NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
5
The incidence of surra amongst private owned camels.
One thousand seven hundred and forty-four blood smears,
taken from private owned camels, were examined ; of these twen-
ty-three were found to be positive. Trypanosomes only appear in
the peripheral circulation at intervals ; if private owned camels
could be kept under daily blood examination for a few days, a
very much larger number would be found to be suffering from
the disease. Two hundred and fourteen cases of surra amongst
Military camels in the Punjab were detected by officers of the
Royal Army Veterinary Corps and seventeen cases of surra
were detected by the Civil Veterinary Department. From the
number of cases that I have diagnosed from clinical symptoms,
I am of opinion that 25 to 30 per cent. of the camels in the
Punjab are surra-infected.
Warbles in cattle and goats.
Further investigations were carried out in connection with
" warbles." The identity of the flies causing warbles in cattle
and goat in the Punjab has now been determined.
The fly causing warbles in cattle in the Punjab is the
Hypoderma lineatum, Villers ; no specimens of Hypoderma
bovis have so far been obtained. The fly causing warbles in
goats has been described and named by Major W. S. Patton
(vide Indian Journal of Medical Research, October 1922).
Very large numbers of goats and cattle have been examined
for warbles to ascertain the range of infection. Goats kept
in the plains are practically free from warbles, but those kept
in hilly tracts are heavily infected (40 to 90 per cent).
Cattle kept in the plains as well as those kept in the hills
are heavily infected ; of 41,861 cattle examined, 11,593 were
found infected with warbles.
New Species of Flies discovered.
The oorial (wild sheep) bot-fly has been bred out; specimens
were forwarded to Major Patton, who informs me that he con-
siders it a new species ; it will shortly be named and described
by him.
In addition to the new species of Tabanidæ obtained last
year several more new species have been obtained ; they will be
described and named in due course.
The fly causing warbles in cattle (Hypoderma lineatum
Villers, well known in Europe) was obtained for the first time
in India, and the Hypoderma crossii of goats is a new species.
6
Surra Transmission Experiments.
Experiments were carried out with Tabanus albimedius and
Ornithodorus ticks, full details of which have been published in
Veterinary Bulletin No. 12 of 1923. The results obtained were
as follows :—
Tabanus Albimedius.
(1) Interrupted feeds.
(a) When trypanosomes present in the peripheral circula-
tion of surra-infected animal on which flies were
fed :—
Ten positive results out of fifteen experiments.
(b) When trypanosomes absent from the peripheral
circulation of surra-infected animal on which flies
were fed :—
Three positive results out of seventeen experiments.
(2) Uninterrupted feeds.
(a) When trypanosomes present in the peripheral cir-
culation of surra-infected animal on which flies
were fed :—
No positive result out of eleven experiments.
Conclusions :—From the experiments the following con-
clusions may be drawn :—
(a) Tabanus albimedius is capable of transmitting surra¬
from a surra-infected animal to healthy animals.
(b) The method of transmission of surra by Tabanus
albimedius is direct.
(c) Though Tabanus albimedius may feed on a surra-
infected animal they are incapable of transmitting
the disease to healthy animals, if the surra-infected
feed has taken place one to four days previously.
(d) The time when a surra-infected animal is most danger-
ous as a reservoir is during a paroxysm (i.e., when
trypanosomes are present in the peripheral circula-
tion); as the paroxysms are more frequent in camels
during the early stages of the disease it follows that
a freshly infected camel is more dangerous than a
camel that has been suffering from the disease for
a considerable time.
7
Ornithodorus Ticks.
The ticks used were Ornithorus crossii (Brumpt).
(1) Interrupted feeds.
(a) When trypanosomes present in the peripheral cir-
culation of surra-infected animal on which the ticks
were fed :—
Out of seven experiments no positive result was
obtained.
(2) Uninterrupted feeds.
(a) When trypanosomes present in the peripheral cir-
culation of the surra-infected animal on which ticks
were fed : - Out of twenty experiments two positive results
were obtained ; the interval between the
infected and healthy feeds being one month and
seventeen days, respectively.
(b) When trypanosomes absent from the peripheral cir-
culation of the surra-infected animal on which the
ticks were fed :—
Out of twelve experiments one positive result was
obtained ; the interval between the infected and
healthy feeds being one month.
Conclusions.
(a) These ornithodorus ticks are incapable of spreading
the disease by direct transmission.
(b) These ticks were found capable of spreading the disease
to a healthy animal seventeen days and one month after feed-
ing on an infected animal.
