treatment, Vaccination, &c.
40. Out of 15 districts including the Bombay City which sent in reports
on cattle disease during the year, 9 had the advantage of the services of Veteri-
nary Graduates. It is to be regretted that the Thána District, which suffers from
cattle disease more than any other part of the Presidency should still for want
of funds be unable to avail itself of the services of a Veterinary Graduate.
Reports received from Veterinary Graduates show a distinct improvement in
coping with outbreaks of cattle-disease, and it is very satisfactory to note that
they now receive considerable help from owners, and difficulties which formerly
existed are gradually but slowly being overcome.
Inoculation.
41. After studying Drs. Turner's and Kolle's method of simultaneous
inoculation for rinderpest at the Cape I came to the conclusion that it was
successful and applicable to this country, providing thoroughly tested serum was
available in sufficient quantities. Immediately on my arrival in India last
November from furlough I applied to the Laboratory at Muktesar for 1,500
doses, as the cattle camps which were being formed at Ahmedabad appeared
ideal places for carrying out experiments. I received a demi-official from the
Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, requesting me to defer taking
any steps in the matter until I had seen him. An interview was arranged with-
out delay, and he informed me that owing to the Laboratory having been destroyed
by fire no serum was available at present and that further action in the
matter would consequently be delayed. Eventually it was decided that the pro-
cess still being in an experimental stage, and as no officer had carried out pre-