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tion in that district, and the experiment of establishing cattle camps under
European supervision was attempted. Large numbers of cattle were also sent
by train to districts where grass and water was abundant. As these camps
have yet some time to run, it is impossible in this report to state whether they
have been successful and whether it would be advisable under similar circum-
stances to adopt similar measures. However, I feel sure that, when the final
statistics of these experiments are compiled, they will prove of the utmost value
in future famine years. It is more with outbreaks of disease that have occurred
that I propose dealing. When these camps were established, the fact was re-
cognized that the bringing together of so many animals from different parts of
the district would most probably end in outbreaks of epidemic diseases, and with
a view to prevent such a possibility extreme caution and daily inspection by
qualified Veterinary Graduates was immediately organised and the sanitary
arrangements made as perfect as possible.
61. Sábarmati Camp No. 1—Ahmedabad—situated on the right bank of
the Sábarmati river was opened on the 22nd October, and closed on the 22nd
January 1900, after 1,121 cattle had been admitted. Up to the end of April,
the total casualties were as follows:—accidents 6, foot and mouth disease 1,
general debility (famine) 61. Foot and mouth disease commenced on the 8th
February, and ceased on the 14th March 1900, during which period there were
30 animals attacked, of which 29 recovered and 1 died. This camp was well
situated, a plentiful supply of water, and the animals improved in a remarkable
way.
62. Shahibág Camp No. 2—Ahmedabad—was originally started by the
District Superintendent of Police in the beginning of September 1899, and taken
over by Mr. Mollison on the 24th November, and after admitting 1,086 animals
was practically closed at the end of March. Up to the end of April the total
casualties were as follows:—rinderpest 17, pneumonia 7, debility (famine) 108,
dysentery 16. Rinderpest broke out on the 4th February and ceased on the 13th
March. During this period 10 animals were attacked, of which 7 died and 3
recovered. It again broke out in March, and ceased on the 17th idem. During
this period 14 animals were attacked of which 3 died and 11 recovered. Another
outbreak occurred on the 31st March, and ceased on the 15th April. There
were 9 animals attacked, of which 7 died and 2 recovered. During the last
outbreak it was noticed that the buffaloes in this camp did not feed well, had
a general unthrifty look, slight discharge from the eyes, and remained in this
state for some 14 days, when they gradually commenced to mend. No outward
or definite symptoms of rinderpest were developed, but I have no doubt that the
disease in a modified form went through the herd.
63. Dhuliakot Camp No. 3—Ahmedabad—opened on the 1st October 1899
and closed on the 24th February 1900. This camp originally contained 940
cattle, out of which 220 were selected and sent to the Pinjarapole. They were
considered too far gone to recover and not worth the risk. Out of the above
number 52 died—50 from debility (famine) and common ailments and 2 accidents
This camp has up to date been kept free of all contagious or infectious diseases.
64. Orphanage Camp No. 4—Ahmedabad—opened on the 1st October 1899,
and closed on the 27th April 1900. It contains 169 cattle, of which 4 have
died of debility (famine). This camp has been kept free of all contagious and
infectious diseases.
65. Cattle Camp No. 5—Ahmedabad—opened on the 31st October and
closed on the 17th March 1900. Situated at the back of the railway station, the
position was for many reasons bad, but the best obtainable at the time for the
purpose. It contains 570 head, of which 1/3rd are buffaloes. The total mortality
has been 112—rinderpest 31 and general debility, &c, 81. Rinderpest appeared
in this camp on the 25th February, and ceased on the 25th March 1900. During
this period 81 animals were attacked, of which 31 died and 50 recovered. When
the disease first broke out in this camp it was particularly noticeable that fully
80 per cent. of the cattle went slightly off their feed, had staring coats, and lost
condition, but presented no visible symptoms, and I think that the same thing
happened here as amongst the buffaloes in No. 2 Camp.