NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
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dose of the Anti-Rinderpest Serum and the best time
of its administration also to be determined.
2. Hæmorrahagic Septiæmia.—84 outbreaks were
reported from different parts of the Province excepting
Kurram Agency. These outbreaks were responsible
for 447 deaths out of 890 seizures as compared with
1,278 deaths out of 2,175 seizures of the previous year.
The number of animals vaccinated was 22,677 as
compared with 47,087 of the last year. Majority of
the outbreaks were from Peshawar, Mardan and Bannu
Districts. All these outbreaks were promptly and
effectively controlled with Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia
vaccine inoculations. As a result of the observations
made during the year 1939-40 large scale prophylactic
inoculations were carried out before and during the
Hæmorrahagic Septicæmia season with obvious good
results. The fall in the number of deaths and seizures
is a very strong evidence in favour of prophylætic
measures.
3. Foot and Mouth Disease.—This disease continu-
ed to prevail in all districts and agencies of the province
for a considerable period of the year. The number of
affected cases was 9,325 out of which 21 terminated
fatally.
4. Black Quarter.—8 outbreaks occurred which
affected 100 animals with 74 fatal terminations. 9,186
animals were inoculated with Black Quarter vaccine
as against 1,941 in the previous year.
5. Anthrax.—No case of Anthrax was reported
amongst Bovines during the year. This however can-
not be taken to be the true state of affairs. Presum-
ably the disease did not appear in the form of an
outbreak and sporadic cases, as usual, were not brought
to the notice of the Department.
6. Surra—No outbreak of Surra was reported
during the year.
(c) Diseases of other animals—
165 deaths out of 1,281 seizures were recorded
amongst sheep, goats, dogs and camels as against 448
deaths out of 5,770 seizures of the last year. The
number of deaths and seizures from Foot and Mouth
disease fell from 12 and 4,708 to 9 and 597, during the
8
year under report, which is due to the effective veteri-
nary aid rendered to the sick animals. Anthrax
accounted for 2 deaths out of 5 seizures in Malakand
Agency as compared with 150 deaths out of 473
seizures of the last year. Pox amongst sheep resulted
in one death out of 6 seizures as compared with 42
deaths out of 100 seizures last year. These low figures
of seizures and deaths are probably due to the zamin-
dars ignoring the disease on account of its common
occurrence. 19 cases o sheep scab were diagnosed and
treated successfully.
Distemper.—Distemper was a serious scourge among
the canine pets in the province and 155 dogs were
given Sherly's Distemper Vaccine and 558 symptomatic
treatment in the hospitals out of which 130 dogs could
not withstand the disease and succumed.
Rabies.—In all 42 dogs were admitted in the hos-
pitals as suspect cases of Rabies, all of which died.
47 contact and bite wound cases of rabies were
inoculated with anti-rabic vaccine out of which one died
after the third injection during vaccination and one
died 3 days after inoculation.
(d) Poultry Diseases—
Ranikhet disease prevailed throughout the province
and took a very heavy toll in all areas particularly in
districts Hazara, Peshawar and Mardan. Position with
regard to treatment was as unsatisfactory as in the
previous years. It was howaver observed that prac-
tically all diseases of poultry were being diagnosed
as Ranikhet disease. For the study of poultry diseases
an Assistant Veterinary Investigation Officer was
appointed and deputed to Imperial Veterinary Research
Institute, Izatnagar, U. P. for training. The necessity
of sending smears and other pathological tissues to
the laboratory was impressed upon the subordinate
staff of the Province.
SECTION (B) EXPENDITURE ON SERA AND VACCINE.
A sum of Rs. 6,000 was spent on the purchase of
Sera and Vaccine and preparation of Goat Tissue
Virus Vaccine compared with Rs. 10,031 of the last
year.
9
SECTION (C) NON-CONTAGIOUS DISEASES TREATED ON
TOUR—TABLE IV.
