11
in Laboratory experiments, proved capable of accomplishing this. He has
prepared 3,133 doses of this material which is now being tested in the field,
and it is hoped will be found efficient. This disease causes very heavy annual
losses and anything which tends to decrease it will be much valued by the
people. Experiments are now being conducted with a view to ascertaining the
length of time for which the conferred immunity lasts.
82. Dr. Lingard has continued his experiments with Surra and has endea-
voured to produce immunity by means of a prophylactic or curative serum, by
attenuating the trypanosoma by means of cultures and by passing it through
bodies of animals other than equines. In addition to this, treatment with
Trypanrot and arsenate of Soda have been tried. Unfortunately, none of
these methods are of much practical value and we are still, after years of
patient work, not only in our own Laboratory but in many others in America
and on the Continent, as far off as ever from an efficient prophylactic or
curative agent for this deadly and widespread disease.
83. Charbon Symptomatique has by its prevalence in certain parts of the
country claimed a share of attention. It has unfortunately been so far found
impossible to cultivate the Bacterium at Muktesar. Successful inoculations
had been carried on in the Punjab by Captain Walker and Mr. Oliver last
year with a protective vaccine prepared by Arloing, Cornevin and Thomas, but
this was discontinued pending the preparation of a serum at the Laboratory.
Owing to failure of obtaining culture we are again issuing this and it will
be available during the coming year. I consider this very desirable as the
inoculations so far made have been successful and the people are asking that
their young stock may be protected by the method.
84. Dourine.—Cases of this disease have been kept under observation during
the year.
85. Cases of Piroplasmosis, Trypanosomiasis and Malignant œdema have
been found complicating Rinderpest in serum producing animals at Muktesar.
86. Altogether 124 specimens have been sent to the Laboratory for examina-
tion and report, the greater number being pus from cases of Lymphangitis
Epizootica.
87. On reference to Table XV, the average cost of preparation of different
sera in this Laboratory is calculated at Re. 0-8-4 per dose during the past year,
and if the total expenditure, viz., Rs. 98,268-6-3 is put against the total out-
put of sera which is 187,511 doses (including Mallein), it will be seen that a
sum of about Rs. 89,243 would have been saved to Government, should such
articles be available in the market and paid for, even at the rate of one rupee
per dose, a sum only two-thirds of the price charged in South Africa.
88. The Laboratory work done during the year has been very heavy and
successful and it reflects great credit on the Imperial Bacteriologist and his
Assistants. The scope of the rough programme of work sketched is enormous
and really too great to be dealt with by one Bacteriologist and the limited staff
at present employed.
GOVERNMENT CATTLE FARM, HISSAR.
89. Tables XVI and XVII. This Farm has now been in our charge for six
years and has continued to show satisfactory results during the year under
report. The breeding herd consisted of 782 cows and 18 bulls and the number
of calves born was 620, of which 297 were males and 323 females. The percent-
age 79.28 is considered very good. Thirteen cows died, 1 was destroyed and 26
were cast as unsuitable, whilst 46 of the best cows of the Harriana breed
procurable in the districts were added to the herd as well as 80 first class heifers
produced on the farm and carefully selected and valuable stock. The herd at
the close of the year therefore numbered 828 cows against 736 the previous
year. As stated last year, we aim at maintaining a herd of 1,100 cows to
enable us to meet present demands for Ordnance bullocks and bulls for our own
and district use. Suitable cows are, however, difficult to obtain in the districts
and can only occasionally be procured. There are on the Farm 747 female
young stock and 624 young male stock.