NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
2
3. Work performed on tour—
During the year most of the hospitals were inspected,
hospital work checked and veterinary subordinate staff
examined as to their knowledge and treatment of patients,
etc.
The following tonga lines were inspected with a view
to finding out animals suffering from contagious diseases:—
Darya Khan-Dera Ismail Khan.
Havelian-Abbottabad.
Peshawar-Charsadda.
Thall-Parachinar.
Superintendent attended the annual horse show and
cattle fair held at Dera Ismail Khan and the cattle fair
held at Haripur. In both the fairs he acted as a member of
the judging committees.
The following stud animals were purchased during the
year under report:—
One Hissar-bred donkey stallion was purchased for
Bannu and four Arab horse stallions, two for Peshawar and
one each for Kohat and Bannu, were purchased from
Bombay and supplied to the respective districts.
On every possible occasion, during these tours, the
zamindars were advised and instructed as to the proper
course they should adopt in connection with checking the
outspread of contagious diseases among their cattle and
otherwise safeguarding their animals. The advantages of
getting their cows covered by selected District Board bulls
thus eliminating the possibility of the gradual deterioration
of stock were explained to them and the importance of
having unsuitable animals castrated as well as sending
prompt reports to the nearest veterinary officials of the
outbreaks of contagious disease in their respective ilaqas
was thoroughly inculcated in them.
Tonga and tumtum ponies plying for hire on several
other roads in the North West Frontier Province were also
examined at different periods. Herds of cattle belonging to
itinerant dealers and travelling on the Grand Trunk Road or
roads leading to towns or other rural localities were also
3
inspected during journeys on tour and several cases of
non-contagious disease sent to the nearest veterinary hospital.
The Superintendent personally checked the work of the
veterinary staff on tour, that is, inoculation work and work
relating to the general treatment of disease.
Certain surprise visits were also paid to the veterinary
hospitals in order to oversee and ascertain whether or not
veterinary officials were properly cognisant of the real sense
of their duties and were performing them efficiently and
creditably.
The Superintendent inspected Government stallions,
District Board stallions, and stud bulls working in the
Province and had official interviews with several district
officers regarding veterinary matters. He also interviewed
several prominent zamindars of different districts in the
Province and advised them on various points of veterinary
interest.
PART II-TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
SECTION I-CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
4. Mortality — table II—
During this year 24,398 cases were reported, of which
3,636 proved fatal. There were 12,398 cases and 3,579
deaths in the previous year. This increase in the number
of cases was chiefly due to the unusual prevalence of foot-
and-mouth disease. It is, however, remarkable that there is
no great difference in the number of deaths. Like last year
rinderpest was responsible for most of the mortality but the
disease took a milder form this year than last year.
5. Pathological specimens—
Fifty-five pathological specimens were received and
examined against 33 received last year.
SECTION I-A-EQUINE CONTAGIOUS
DISEASES.
6. Mortality —table II—
There were 42 cases and 34 deaths as against 65 cases
and 50 deaths of the previous year. All these cases and
deaths occurred in Malakand Agency and Peshawar District
and were due to Surra and Glanders.
7. Glanders—
There were seven cases of Glanders all of which occurred
in Peshawar District
They were all dealt with under
Glanders and Farcy Act. Year after year this disease is
responsible for a considerable number of cases in Peshawar
District and, in my opinion, the disease undoubtedly is
imported from Afghanistan, viâ the Khyber Pass. Rs. 190
were paid this year as compensation under Glanders and
Farcy Act. Last year's amount was Rs. 900 paid for 19
cases.
8. Surra—
Thirty-five cases and 27 deaths were due to this disease
which was mostly prevalent in Malakand Agency. There
were 46 cases and 31 deaths from this disease in the previous
year.
9. Dourine, anthrax and other contagious diseases-
No case in equines of the Province was reported during
this or the previous year.
SECTION I-B-BOVINE CONTAGIOUS
DISEASES.
10. Mortality — table II—
There were 17,269 cases and 2,179 deaths against 9,355
cases and 2,575 deaths during the previous year. Notwith-
standing the marked increase in the number of cases, there
is an appreciable falling off in the number of deaths. This
is due to the good work put in by the veterinary officials and
preventive measures diligently adopted by them. The
5
results otherwise would have been more disastrous, keeping
in view the severity of the disease.
11. Rinderpest — table II—
This disease accounted for 3,441 cases and 1,547 deaths
as compared with 5,162 cases and 2,191 deaths of the
previous year.