The subordinate staff of the Province toured for
10,269 days and visited 10,864 villages as compared with
10,334 days spent on tour and 11,959 villages visited
in the previous year. Inspite of the disturbed condi-
tion in the southern districts the tour work was not
permitted to suffer much. The little reduction in the
tour period of the staff was primarily due to more
effective control and lesser incidence of contagious
diseases. The subordinate staff conducted vigorous
propaganda and treated animals for contagious and
non-contagious diseases, and also castrated scrub male
animals. The number of animals treated for con-
tagious and non-contagious diseases was 10,765 and
107,354 as compared with 17,828 and 73,224 of the
last year. To enhance the usefulness of the stud ani-
mals the castration campaign started last year was
continued with increased vigour and 43,623 animals
were castrated during the year as against 40,289 of
last year. The main obstacle in the achievement of
this object is the peculiar ideas of the local zamindars
against early castration.
PART III—VETERINARY INSTITUTES.
1. Veterinary Hospitals and Rural Dispensaries—
Table III.
The number of veterinary hospitals increased from
73 to 76. The increase was effected due to urgent
necessity of certain areas otherwise every attempt was
made to discourage the opening of new hospitals on
the grounds that all efforts must be directed towards
provision of proper buildings and equipment for the
existing hospitals. As a result of close supervision and
continued insistance for improvement in the quality of
work in the hospitals the progress in this direction was
remarkable. The equipment of the hospitals was also
increased according to the funds available but it could
hardly be called ideal. Supply of medicines remained
adequate in all hospitals and touring dispensaries.
The veterinary hospitals functioned as veterinary-
aid and control of epidemic centres. The total number
10
of animals treated as indoor and outdoor patients,
rose from 319,893 in the preceding year to 331,330
during the year under report. The number of castra-
tions performed also rose from 66,731 to 70,636. 40,718
animals were supplied with medicine without atten-
dance as compared with 35,865 of the previous year.
2. Outlying Dispensaries—
There were 161 outlying dispensaries during the
year under report. These dispensaries were mostly
located in Hujras and were attended once a week by the
incharge of the hospital. 105,504 animals were
attended to in these dispensaries as against 78,984 of
1939-40 and 99,901 of 1938-39.
3. Hospital Buildings—
The position with regard to hospital buildings re-
mained almost as unsatisfactory as in the previous
years. The only progress made in this direction was
that the District Board of Peshawar, Kohat and Hazara
agreed to construct two hospital buildings each per year
on a 50 per cent. grant-in-aid basis. The Local Govern-
ment also gave the administrative approval to the
proposal and on basis of which an application for allot-
ment of funds was made. Other District Boards were
also requested to take up this work but final decision
was not arrived at.
PART IV—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.
SECTION A—EQUINE BREEDING (TABLE VI C).
1. Horse Breeding—
Six horse stallions, five Arab and one Thorough
Bred English, were maintained at stud in the non-
selected districts. Their physical condition and cover-
ing work was satisfactory. 346 mares were covered
during the year under report as compared with 326 of
the previous year.
2. Mule and Donkey Breeding—
On the 1st of April 1940 there were 14 Donkey
Stallions out of which one died. Two more stallions
were purchased from Hissar and located at Hangu and
Serai Naurang bringing the total to 15 at the end of
the year. 775 mares and female donkeys were covered.
11
SECTION B—CATTLE BREEDING (TABLES VI-A AND B)
Considerable progress in this sphere of the depart-
mental activities was made during the year under re-
port. The suggestions regarding systemisation of the
breeding policy of the Province that were made last
year were given practical shape. After careful survey
of the Province a set policy was laid down regarding
the type of cattle to be bred in different areas of the
Province. Having decided this point the draught bulls
located in milch areas and milch type bulls located in
draught area were either inter-changed or cast off from
the scheme. All stud animals were carefully examined
for their breed characteristics and all animals found be-
low standard were removed from stud. In determining
the suitability of bulls for stud purposes the progeny
test was given due consideration. Another very im-
portant development in the Cattle Breeding scheme
was the introduction of districtwise branding of all
stud annimals. Previously there were no means at
our disposal to indentify any individual stud bull and
there was no check on fraudulent replacement of such
animals. Branding of stud bulls was also found to have
a good psychological effect on the zamindars as they
felt sure that their cow were being given the services
of an approved bull. All this systematisation of the
breeding policy and weeding of poor stud bulls resulted
in casting of 117 stud bulls during the year. Out of
these 21 were replaced near the end of the financial
year bringing the total to 314. As expected, the total
coverings of the stud bulls decreased from 33,852 to
24,309 but the covering per animal were the same as
in the previous year
Larger number of stud animals would have been
replaced had suitable animals been avialable. Unfortu-
nately in the matter of supply of bulls the Province is
entirley dependent on the Punjab and other provinces.
