24
229. Research.—The programme of research work for the year under
report included the following subjects:—
(i) Anthrax.—To continue the investigation laid down in the pro-
gramme of the previous year.
(ii) Charbon Symptomatique.—The preparation of an anti-serum.
(iii) Surra.—Methods of treatment.
(iv) Further tests of vaccines prepared during the past year against
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia and Charbon Symptomatique.
230. Anthrax.—As previously explained this investigation had to be
suspended for the greater part of the year. The results obtained are being
put together and will be published.
231. Charbon Symptomatique.—A serum was prepared with a view to
its use in actual outbreaks where the use of vaccine is attended with danger.
This serum has been tested in the Laboratory but not yet used in the field.
232. Surra.—The further investigation into the curative treatment of
surra has met with the most successful results. The tests which up to the
present have been carried out prove beyond any reasonable doubt that surra
in horses is curable by a simple treatment with arsenious oxide. We have
kept under continuous observation upwards of 60 treated cases. None have
shown a relapse during periods reaching up to two years from the completion
of their treatment.
233. In our hands we have been able to cure about 80 per cent. of cases
treated. The treatment was subjected to the most severe test it is possible to
apply. Twenty ponies from the Transport Corps were sent to the Laboratory
in October 1909. These ponies had contracted surra in the Kathgodam road.
They were in the last stage of the disease entirely emaciated and hardly able
to walk. They were aged ponies, most of them well over sixteen years. Out
of these twenty ponies, two died from colic not attributable to the treatment.
One died from injuries received by being cast in his stall. This occurred
some weeks after the completion of his treatment. Ten were returned to work
at the end of January 1910, having been under observation three months
from the termination of treatment. Seven others were returned to the Trans-
port at the end of March 1910. These also were kept under observation for
three months.
234. Further tests, etc.— Further tests with peritoneal washings in the
immunizing of animals against rinderpest have during the last few months
been made and it would appear that the method is valuable and a great
saving. This fluid is now being extensively used with no untoward results.
A number of other experimental investigations regarding vaccine against
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia and Charbon Symptomatique were carried out,
results of which will be submitted for publication.
235. Administration.—The arrangements for the supply of fodder and
fuel were satisfactory. As usual fodder in large quantities was obtained
from the forests of Dhari, Peora and Ramgarh, in addition to that supplied
by our own area.
236. The shortage in the supply of hill bulls is engaging our serious
attention. Every endeavour is being made to open new tracts of country for
the purpose of collection and every possible facility is given to the purchasing
agent.
237. Forests.—The Muktesar reserved forests supplied our demands for
fuel and charcoal and a small quantity of fodder. The administration was
carried on under the provisions of the sanctioned Working Plan. The Forest
Department recommended that the management of this area be left in their
hands, which course on account of the difficulties of dual control and other
reasons was not deemed advisable. The sowing and planting operations were
carried on as usual.
Bareilly Branch Laboratory.—This Depôt remained open during the past
year from the 15th of November 1909 to the middle of March 1910. The work
of serum testing, training of Veterinary Assistants, researches on camel