7
There is very little doubt that this epidemic was caused, as the Superintend-
ent of Vaccination of the Presidency Circle states, by the large influx of immi-
grants from famine-stricken districts, many probably from Native States, and
imperfectly protected. The period at which the outbreak began coincides with
the time when the pinch of famine began to be felt and the death-rate to rise in
the famine-affected areas.
It is satisfactory to note that the Department met the outbreak with ener-
getic measures as the increase of 3,787 primary vaccinations and 31,363 re-
vaccinations or a total increase of 35,150 operations over the numbers operated
on in the previous year sufficiently testify.
It was extremely fortunate that the calves were healthy and that the De-
partment had some little time previously secured stables, which though far from
perfect, were yet a great advance on the badly situated and badly ventilated
stables previously occupied, and greatly contributed to the health of the animals.
It is to be hoped that soon, with this epidemic in mind, a good central vaccine
laboratory with proper scientific stabling for calves will be provided, one to
which visitors to Bombay can be taken without fear of causing adverse remarks.
The way in which the outbreak was met reflects the greatest credit on Ráo
Bahádur Shantaram Vinayak Kantak, L.M. & S., the Superintendent, and those
who worked under him.
Expenditure.
22. The total expenditure on account of vaccination as compared with
the preceding year is shown in the following state-
ment :—
Establishment.
Provincial ... ... ...
Municipal and Cantonment.
Local Fund ... ...
Native States ... ...
Total ...
1898-99.
Rs.
83,477
37,794
1,03,750
30,785
2,55,808
a.
9
14 9
13
14
p.
6
6
1
4
5
1899-1900.
Rs.
82,392
40,029
1,04,573
31,288
2,58,283
a.
4
9
2
2
2
p.
7
1
0
5
1
Increase.
Rs. a. p.
......
2,234
822
502
2,474
10
8
5
3
7
11
1
8
Decrease.
Rs.
1,085
a.
4
p.
11
......
......
......
......
The total cost for the Presidency, including all charges, was Rs. 2,58,283-2-1
against Rs. 2,55,808-14-5 in the preceding year, whilst the successful cases
excluding dispensaries were 663,658, the average cost for each successful case
being 6 annas and 3 pies, against 6 annas and 9 pies in the preceding year.
Progress of animal vacci¬
tion.
23. Animal vaccination was carried on in the
following places of the Bombay Presidency during the
year.
24. In the Western Registration District, vaccination with animal lymph
was performed in 8 villages of the Khándesh, in 1 of the Násik, and in 2 of the
Kolába Collectorates.
25. In the City of Bombay, vaccination with animal lymph exclusively
was carried on throughout the year.
26. In the Central Registration District, animal vaccination was carried
on in the city of Poona, Cantonments of Poona and Kirkee, and in the cities of
Ahmednagar, Sholápur and Sátára, where animal lymph was kept up during the
year, and in these 17,869 children were vaccinated from the calf. Of the minor
Municipalities, Junnar, Alandi, Jájuri, Sasvad, Sirúr, Talegaon Dábháda,
Lonávla, Bárámati, Sangamner, Vámbori, Bhingár, and Chiplún have provided
sums for a calf every six months; the Bársi and Pandharpur Municipalities have
provided a calf every four months.
The above practice of providing for calves has been introduced in the chief
towns of Bhor, Aundh, and Akalkot Native States.