148
to circumstances being unfavorable to the growth, and multiplication of pathogenic
micro-organisms owing to unusual climatic conditions, as well as to the decrease in
the number of the bovine stock of the country from the effects of famine.
Foot and Mouth disease.—The disease was reported by Deputy Commissioners
in Table M. from every district, but Montgomery and Simla, but as it is very
contagious, it is extremely improbable that these districts remained free from it.
Though very contagious, it is not very fatal, the percentage of deaths being very
low. The highest percentage given is 8.16 in the Muzaffargarh district. The
total number of cases which occurred was 8,416 with 226 deaths, a percentage of
2.68. The Kangra reports show the largest number of cases, the number attacked
being 1,564, then comes Jallandar with 1,244, Ferozepur with 1,217, Ludhiana
with 1,026. The smallest number reported is 12 in the Dera Ghazi Khan district.
Pleuro-Pneumonia.—Only 62 cases altogether with 36 deaths have been
reported, these occurred in the Jullundar, Hissar, Ferozepur, Karnal, Amritsar and
Gurdaspur districts. The first having 24 cases, and the two last one each. It is
very doubtful if these were true contagious Pleuro-pneumonia; it is much more
likely they were ordinary pneumonia with pleurisy.
Other Diseases.—The total number of cases reported under this head was
15,783 with 751 deaths, a percentage of 4.75.
Total number attacked.—The total number attacked, including all diseases,
is reported to have been 30,370 with 4,719 deaths, a percentage of deaths from
all causes of 15.53.
Kashmir.
844. Contagious cattle disease of one description or another is nearly
always present in Kashmir, and as there is considerable traffic between that
State and India, it becomes a serious danger to the districts lying on the borders.
845. In May 1897 4 cases of Rinderpest were reported at Buniar. This
was attributed to the opening of the passes, and the transit of affected cattle so soon
after the Gilgit outbreak. A Veterinary Assistant was sent to the spot and
reported five more deaths. In July two more cases were reported.
846. The following extract is submitted from the diary of the Resident in
Kashmir:—
7th August.—From statements received from the Vice-President, Kashmir
State Council, under date 6th August 1897, it is noted that in the villages of the
Tehsil of Kotli, Kathua, Basolhi and Jasmergarh of the Jamu Province, 2,424
cattle suffered from disease between the 12th March to 29th June 1897, of which
278 are reported to have died. Of these there are 33 deaths, and 727 recoveries in
the Kotli Tehsil ; 79 deaths, 441 recoveries in the Kathua Tehsil; 115 deaths, 704
recoveries in the Basolhi Tehsil; and 51 deaths, 274 recoveries in the Jasmergarh
Tehsil.
One hundred and eighty-four cases of Rinderpest are reported to have occurred in
the Kathua Tehsil, 290 cases in the Basolhi Tehsil, and 170 cases in the Jasmergarh
Tehsil. In the villages of the Kotli Tehsil 15 cases of malignant sore-throat are
reported to have occurred and none of Rinderpest, and 17 cases of sore-throat in the
Basolhi Tehsil. The other reported forms of cattle disease were Pneumonia, Foot
and Mouth, Eczema Epizootica, Diarrhœa, Dysentry, Indigestion and Black quarter.
Under each of these, the following number of cases are reported to have occurred
in all the above four Tehsils:—
Pneumonia 215, Foot and Mouth 690 (none in Kotli Tehsil), Eczema
Epizootica 540 and Diarrhœa 13 only in Kotli Tehsil, Dysentry 22 (in Kotli and
Jasmergarh Tehsils only), Black quarter 31 (only in the Basolhi and Kathua
Tehsils), Indigestion 85, and suspected cases in all four Tehsils 151.
10th August.—Reports received from the Durbar's Veterinary Assistant,
through the Vice-President, show that Foot and Mouth disease is still prevalent in
Rampur, Uri, and Garhi, along the Jhelum Valley Road, but is gradually being
suppressed. No deaths occurred up to and on the 2nd August 1897.
24th August—Kashi Singh, Durbar Veterinary Assistant, has been recalled
to Srinagar, there being no further need of his services in Uri Ilaka where Foot
and Mouth disease is no longer reported to be prevalent.