2
The total mortality during the year in the Presidency proper from conta-
gious diseases amounted to 16,294 as against 9,378 cases in the previous year
and 4,074 in 1913-14. There was however some decrease in mortality from
anthrax and hæmorrhagic septicæmia, though black quarter claimed a
much higher toll of victims particularly in the Ahmednagar District, while
amongst equines there was a slight increase in surra.
The number of veterinary dispensaries, increased during the year by one,
was 53 in which 139,748 patients received treatment, an advance of over 10
per cent. on the figures of 1914-15.
Another gratifying feature is the progress shown in the treatment of
disease in outlying villages, 3,445 of which were visited during the year by
veterinary assistants on tour. 27,481 cases of contagious and 16,124 cases
of non-contagious disease received treatment, the corresponding figures for
the previous year being 13,959 and 14,271. The increase is no doubt due
partly to the prevalent epidemics but also indicates the growing popularity of
veterinary treatment amongst the agricultural classes.
It is a matter for regret that the department is still handicapped by
paucity of staff though the number of veterinary assistants rose by 8 to 71.
The services of three Inspectors were lent to the Military Department.
3. In Sind, as in the Presidency proper, there was a very marked rise in
mortality from contagious disease, the number of deaths rising from 2,560 in
the previous year to over 4,000. The increase was entirely due to the preval-
ence of parasitic gastritis amongst sheep and goats.
A welcome decrease however is noticed in mortality from hæmorrhagic
septicæmia and also in deaths from surra among equines which fell from 163
last year to 8 in 1915-16. As a result of the reduced prevalence of the former
disease, fewer animals were inoculated during the year. The number of vete-
rinary dispensaries was not added to and the number of animals treated,
15,662, shows but little variation from the returns of the previous year. The
Governor in Council however observes with satisfaction the very considerable
and encouraging advance in the number of treatments administered on tour
by veterinary officers who dealt with 8,570 animals in 1,652 villages compared
with 2,554 animals in 938 villages in 1914-15.
The necessity of preserving and improving the valuable breed of Karachi
cattle was brought to the attention of breeders by the cattle show at Karachi
at which His Excellency the Governor was present. The Governor in Council
will watch with interest the development of the scheme for the establishment
of a cattle farm for this purpose, towards the cost of which a generous dona-
tion of Rs. 15,000 has been contributed by Seth Chellárám Dallumal. It is
noted that the Veterinary Department and some of the District Local Boards
have under contemplation a scheme for improving the type of pony bred in
Sind.
4. The results of the year's work in the Veterinary Department give cause
for satisfaction both in Sind, where the department is, as yet, in the develop-
ment stage, and in the Presidency proper where, in particular, the energy
shown in dealing with the serious epidemic of rinderpest reflects credit upon
the Superintendent and his staff.
A. F. L. BRAYNE,
Under Secretary to Government.
G. R. No. 10779, R. D., dated 10th November 1916.
To
The Commissioner in Sind and the Commissioners of Divisions,
All Collectors, including the Deputy Commissioner, Upper
Sind Frontier,
The Director of Agriculture,
With
copies of
the Re¬
port.