95
OUTBREAKS OF SURRA REPORTED DURING 1896-97.
Amritsar District.—In August and November 1894 Surra appeared in
the following villages, in the Ajnala Tehsil:—Chandan, 15 horses and 12
donkeys, out of 15 horses and 32 donkeys, died. In November 1894 at Sangat-
pur out of 42 horses, 1 mule and 22 donkeys, only 16 donkeys survived. In
August 1895 at Jhanjhoi, out of 7 horses and 30 donkeys, 5 horses and 16
donkeys died.
In the Taran Taran Tehsil, animals in the villages of Jagatpur and Chak-
makund, were attacked, and out of 12 horses, 2 mules and 25 donkeys, at the
latter village, 7 horses, 2 mules and 11 donkeys died. During the year
1896-97, 21 animals are reported to have died from this cause.
Delhi District.— Surra occurred in 17 villages in the Sonepat Tehsil during
the last two years and during the past year 28 deaths have been put down to
Surra; with the exception of the villages of Khewrah and Mailsena, all the
places were low-lying.
Ferozepur District.—During 1895-96 Surra occurred in 17 villages in
the Tehsil of Ferozepur, the majority of which were high lands. A glance at
the statement, above alluded to, will give the number of animals attacked, out
of the total number present in the village. From this it will be seen, that the
losses were very severe, particularly in the villages of Buggawala, Wahki and
Palla-mega. Three villages in the Fazilka Tehsil also sustained some slight
loss.
Gurdaspur District.—Suffered very slightly from this disease, only one
animal in each of the villages of Dhakee in the Pathankote Tehsil and
Kulla in the Shikarpur Tehsil. The cases occurred between September 1896
and January 1897.
Kurnal District.—This district is well known to be infested with Surra
parasite. The Veterinary Assistants report the disease from 18 villages, and it
would seem that the majority of the victims are horses, except in the Kaithal
Tehsil, where donkeys are in majority. During the present year only 18 deaths
are reported from this district as against 83 the previous year. It is evident
that all the deaths have not been reported, or that the Veterinary Assistants
are extremely careless in collecting information. Veterinary Captain Pease
says, that no less than 101 villages are known to have suffered severe losses
from this disease, and that the north-east corner of the district has a very bad
repute, in consequence of the mortality from this disease.
Ludhiana District.—During the latter end of 1895, and the beginning of
1896, no less than 16 villages in the Jagraon Tehsil were visited by Surra.
All this tract of country is low-lying and subject to inundations from the
river Sutlej. At Man, 42 camels died from this cause in July 1895, and 2
died in Bhairowal in November 1896. During the present year 45 deaths
are reported from the district.
Gujranwala District.—Surra is reported to have affected animals in 22
villages during the last two years. Khangah and Gujranwala Tehsils being
principally infected, horses and donkeys were about equal victims. During
the present year 20 animals were reported to have died, but I should say that
this is much underestimated.
Jhelum District.—In four villages, viz :—Meri, Asman, Kalun, and Jeti-
pur in the Pind-dadan-khan Tehsil, deaths occurred from Surra. The deaths
were only 6, composed of 3 horses, 2 mules and 1 donkey, but it is interesting,
from the fact that it is a new centre.
Lahore District.—During 1894 Surra caused the deaths of 41 animals.
This epidemic was principally located at Killa Jewan Singh, and included
among the victims 22 donkeys. In 1895 there are said to have been no deaths
from this cause, but this statement may be considered doubtful. During the
past year, 23 cases have been reported. These cases have occurred at Chak-
wanti, in the Lahore Tehsil, and at Tanda in the Chunian Tehsil, both of which
places are low-lying.
Shahpur District.—This disease accounted for 23 deaths during the past
year. No details have been received, but it is curious to note that no deaths
from this cause are said to have occurred during the previous three years.