12. Preventive inoculation — table III—
Nine thousand, four hundred and seventy animals were
inoculated in 30 villages against 4,095 inoculated in 21
villages in the previous year. Eleven animals died after, and
623 before, inoculation. It will be noted that the number
of inoculations was more than double the previous year.
The best method to control the disease is the Serum
Simultaneous Method of inoculation against disease for
which more money and more efficiently trained staff is
needed.
13 Foot-and-mouth disease—
This disease occurred in all the districts and agencies
comprised in North West Frontier Province: 13,196 cases
and 148 deaths were reported, compared to 3,666 cases and
14 deaths of the previous year. Kohat, Hazara and
Peshawar stood first, second and third in point of the
intensity of occurrence.
It is lamentable that no serum of necessary potency,
which may checkmate the silent on rush of this fell disease,
has so far been evolved in spite of the incessant experiments
and constant research work of world-famed veterinarians.
It is not generally understood that the gravity of its
prevalence does not consist in the number of deaths due
thereto. In fact the average mortality does not usually
exceed two to five per cent but the disease has an
enormously adverse effect on the condition and health of
the animals attacked and morever as it is highly contagious,
the policy considered most expedient in European countries
is to slaughter all infected as well as in-contact animals.
This procedure however in an orthodox country like India
borders upon impracticability though as a preventive
measure 100,000 cattle, 40,000 sheep and about 0,000 pigs
were slaughtered and their carcasses burnt in England some
6
time ago and for which the Government had to pay to the
owners not less than £ 3,000,000 as compensation.
14. Hæmorrhagic septicæmia — table II—
Four hundred and fifty cases and 331 deaths were due
to this disease against 349 cases and 243 deaths of the
previous year.
The loss to the Province from this disease can almost
be brought to nil by vaccinating in the month of June,
before the monsoons start, all the cattle against the disease
in villages situated in lowlying, marshy riverain tracts
subject to periodic inundations and which are liable to be
invaded by outbreaks of the disease.
For this more money for vaccine and more staff to
carry out vaccination are needed.
15. Preventive inoculation—table III—
Four thousand, nine hundred and two animals were
inoculated in 22 villages, against 1,736 animals inoculated
in four villages last year: 159 deaths were reported among
those uninoculated though no death occurred among the
inoculated animals.
16. Vaccination-
No vaccinations were performed this year owing to the
lack of funds.
17 Black quarter — table II—
There were 139 cases and 127 deaths as compared to
172 cases and 121 deaths during the previous year. To
protect animals against this disease vaccination with Black
Quarter Aggresin is the safest and most effective method.
18. Other contagious diseases —table II—
Forty-three cases and 26 deaths were reported. There
were six cases and six deaths in the previous year,
19. Expenditure on sera and vaccine—
Rs. 6,000 were paid this year by the North West
Frontier Province Government towards the cost of sera used,
against Rs. 9,492-3-0 paid for the last year.
7
SECTION I-C—CONTAGIOTTS DISEASES—
OTHER ANIMALS.
20. Contagious diseases — table II—
The detail of diseases which occurred among " other
animals" during the year under report is given below :—
Name of disease
Foot-and-mouth ... ...
Rinderpest ... ...
Other contagious diseases, such as gillar,
sheep-box, mange,
pleuro-pneumonia
contagiosa, etc. ...
Total ...
Cases
774
284
3,029
7,087
Deaths
55
168
1,200
1,423
There were 2,978 cases and 954 deaths during the
previous year.
SECTION II-OTHER CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
21. Treatment of diseases in villages — table IV—
One thousand, five hundred and three villages were visited
during this year by veterinary staff on tour where they
performed 22,044 castrations and treated 38,096 animals.
During the last year 22,415 castrations were performed,
27,156 animals treated and 1,814 villages visited.
SECTION III—VETERINARY HOSPITALS.
22. Veterinary hospitals — table V—
At the end of the year under report, 17 veterinary
hospitals were at work in North West Frontier Province,
against 16 at the end of the previous year. The hospital at
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Chaudhwan which was closed some time ago by the
District Board, Dera Ismail Khan, owing to the paucity of
funds, was again started during the year. Miranshah
Hospital (Tochi Agency) still remains closed.
Fifty-five thousand, four hundred and ninety-six cases
were treated in these hospitals against 50,606 treated last
year. Medicine was supplied to 8,999 animals which could
not be brought to the hospitals.
Five thousand, three hundred and sixty-six castrations,
against 4,411 for the previous year, were also performed.