It is obvious that these provinces would not send out
their best livestock and it is therefore clearly indicated
that ultimately for better working of the breeding
schemes the Province would have to make its own ar-
rangements for supply of stud animals.
1. Dhanni Cattle Breeding—
According to the breeding policy of the department
12
the stud bulls of this breed were confined to the Dist-
ricts Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan,
and Haripur Tehsil of the Hazara District. There are
some stud bulls of this breed in the Kohat District
but it is likely that all these bulls will in due course be
replaced by Lohani Bulls. No definite decision has,
however, been arrived at in this connection.
The scheme of rearing stud bulls locally out of
subsidized pure Dhanni Cows made considerable pro-
gress. Nearly 10 calves with good breed characteristics
were selected and branded to be reared for stud pur-
poses. Some of the breeders of the Province proved
very enthusiastic about this scheme and were very keen
on this enterprise. The question of improvement of
milk yield of Dhanni Cows remained under consideration
of the Department but no definite line of action was
decided upon as development of milk yield is intimately
related with the fodder resources of the different tracts
of the Province. The condition of the stud animals
was on the whole very satisfactory especially in Bannu
and Mardan Districts. In the beginning of year there
were 347 Dhanni Bulls out of which 105 were cast.
About the end of the year 19 more bulls were enter-
tained on scheme bringing the total to 261. 21,231
coverings were performed as against 26,781 of the last
year. The progeny of the stud bulls was a definite
improvement on the indigenous cattle and the scheme
continued to enjoy popularity amongst zamindars of
the Province. The quality of the progeny has improved
to such an extent in the Haripur and Peshawar Tehsils
that the breeders from Dhanni tract of the Punjab are
beginning to puchase calves from these areas. Efforts
are being made to discourage the local zamindars from
selling their valuable stock at early age.
2. Lohani Cattle Breeding—
Lohani Cattle Breeding Scheme in the Kurram
Agency continued to work satisfactorily during the year
under report. All stud bulls and cows on subsidy
scheme were branded. The progeny of the subsidy
cows was also branded and the owners were requested
to rear these calves to the breeding age when these
would be purchased for stud purposes. Some of the
pure bred Lohani calves were found very promising.
13
It is hoped that the puchase of these calves for stud
purposes would act as a stimulus to the breeders. The
proposed livestock research station for Lohani cattle
breeding did not start during the year for financial
reasons but its necessity has been realized by the Local
Government. A few selected bulls, cows and calves of
of this breed were exhibited at the Third and Fourth
All India Cattle Shows held at New Delhi in the years
1940 and 1941. The animals exhibited were collected
from Kurram Agency and Kohat District. In the Third
All India Cattle Show only bulls and cows were entered
and 2 first and 2 second prizes were won. Whereas in
the Fourth All India Cattle Show calves were also
exhibited and 3 first and 3 second prizes were won.
This resulted in increased stimulus for this breed in the
Kohat District and Kurram Agency. The Zamindars
have since then been making enquiries about the next
Delhi Show. In the Kurram Agency there were 45
bulls and 8 cows on subsidy scheme at the beginning
of the year 7 bulls were cast leaving the balance of 38.
The strength would be brought to 50 bulls and 10 cows
by purchase during the ensuing year. 1957 cows were
covered during the year as against, 1,753 of the last year.
