21
72 cases of rabies in dogs were reported by Veterinary Assistants.
Number of cases treated
for contagious disease. ~
Table IV.
9. 1,073 outbreaks of disease were attended by Veterinary Assistants and
39 by Veterinary Inspectors and all possible treatment
and assistance afforded. 24,478 cases of contagious
disease were treated on tour, being an increase of
16,787 cases over last year. As the staff is increased
epidemic disease will be brought under more effective control. An adequate
reserve is essential to deal with important outbreaks. This question is being
considered.
10. During the year the subordinate staff submitted 262 specimens to the
Bombay Veterinary College Laboratory for diagnosis and 40 morbid specimens
were sent to the College Museum.
(2) OTHER DISEASE
Other disease.—Table IV.
11. There was an increase of 1,172 in the number of cases treated for
non-contagious disease on tour. The total, viz., 14,312,
is somewhat surprising considering that there are no
itinerating Veterinary Assistants employed as such. Many of the men in charge
of dispensaries make tours however and are able to give advice if not con-
secutive treatment.
3,955 villages were visited by 50 Veterinary Assistants against 2,760 by 48
last year.
Castrations.—Table IV.
12. The number of castrations performed on tour has increased from 36
to 80, which is satisfactory. It is most desirable that
the people should employ the veterinary staff for this
work as much as possible.
(3) VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES
Veterinary dispensaries.—
Table V.
13. At the commencement of the year there were 46 Veterinary dispen-
saries and 4 more were opened during the year, viz.,
Vaduj in the Sátára District, Byadgi and Hubli in the
Dhárwár District and Chiplun in the Ratnágiri Dis-
trict. Certain of the more important dispensaries are graded as first class and
employ a larger staff. These are shown in Table V in capital letters. The
total number of patients treated was 1,20,741 against 1,06,142 in the previous
year: which testifies to the popularity of these institutions. It should be
recorded that out of the above total cases 44,300 were not brought for treat-
ment but their owners were supplied with advice and medicine.
Buildings and accommo-
dation.
14. The following dispensaries are provided with permanent buildings :—
Ahmedabad, Dhulia, Jalgaon, Nadiád, Ahmednagar,
Godhra, Nandurbár, Sholápur, Belgaum, Poona,
Bijápur, Násik, Surat, Amalner, Viramgam, Broach,
Dhárwár, Karád. Some are satisfactory but many require improvements and
additions, if not remodelling.
The following are being constructed :—Bulsár, Gadag and A'nand.
It is proposed to provide permanent buildings at Bársi, Pandharpur, Sátára
and Bárámati at an early date. Revised standard plans are under consideration.
It is most desirable that wherever possible standard plans should be adopted.
The remaining dispensaries are located in hired buildings and in many the
accommodation is very inadequate.
An annual grant of Rs. 15,000 is given by the Wadia Trust for the con-
struction of veterinary dispensaries on condition that an equal sum is contributed
by Government or Local Bodies.
This charitable project is a very worthy one and might well be emulated
by rich philanthropists who sympathise with animal relief.
N 5-6