51
two years. As Veterinary Captain Morgan states, it is unlikely that these dis-
tricts were as free from disease as the absence of reports would imply. Indeed
the dispensary reports each year show that in some districts, from which it is
not reported, disease did occur, and I have ventured to call the attention of the
Collectors to the subject. While this state of things exists, I am unable to feel
very sanguine as to the value of the statistics. They will, however, no doubt
improve as time goes on. It is of considerable importance that in districts where
Veterinary Graduates are entertained, the arrangements for giving them early
information of outbreaks should be more efficient than at present. Instances
occur of Graduates arriving in affected localities after the cessation of the epide-
mic. Another point in which improvement has been found necessary, is the
mode in which the Graduates report the way in which they dealt with the out-
break. A special form of report, approved by the Superintendent, Civil Veteri-
nary Department, has been drawn up in this office and circulated for general
adoption.
Year.
1894-95 ...
1895-96 ...
1896-97 ...
Attacks.
7,070
2,053
1,752
Deaths.
4,173
1,431
1,097
The figures reported in the year under report show that there were 18,513
attacks of epizootic disease, of which 8,810 or 47 per
cent. proved fatal. Nearly the whole of the disease
was rinderpest. The districts, that suffered most,
were Ratnágiri, Upper Sind Frontier, and Kánara.
As will be seen from the marginally noted figures,
Kánara annually suffers heavily. It has, therefore,
been suggested to the Collector that the District Local
Board should entertain a Veterinary Graduate for at
least a couple of years to visit promptly the scenes of
epidemic disease and aid in its suppression and prevention. A similar measure
has already been taken by the District Local Board of Ratnágiri.
Veterinary Dispensaries.
22. There were twelve stationary and four itinerating dispensaries at the
end of the year. The figures given below show a
steady and satisfactory increase both in the number of
patients treated and the percentage of cures:—
Year.
1892-93 ...
...
...
1893-94
...
...
...
1894-95...
...
...
1895-96
...
...
...
1896-97
...
...
...
Number of
dispensaries
open.
6
9
10
12
12
Total
number of
animals
treated.
4,466
9,843
13,936
17,554
19,614
PERCENTAGE SHOWN ON TOTAL ANIMAIS TREATED.
Cured.
70.3
74.89
76.33
75.36
78.16
Relieved.
10.2
9.99
8.27
7.57
6.14
Died.
2.9
3.09
3.01
3.24
2.90
Returned
incur-
able.
2.9
1.88
1.57
1.31
1.02
Results
un-
known.
11.3
7.80
9.05
10.08
10.27
Remaining
under treat-
ment at
end of year
2.4
2.35
177
2.44
1.51
The Superintendent appears to have found the work of the Assistants and
the condition of the dispensaries inspected generally satisfactory. Mr. Bhatt at
Ahmadabad, Mr. Háji at Karachi, Mr. Asudmal at Hyderabad, Mr. Modak
at Belgaum, and Mr. Jalihal, Itinerating Officer in the same district, are justly
commended by the Superintendent for their good work. The number of patients
treated by the other Itinerating Assistants is somewhat small. But the chief
value of these officers will probably be found in the ascertainment, prevention
and treatment of epidemics rather than in the treatment of particular cases. The
number of out-patients in Poona ought to be far larger than it is. The situation
of the dispensary has probably much to do with the difficulty. Enquiries are
being made on the matter. Mr. Judah Hyam and not Mr. Sanga was in charge
of the dispensary during the year. The proper authorities will be addressed
regarding the proposal of the Veterinary Assistant, which is supported by the
Superintendent, that the Poona and Kirkee Cantonment Committees should be
asked to contribute towards the cost of the dispensary in view of the fact that
they send cruelty cases to it for treatment.