The number of coverings increased inspite of the lesser
number of stud bulls which was the result of the in-
creased interest taken by the breeders.
3. Dajjal Cattle Breeding—
A cow and a bull were on subsidy scheme at the
beginning of the year. The cow died and the bull was
cast due to physical defects. 23 coverings were perfor-
med by the bull during the year.
4. Sindhi Cattle Breeding
In the re-organisation of the cattle breeding scheme
of the Province the Sindhi Bulls were ear-marked for the
hilly tracts of the Province such as Upper Hazara and
Upper Malakand Agency. Out of 14 bulls three were cast
during the year. One new bull was entertained leaving
the balance of 12 at the end of the year. 821 coverings
were performed as against 832 of last year, which show
increased interest of the zamindars in the breed.
5. Montgomery Cattle Breeding—
The activities of this breed are confined to the large
14
cities of Peshawar, Bannu and Mardan in each of which
one Montgomery Bull was at stud. 187 cows were
covered as against 183 of the last year.
6. Buffalo Breeding—
Special attention was paid to buffalo breeding as in
certain areas of the Province buffalo breeding plays a
very important role as a source of milk and Ghe. Study
of the previous records showed that on account of heavy
demand from the zamindars for buffalo bulls and due to
non-ava lability of pedigree buffalo bulls non-descript
type of buffalo bulls had been purchased and issued for
stud purposes. It was however considered that these
bulls were not serving the true object of the scheme i.e.
improvement of the stock. These were therefore
removed from the subsidy scheme. There is no doubt
that urgent necessity exists for supply of pedigree
buffalo bulls but unfortunately such bulls cannot be had
easily even from outside the Province. With great diffi-
culty nine stud buffalo bulls were purchased from
Bahadernagar Grantee Farm, Punjab and these were
distributed in the Peshawar, Mardan and Bannu Dis-
tricts. Further purchase of such improved bulls was
made from the same farm but the Punjab Veterinary
Authorities stopped the sale of such bulls as these bulls
were required locally. It appears that if this Province
is to make any progress in the improvement of buffaloes
it would be necessary to start a Buffalo Breeding Farm.
Such farm apart from being a source for pedigree
buffalo bulls would also act as a nucleus for dairy
research.
In the beginning of the year 48 buffalo bulls were
at subsidy scheme out of which 24 were cast. Nine
more were purchased leaving the total number at 33 at
the end of the year. 2,469 buffaloes were covered during
the year.
SECTION C—DAIRYING.
The position in this direction remained the same as
in the previous year. In the absence of a small dairy
institute to act as nucleus for tackling local minor dairy-
ing problems no progrsss could possibly be anticipated.
15
SECTION D—SHEEP AND GOAT BREEDING.
1. Sheep Breeding—
The objects of the sheep breeding work were to im-
prove the wool in the thin tail indigenous sheep and
quantity of mutton in the Dumba breeds of sheep. As
in the previous year the Merino cross breeding scheme
continued to function in the Hazara District. The pro-
gress, however, cannot be said to have been entirely
satisfactory as seven Merino rams died and the Depart-
ment was unable to replace them, there being no means
of breeding the pure Merino rams locally. The best that
could be done to maintain some continuity of the scheme
was to replace the Merino rams losses by Hissar Dale
rams from the Government Cattle Farm, Hissar. This
was done in the hope that in due course it would be
possible to replace them with pure bred Merino rams.
The progeny of the cross bred Merino rams shows what
marked improvement can be effected in the wool of the
indigenous thin tail sheep. Kaghan blankets made from
improved wool are fetching nearly double the price.
The eight Merino rems performed 440 coverings as
against 439 of the previous year.
Eight old and seven new Hissar Dale rams were on
subsidy scheme during the year. They performed 819
coverings. Seven male lambs, progeny of Hissar Dale
ewes and Merino rams, were distributed in Hazara Dis-
trict for stud purposes. 33 ewes and 16 lambs of Hissar
Dale breed were on the breeding strength of the Depart-
ment. During the year two ewes died. Four lambs
were born bringing the total number at the end of the
year to 31 ewes and 20 lambs.