(c) There is probably a cyclical development of the try-
panosome within the tick.
In connection with the transmission of disease by Tabanidæ,
it is more than probable that they are an important factor in the
spread of Rinderpest and Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.
Fillariarsis.
This disease is common in camels—when filaria are present
in the peripheral circulation there is considerable rise of tem-
perature. Injections of tartar emetic expel the filaria from the
peripheral circulation.
8
Collection of Biting Flies.
A very large area has now been surveyed, with special
reference to surra and a large collection of flies has been made.
A preliminary report on the fly survey of the Punjab has already
been submitted to you.
General Remarks.
The whole staff have worked extremely hard, and I am
greatly indebted to them for the assistance they have given
me. I would specially bring to your notice the work done by
Veterinary Inspector Kahan Singh, Senior Veterinary Assistant
Abdulla Khan, Veterinary Assistant Udham Singh, Manawar
Din, Artist, Babu Gopal Dass and Laboratory Assistant
Muhammad Zaman. Babu Sham Shanker deserves mention for
the manner in which he has carried out the clerical work of the
office and Veterinary Assistant Kishen Singh for his great
assistance while out on tour.
Statement of expenditure incurred by the office of the Camel
Specialist, together with fly survey of the Punjab,
during the year 1922-23.
Sub-Head of the Budget.
Salaries and local allowances of officers
Pay of establishment
...
Travelling allowances of officers
Travelling allowances of establishment
Supplies etc. (Chemical and Apparatus
Contingencies
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Purchase and stable feed and keep of animals
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Travelling allowances and contingencies in connection with fly survey of the
Punjab
...
Total
...
Amount.
Rs.
22,254
13,272
2,265
2,342
1,144
7,689
11,493
3,977
64,439
A.
13
14
8
7
0
3
12
5
15
P.
0
0
0
0
0
9
1
7
5
H.E. CROSS, CAPTAIN, I.V.S.,
M.R., C.V.S., D.V.H., A.Sc.,
Camel Specialist.
7 D of A—251—4 6-23-SGPP Lahore.
Printed by the
Superintendent
Govt. Printing,
Punjab.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CAMEL SPECIALIST
For the year 1923-24.
Lahore:
Printed by the Superintendent, Government Printing, Punjab.
1924.
Price : Re. 0-4-0 or 4d.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CAMEL SPECIALIST
For the year 1923-24.
Lahore:
PRINTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, GOVERNMENT PRINTING, PUNJAB.
1924.
Revised List of Agents for the sale of Punjab Government Publications.
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
CONSTABLE & Co., 10, Orange Street,
Leicester Square, London, W. C.
KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRÜBNER & Co.,
Limited, 68-74, Carter Lane, E. C., and
39, New Oxford Street, London, W. C.
BERNARD QUARITCH, 11, Grafton Street,
New Bond Street, London, W.
P. FISHER UNWIN, Limited, No. 1, Adelphi
Terrace, London, W. C.
P. S. KlNG & SON, 2 & 4, Great Smith
Street, Westminster, London, S. W.
GRINDLAY & Co., 54, Parliament Street,
London, S. W.
W. THACKER & Co., 2, Creed Lane,
London, E. C.
LUZAC & Co., 46, Great Russell Street,
London, W. C.
B. H. BLACKWELL, 50 and 51, Broad
Street, Oxford.
DEIGHTON BELL & CO., Limited, Cam¬
bridge.
OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court, Edin-
burgh.
E. FONSONBY, Limited, 116, Grafton
Street, Dublin.
Messrs. WHELDON & WESLEY, Limited,
2, 3 & 4, Arthur Street, New Oxford
Street, London, W. C. 2.
Messrs. EAST & WEST, Limited, 3, Vic-
toria Street, London, S. W. I.
ON THE CONTINENT.
ERNEST LEROUX,
28, Rue Bonaparte,
Paris, France.
MARTINUS
NIJHOFF,
The
Hague
Holland.
OTTO HARRASSOWITZ, Leipzig.
FRIEDLANDER & SOHAN, Berlin.
IN INDIA.
MANAGER, Civil and Military Gazette
Press, Lahore.
RAI SAHIB M. GULAB SINGH & SONS,
Mufid-i-'Am Press, Lahore.
RAMA KRISHNA & SONS, Book-sellers and
News Agents, Anarkali Street, Lahore.
MANAGER, Punjab Law Book Depôt,
Anarkali Street, Lahore.
SECRETARY, Punjab Religious Book
Society, Anarkali Street, Lahore.
