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mortality statistics however, which are prepared from statements submitted by
Mámlátdárs and Mahálkaris, it may be remarked that the increase is probably
more apparent than real. Since epizootic disease reports have been obtained
from veterinary assistants as a routine there is a greater check on the submis-
sion of the statistical returns resulting in greater accuracy. Municipal
authorities except Bombay City have not furnished systematic returns up to the
present, but this is to be remedied in future. As the department increases in
strength and efficiency statistics will tend to exactitude which imports the
discovery of more deaths than are at present reported.
7. During the year 1,820 outbreaks were attended by Veterinary Assist-
ants and 87 by Veterinary Inspectors. Owing to shortage of staff it is not
possible to visit all outbreaks but the increase in the number attended is satis-
factory. Greater attention is being paid to this important work every year
and valuable experience and information is being gained.
8. As stated in last year's report epizootic disease in cattle is mainly
spread by movements of animals and in years of scarcity the danger is increased.
It is doubtful if restriction of movements involving legislation is practicable
at present.
Equine contagious disease.
9. Five deaths in horses from glanders occurred in Bombay City. The
rest of the Presidency was free of this disease. Surra was reported from seven
districts and Bombay City. A number of animals kept at the Panjrapoles in
the Thána District became affected with this disease and died. An arrangement
has now been made with the Bombay Panjrapole authorities to keep equines
at one Panjrapole in future where an isolation ward is being constructed.
Bovine contagious disease.
10. Rinderpest.—There were 13,168 deaths from rinderpest reported
against 6,833 in the previous year. The mortality in animals attacked was
44.8 per cent. No district was free from the disease. Dhárwár, Kanára,
Ahmednagar, Kolába and Thána Districts suffered the most. It was brought to
notice that a number of bison died in the Kánara forests. The serious outbreak
in the south of the Presidency which commenced in the previous year in the
Hángal Táluka of the Dhárwár District was imported from Mysore. It spread
throughout the Dhárwár District and affected the adjoining districts also.
Since November the losses have greatly declined and it is hoped that the
intensity of the outbreak is over. Without legislation and a very large staff it
is impossible to prevent a further recrudescence or guard against reinfection.
11. Foot and Mouth disease was reported from every district. 20,007
animals were attacked against 7,348 in the previous year. The number of
deaths reported was 291. This disease results in economic loss in working
cattle and milch cows but the mortality from it is usually insignificant.
12. Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia occurred in all the districts of the
Presidency except Ahmednagar, Sátára, Sholápur, Kánara and Bombay City.
There were 1,157 deaths reported against 1,494 in the previous year. The
decrease was due mainly to the scanty rainfall in the northern districts. In
many places the disease had disappeared before the arrival of the veterinary
assistant but the diagnosis was confirmed by microscopical examination in
21 outbreaks.
13. Black Quarter prevailed in 12 districts and 1,024 deaths were reported.
142 outbreaks were attended and the disease was diagnosed by microscopical
examination in 18 instances.
14. Anthrax was reported from 9 districts and caused 379 deaths. The
disease was only verified in one outbreak out of 39 attended by veterinary
assistants. It is rare to find a case alive however quickly the report of an out-
break may be attended to.