2. Goat Breeding—
Bittal Goat Breeding.—Eight bucks of Bittal Breed
(Jamnapari) were at stud in the beginning of the year.
Eleven more were purchased during the year. Out of
these nine died leaving ten bucks at the end of the year.
During the year 348 goats were covered by the stud
bucks.
3. Angora Goats—
One Angora buck and one goat were on subsidy
scheme in the beginning of the year. The buck in addi-
tion to covering the pure Angora goat also covered a large
16
number of country goats and the second cross female.
The third cross kid that was born during the year was
such an improvement on the second cross that it is with
considerable difficulty that one is able to distinguish
between the pure bred and the third cross. It is hoped
that pure Angora buck and goat would be taken over
for breeding work at the Livestock Research Station
Togh—Kohat, in the ensuing year. The 12 country
goats which were purchased and given to the zamindars
for crossing with the Angora goat were not covered by
the Angora buck as the Angora buck given for this
purpose had died. One of these goats also died during
the year.
4. Poultry Breeding—
On 1st of April 1940 there were 14 White Leg Horn
Cocks distributed in the districts for improvement of the
indigenous fowls by cross breeding. Out of these ten
died leaving a balance of four at the end of the year.
During the year a very important step was taken for the
poultry development of the Hazara District by opening
three small poultry breeding farms at Haripur, Abbotta-
bad and Mansehra. 45 hens and eight cocks of White
Leg Horn breed were purchased from Mission Poultry
Farm, Etah, United Province. These were maintained
in batches of 13 hens and two cocks at each of the
breeding stations. During the year five cocks and 13
hens out of this stock died. The object of these Poultry
Breeding Stations is to obtain eggs from the improved
hens for distribution for hatching purposes to the zamin-
dars of the district, hoping that the progeny of the im-
proved birds by cross breeding in the villages would im-
prove the indigenous fowls in its size and egg laying
capacity. Judging from the demand for eggs from the
zamindars it appears that the scheme would in due
course achieve the desired object. During the year
826 eggs were laid by the hens on the three Breeding
Stations Out of these 783 eggs were sold to the zamin-
dars at the concessional rate of six pies per egg. The
Veterinary Staff was not able to check the results of all
the eggs distributed but 202 chicken were actually seen
by the staff in villages. It is hoped to extend the
scheme to Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan Districts in the
ensuing year. A very important step was taken by the
17
Local Governmens in creating the post of Assistant
Veterinary Investigation Officer (Poultry) for study of
Poultry diseases. The post will be financed by the
Local Government and Imperial Council of Agricultural
Research on 50—50 basis.
4. Bee Keeping—
Under orders of the Local Government bee develop-
ment work was taken over from the Agricultural
Department.
Abbottabad Veterinary Hospital was
selected for starting the work and a Stock Assistant
trained in bee-keeping was put incharge of the work as a
temporary measure.
It was decided that the bee development work in
the first instance be confined to the Hazara District
which, according to the observations made by the expert,
was the most suitable district for this work.
During the year the activities of the Department
were confined to the setting up a Bee Farm at Abbotta-
bad and training of as many villagers as possible by
holding classes in different selected centres.
The objects of the Bee Farm are to study the local
bee development problems and also to produce bee
colonies for distribution to the zamindars.
In addition to the official efforts the Hazara Bee
Keeping Association was brought into existence mainly
through the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner, Hazara
with a view to produce stimulus amongst the populace.
The progress in the training of the villagers and the
development of the colonies at the Abbottabad Bee
Farm was very encouraging but more work was indicat-
ed for any definite conclusions.
The Stock Assistant incharge bee keeping work
delivered extensive lectures to the students of the bee
keeping classes and also generally in villages with satis-
factory response.
SECTION E—HORSE AND CATTLE SHOWS.
Horse and Cattle Shows were held at Haripur,
Abbottabad, Baffa Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera,
Nowdeh (Mardan District) Dera Ismail Khan, Malakand