MANAGER, Roze Bazar Steam Press,
Amritsar.
MANAGER, Imperial Book Depôt, Delhi.
THACKER SPINK & Co., Simla.
THACKER SPINK & Co., Calcutta.
W. NEWMAN & Co., Ltd., Calcutta.
D. B. TARAPOREVALA, SONS & Co.,
Bombay.
HIGGINBOTHAMS, Limited, Madras.
No. 718—5-00-4-14853.
FROM
C. A. BARRON, ESQ., C.S.I., C.I.E., C.V.O.. I.C.S.,
Financial Commissioner and Secretary to Gov-
ernment, Punjab (Development Department),
To
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, PUNJ-
AB (MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE).
Dated Lahore, the 17th November 2924.
SIR,
I AM directed to acknowledge receipt of 5 advance
copies of the Annual Report of the Camel Specialist for the
year 1923-24 forwarded with your letter No. 557-C., dated
6th October 1924.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
R. H. CRUMP,
for Secretary, Development Department.
317 FC-256-25-11-24-SGPP Lahore
No. 7-45-81.
FROM
D. MILNE, ESQUIRE, B.SC. (AGRI.), I.A.S.,
Offg. Director of Agriculture, Punjab,
To
THE FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER AND
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, PUNJAB,
(DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT).
Dated Lahore, the 7th August 1924.
SUBJECT.—Annual Report of the Camel Specialist, Sohawa,
for the year 1923-24.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward herewith the Annual
Report of the officer-in-charge of the Camel Specialist's
Office, Sohawa, for the year 1923-24.
The report speaks for itself and needs little comment.
With Mr. Branford I wish to congratulate S. Kahan
Singh on having accomplished so much useful work under
adverse circumstances. I regret to note that the Fly Sur-
vey which was started in April 1921 had to be closed down
on 1st November 1923 for want of funds.
The main aim of the survey was to discover what flies
are transmitting agents of Surra, their habits and habitats,
and to collect all information about them which would help
in controlling the disease. Mr. Cross suspected that certain
species of Tabanidæ predominate in certain localities and
that certain blood-sucking flies, e.g., Lyperosia are only found
in certain localities, and he thought that if certain flies are
found in Surra zones and not in Surra-free zones it would
be a step forward in determining what flies are the trans-
mitting agents of Surra.
During the survey, collections of all blood-sucking flies
were being made from every Tahsil surveyed, and a large
number of camels and other animals were examined to
2
determine the incidence of Surra. Transmission experi-
ments were also carried on with the flies that were caught,
or were bred in the Laboratory.
Many new species of Tabanidæ flies which transmit
the disease were found. It was discovered that Tabanidæ
lay their eggs on leaves, of aquatic plants; on leaves
of trees and on rocks overhanging water; also that
Tabanidæ are more prevalent in a year of good mon-
soon than in a year when the monsoon is poor. As a
result Mr. Cross was able to point out that all low-lying
swampy tracts and tracts bordering rivers and canals must
be regarded as dangerous from a Surra point of view, and
that dry sandy areas are not nearly so dangerous. But only
a few areas of the province have been surveyed, and
much yet remains to be done. The work already accomp-
lished also indicates that much has yet to be discovered
regarding the role which flies such as Lyperosia, Stomoxys
Philæmtomia, etc., and mosquitos play in the spread
of Surra.
During this survey, also much information regarding
Bot flies, Ticks, etc., was collected which will be of great
value in dealing with diseases of other animals.
It will be seen, therefore, that the fly survey has
thrown a great deal of light on the incidence of Surra,
and other diseases of domestic animals, and I sincerely hope
that money will be found to continue it.
The preliminary report of the Fly Survey of the
Punjab during 1921-23 has just been published.
Mr. Cross has conferred a benefit of great magnitude
on the province by his discovery of the Tartar Emetic
cure for Surra; by his discoveries that the parasite is
transmitted by ticks ; that buffaloes and goats are im-
mune reservoirs of the disease, etc., etc. A whole field of
work has been opened up with all sorts of possibilities of
economic importance, and new information of value is
coming out with each report.
In the Legislative Council session of March 1922, it
was stated that the Punjab Government derives no benefit
out of this Institute, and that it is the Government of India
that is mostly benefited ; further, that if the Government of
India decline to bear a considerable proportion of the ex-
penditure on the institution it should be abolished. I
3
mention the point as I feel that it is not realised in many
quarters what the closing down of this institution would
mean to the Punjab.
