4
16. It is a pity that the use of tuberculin is not more generally known than
it is at present. As to its value, one case that came under notice during the year
is worthy of record. A cow was brought for inspection with the following
history. It had been purchased from a native dealer some weeks previously
with a calf at her foot. The milk she yielded was given to a European infant
which brought on diarrhœa of a persistent character. The calf also suffered
from the same malady and died. On examining the cow the udder was distinctly
tuberculous, and the immediate discontinuance of the use of her milk was urged
upon the infant's mother, with the result that the diarrhœa from which it suffered
soon ceased. The cow was now subjected to two separate tuberculin tests, to both
of which there was the distinctive reaction—Chart No. 6. The owner then con-
sented to the animal's destruction, and the autopsy revealed not only in the udder
but in the lungs the true characteristics of tuberculosis. Many lives might be saved
and much human misery averted by a judicious use of tuberculin, as it must not
be forgotten that one of the most prolific sources for the propagation of tuber-
culosis is through the medium of milk drawn from cows suffering from the
disease.
The cost per dose of tuberculin as a detective agent is so trifling, that there
would seem to be no great bar to its introduction generally, but in the hands of
a skilled agency.
17. A serious outbreak of Surra took place at Bassein amongst the tonga
ponies there. Out of 74 ponies in the town, 42 were attacked and died from the
disease, or 56 per cent. I visited Bassein and made an inspection, with the view
of finding out the cause ; a report of which was conveyed to Government in my
letters Nos. 421-L. and 427-L., dated 4th and 10th November 1898, respectively.
Several cases of Surra occurred in the hack gharry stables at Bándra.
The disease also prevailed in Bombay and makes its appearance annually.
18. The Inspector-General Civil, Veterinary Department, having, in his
letter No. 56—295-M., dated 24th January 1899, asked for information regard-
ing the prevalence of rabies, and for recommendations to prevent its extension,
a report with statistics was submitted on the subject through Government.
19. It is satisfactory to report that steps are being taken, by the Municipal-
ity on the recommendations made by this Department through Government, to
improve the sanitary condition of the commission, livery and hack carriage
stables.
20. I mentioned in my report for the year 1897-98 that the removal of
stable refuse during the importing season in the dealers' stables was not quick
enough, and the practice of accumulating large quantities of it still obtains
to an extent in the native owners' stables.
21. The question of the disinfection of Railway horse boxes, referred to in
paragraph 6 of Government of India's Resolution No. 10-124—4, dated 7th June
1898, Revenue and Agricultural Department, to which my attention was drawn
in Government Resolution, Revenue Department, No. 4330, dated 1st July 1898,
had received my attention as far back as 1892, i.e., when the Department for
the suppression of glanders was formed. Both the Railway Companies here
have always given effect to my recommendations in this direction.
22. Mr. Ainsworth Wilson, M.R.C.V.S., of the firm of Messrs. R. Scott
& Co., Veterinary Surgeons, Bombay, a Veterinary Practitioner, under Act XX
of 1879, having severed his connection with that firm, Mr. Francis Evelyn
Place, M.R.C.V.S., M.R.A.S. (England), of the same firm, was appointed,
under Government Resolution, Revenue Department, No. 4408, dated 6th July
1898, in his place.
23. Veterinary Police Constable No. 251-F. died from Plague and was
replaced by Police Constable No. 1802-F., Govind Vishnu.
24. Government in their letter No. 6635, Revenue Department, dated 17th
October 1898, directed me to report fully on the suitability of the site proposed
by the Collector of Kolába and the Commissioner, Southern Division, on Hog