21
See Table III.
17. Preventive inoculation against rinderpest was conducted in 302
outbreaks. 54,223 animals were inoculated, of which
262 died after inoculation. 4,046 uninoculated con-
tact animals died of the disease. This is the largest number of inoculations
carried out in this Presidency so far and it may be regarded as significant of
the progress and popularity of the department's endeavours. Results appear
to have been good on the whole. It is not easy to obtain absolutely accurate
and unprejudiced information in all places but improvement in this respect
may be expected. 88 inoculations in an outbreak of hæmorrhagic septicæmia at
the Northcote Cattle Farm at Chhárodi were performed and no deaths followed.
Instructions have been issued to the veterinary staff in regard to the use of
more laboratory products in the field and vaccination against blackquarter and
hæmorrhagic septicæmia will be carried out when the local conditions appear
to be suitable.
Other disease.
See Table IV.
18. 3,779 villages were visited by the Veterinary Assistants during the
year and apart from their work in connection with
the treatment and inoculation of animals suffering
from contagious disease they treated 14,271 animals for non-contagious ailments
and castrated 67. Animals for castration are usually brought to the dis-
pensaries but more cattle might be operated on in villages with advantage and
attention is being directed to the matter.
Investigation.
19. During the year the subordinate staff submitted 470 specimens to the
Sir Dinshaw Maneckjee Petit Patho Bacteriological Laboratory at Parel for
diagnosis and 32 morbid specimens to the museum. It is proposed to equip a
small laboratory at head-quarters for diagnostic and other work. There is
considerable scope for investigation but a special staff is required to deal with
it thoroughly. The question is under consideration.
Veterinary Dispensaries.
See Table V.
20. Two dispensaries were opened during the year, one at Muddebihál in
the Bijápur district and one at Saundatti in the
Belgaum district. There are 52 dispensaries at
present. At least one is required in each táluka. Several District Local Boards
are desirous of increasing the number of dispensaries in their districts and have
applied for the necessary assistance. The shortage of qualified recruits for the
department is delaying matters unfortunately. The total number of patients
treated was 126,915 against 120,741 in the previous year. The figures denote
steady and satisfactory progress. Of the above cases 44,656 were not brought
for treatment but their owners were given advice and medicine. This method
of treatment is not very satisfactory but it is unavoidable at present. New rules
for the local management of dispensaries have been circulated and practically
unanimously adopted.
21. During the year permanent buildings have been provided at Sátára,
Anand and Gadag and the existing site and building at Chikodi (Belgaum)
has been acquired with the help of grants from the Wadia Trust. The new
dispensary at Bulsár is nearing completion. Part of the necessary funds have
been provided through the liberality of Mr. Dhanbhura of Bulsár. It is pro-
posed to provide new buildings at Sávda (East Khándesh), Bárdoli (Surat) and
Bárámati (Poona) during the forthcoming year. Others are urgently required.
The hired buildings in which many of the dispensaries are accommodated are
unsuitable. The revised standard plans have been submitted to Government
for approval and it is hoped that they will soon be issued.
III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
(1) Bovines.
(i) Stud bulls and their produce.
See Table VIII.
22. The only Government stud bulls are those kept at the Northcote
Cattle Farm. Those maintained or provided by local
bodies are shown in Table VIII. Two districts have
* Information since received.
N 15 —6