There are about 2½ lakhs of camels in the province used
both for civil transport and for agricultural purposes,
and it is evident that a considerable percentage of these
are infected with Surra. Then there are about 3 3/4 lakhs
equines in the province and these and other domestic
animals are also liable to the disease. From what has
been discovered already it is evident that if the com-
mon diseases of these animals are to be understood, and
intelligent attempts are to be made to combat them on the
most economical lines, this institution must be kept open. In
my opinion it would be nothing short of a calamity to both
rural and urban keepers of live stock if the investigations,
referred to above, were stopped at this stage.
It is essential also that a fully qualified officer be put
in charge of this line of work and it is hoped that Mr. Cross
may yet return and continue the work which he has so very
well begun.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
D. MILNE,
Offg. Director of Agriculture, Punjab.
Annual Report of the Camel Specialist
for the year 1923-24.
I took over charge of the office of the Camel Specialist,
on 5th April 1923, from Mr. H. E. Cross, I. V. S., who
proceeded on long leave preparatory to retirement, and held
charge throughout the year.
2. As a result of my having been promoted to Deputy
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, in the
Provincial Service, the following temporary promotions
were made :—
(1) 1st grade veterinary assistant, B. Abdulla Khan,
to veterinary inspectorship.
(2) 2nd grade veterinary assistant, Bhai Kishen Singh,
to 1st grade.
3. To fill up the vacant post of 2nd grade veterinary
assistant in this office the services of 3rd grade veterinary
assistant, Lala Parja Ram, were lent from the office of the
Chief Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Punjab,
on temporary promotion to 2nd grade, with effect from
24th December 1923.
4. In the vacancy caused by the death of Bh. Himat
Singh, a veterinary assistant for fly survey of the Punjab,
Laboratory assistant Mohamed Zaman was promoted as a
temporary veterinary assistant and appointed with effect
from 1st April 1923. Faqir Chand was engaged temporarily
as laboratory assistant vice M. Mohamed Zaman, promoted.
5. On abolition of fly survey of the Punjab, the
services of the following staff were dispensed with, with,
effect from 1st November 1923:—
1. Bhai Udham Singh, Veterinary Assistant.
2. Lala Parja
Ram
„
„
3. B. Sultan Mahmud
„
„
4. M. Mohamed Zaman „
„
5. M. Manawar-ud-din Artist.
6. Lala Gopal Dass Clerk.
7. Ten menials.
2
The services of 1st three veterinary assistants were
kindly absorbed by the Chief Superintendent, Civil Veterin-
ary Department, Punjab, in his cadre, and M. Mohamed
Zaman reverted to his permanent lien of laboratory
assistant, relieving temporary laboratory assistant Faqir
Chand, discharged.
M. Manawar-ud-din was appointed as an artist in the
Punjab Veterinary College, Lahore, and retention of clerk
Lala Gopal Dass in this office vice permanant clerk Lala
Sham Shanker on leave, was sanctioned by the Director of
Agriculture, Punjab.
The services of M. Ghulam Mohamed, a veterinary
assistant in connection with fly survey of the Punjab, were
dispensed with, with effect from 25th September 1923,
owing to absence from duty for a long time.
6. Practically no touring could be done during the
year for want of funds. I travelled 1,372 miles by rail and
18 miles by road, while my predecessor Mr. H. E. Cross,
travelled 11 miles by road during the short period of 4 days,
for which he remained in charge.
7. Three hundred and one animals, belonging to pri-
vate owners, were treated for various diseases during the
year under report.
Treatment of surra by Cross' method.
This year a sufficient number of surra infected camels
were submitted to this treatment and fair results were
obtained.
Twenty-five surra cured camels were returned to Mili-
tary Department, none out of them, have been reported as
relapsed up to date.
Six experimental camels were treated for surra and out
of them 5 were cured and sold by public auction.
The result of treatment of surra in camels being found
unsatisfactory at Lahore Cantonment, the Deputy Director
of Veterinary Services, Northern Command, arranged for
two batches of surra infected camels (each consisting of 20
camels), one to be treated at Sohawa, and the other at the
Station Veterinary Hospital, Lahore Cantonment.
3
The excellent result obtained in the batch at the Sta
tion Veterinary Hospital, Lahore Cantonment, shows that
the animals while under treatment should be well protected
against cold and heat, and looked after properly under these
good conditions. Nineteen camels out of the 20 were cured,
making a percentage of 95 per cent.
Though the result of treatment of the batch at Sohawa
was not so good, yet the treatment under question can in
no way be regarded as non-effective, because the season,
while the batch was under treatment, was absolutely un-
favourable. It was extremely cold and rained constantly
for many days, resulting to 10 deaths out of the 20 camels
by pneumonia only. Every effort was made to protect the
camels against cold and rain, but in vain, as the Serai,
where the camels were stabled (no accommodation being
available in the office compound), leaked badly during the
rain, and the camels got wet.
Season for treatment of surra.—The best months for this
treatment are March, April and middle of May and again
September, October and November. The camels suffering
from this disease can also be treated in June, July and
August, provided there is a good grazing, sufficient shade
and plenty of drinking water available. It should also be
seen, before the treatment is commenced, that there is no
surra case in the neighbourhood, through which the animal
can become reinfected through the agency of biting flies
(Tabanidæ) while out on grazing.
Camals suffering from surra, should on no consideration
be treated in the extreme cold unless they are kept in
sheds, covered with jhools and sufficiently protected against
draughts of cold wind.
The treatment of surra cases, diagnosed in winter, i.e.,
December, January and February, should better be kept
pending for treatment, till the suitable season, i.e., March,
when the season is warmer and sufficient grazing available.
In the meantime it should be injected with small doses of
one per cent solution of tartar emetic, say, 50 c.c. once a
week, to prevent entering of tryps into its peripheral circu-
lation and to avoid loss in condition.
A large number of experiments has been made during
the year under report with a view to—
(1) reduce the number of doses of tartar emetic.
4
(2) prepare an emulsion of tartar emetic, which
can be injected intramuscularly and subcutane¬
ously, without producing suppuration, but no
such emulsion has so far been obtained.
Experiments on treatment of surra in Ponies
and Donkeys.
Forty-two ponies and five donkeys were altogether
submitted to the treatment as follows :—
(a) 2 ponies by tryparsamide.
(b) 40 ponies by tartar emetic.
(c)
5 donkeys by tartar emetic.
(a) The two ponies submitted to treatment by try-
parsamide relapsed, one just after the treat-
ment flushed, and the other during the
treatment.
(b) 40 ponies were submitted to surra treatment
by tartar emetic in two batches :—
(1) in artificial surra cases.
(2) in natural surra cases.
(1) Treatment of surra in artificial surra cases.
Fourteen ponies, cast by Military Department, were
submitted to this treatment at this laboratory and the result
obtained was excellent. Only one pony relapsed after the
treatment was discontinued.
(2) Treatment of surra in natural surra cases.
Twenty-six ponies of private owners were subjected to
this treatment at veterinary hospital Qilla Sheikhupura, on
Deg Nulla, one of the worst surra zones in the province, with
the result that five were cured totally. There is every hope
of success in the treatment of surra in ponies by tartar
emetic, if it is made under proper control and at a favour-
able season.
(c) Out of five donkeys, submitted to this treatment,
three were cured and two died during the treatment.
A detailed report on the treatment of surra in ponies
and donkeys by tartar emetic, together with its doses, inject-
ed intravenously, will shortly be submitted to your office.
5
Experiments with bayer 205.
No experiments could be carried out this year as the
drug was not procured during the year under report.
Treatment of mange in camels.
As the Public Works Department could not make the
dip water-tight during the year, no experiments on mange
could be made, hence the treatment of mange in camels had
to be carried out by applying taramira oil, which has so far
been proved the best curative treatment of the disease.
Incidence of surra in private-owned camels.
Owing to financial stringencies and abolition of fly
survey of the Punjab, only very limited touring could be
made during the year to determine the incidence of surra in
private-owned camels. Out of 1,017 camels belonging to
private owners, examined for surra, 10 were found positive
in Gujrat and Shahpur Districts.
Surra transmission experiments.
Surra transmission experiments were carried out during
the fly season with the following species of Tabanidæ, flee,
and ticks:—
1. T. bicallosus.
2. T. virgo.
3. T. hilaris.
4. T. ditaeniatus.
5. C. felis.
6. O. crossii.
7. O. lahorensis.
A detailed report on the experiments made by these
species of Tabanidæ, flee and ticks, in connection with trans-
mission of surra, will shortly be submitted to you.
1. Transmission of surra by T. bicallosus.—Though a
few experiments were carried out with this species in 1921
at this laboratory and no positive result was obtained, 34
more experiments by interrupted feeds only were carried
out this year to come to a definite conclusion whether this
species of Tabanidæ, which is very common in the province,
plays any part in transmission of the disease or not. Out of
the 34 experiments made, 7 gave positive results.