23. Buildings—
The following additions and alterations, etc., were
reported during the year under report:—
Teri Hospital.—New roofs provided for dispensary
and verandah fronting indoor stables.
Bannu Hospital.—Contagious ward provided.
Nowshera Veterinary Hospital.—Pardah wall in
front of menials' quarters.
The following additions, etc., are very urgently
required:—
Mardan Veterinary Hospital.—Zamindars' quarters.
Abbottabad Veterinary Hospital.—A verandah before
dog kennels.
Teri Veterinary Hospital.—Colio shed.
Bannu Veterinary Hospital.—Water tap.
Dera Ismail Khan Veterinary Hospital.—Dog
kennels.
Kohat Veterinary Hospital.—The hospital is still
working in an old kacha building which is very
unsuitable for a prominent central place like
Kohat. Pacca buildings according to the standard
requirements should be provided as early as
possible.
Hangu Veterinary Hospital.—Syces' quarters and
zamindars' quarters should be furnished.
9
Peshawar
Veterinary Hospital.—Owing to the
growing importance of this hospital, it is very
necessary that dog kennels, godown
and
dressing-shed may be provided. Addition of another
room to veterinary assistant's quarters is also
necessary. It is also necessary to raise a portion of
the compound wall.
Nowshera
Veterinary
Hospital.—Compounder's
quarters and contagious ward are required.
Note.—The usual annual repairs have not so far been
carried out at Charsadda and Swabi veterinary hospitals.
PART III-BREEDING OPERATIONS.
SECTION I-BOVINES.
24. Stud bulls —table II-
The number of stud bulls working in North West
Frontier Province on 1 April 1926 was 34. During the
year there was an increase of one (a buffalo bull) and a
decrease of three animals (two bulls and one buffalo bull).
The total number at the end of the year under report was
therefore 32.
25. Buffalo bulls-
There were eight buffalo bulls in this circle on
1 April 1926 as well as on 31 March 1927. One was
purchased during the year by Bannu District Board but
owing to the decrease of one which was cast in the same
district, there was no difference in the total numbers. The
existing paucity of good ghee and milk, especially ghee
which forms a most necessary adjunct of an Indian menu,
necessitates that good and high class buffalo bulls should be
purchased by the different local bodies so that their services
may easily be available and to protect the possibility of the
stock getting deteriorated in milk yield.
10
26. Sheep and goat breeding.—
No particular attention is still being paid towards sheep
and goat breeding work which can, if handled properly, be
of great advantage to the zamindars of the Province. A
small number of rams and ewes are at present located in
certain portions of the Province such as the Mansehra tahsil,
Tarnab Farm, the Abbottabad Tahsil and the Nowshera,
Mardan and Charsadda tahsils of the Peshawar District.
The Mansehra and Abbottabad tahsils are best suited for
sheep and goat breeding.
27. Montgomery bulls—
Like last year, there was no decrease or increase among
the very small number of Montgomery bulls working in
this Province. Two are working in Dera Ismail Khan and
one in Bannu.
SECTION II—EQUINES.
28. Number of stallions — table X—
At the commencement of the year under report, there
were 12 horse and one pony stallions working in this
Province. The number last year was 13 horse and two
pony stallions. During this year, four new Arab stallions
were purchased enhancing the number of horses to 16.
One horse died and one was sold. The balance therefore on
31 March 1927 was 14 horse and one pony stallions.
As regards donkey stallions their number on 1 April
1926 stood as 12.
One country-bred donkey was
added during this year and there being no casualty, the
number on 31 March 1927 was 13.
29. Service of stallions — table XI—
Twelve horse and one pony stallions were actually
employed at stud during this year, against 11 horse and
one pony stallions employed in the previous year. They
covered 584 and 56 mares respectively, against 541 and 48
covered last year. The average covering comes to 48.6 and
56, against 49.2 and 48 of the previous year.
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Thirteen donkeys remained at the stud during this year.
These covered 531 mares against 477 covered last year.
The average for the two years comes to 40.9 and 36.7
respectively.
SECTION III-FAIRS AND SHOWS.
30. Tables XIII and XIV—
The statistical information regarding fairs and shows is
given in the tables named above, which are attached.
SECTION IV-SUBORDINATE STAFF.
31. Numerical strength — table VII—
The number of subordinate veterinary staff working in
the circle on 31 March 1927 was as follows :—
Veterinary inspectors ... ...
Veterinary assistants, 1st grade ...
Veterinary assistants, 2nd grade ...
Veterinary assistants, 3rd grade ...
Total ...
2
5
6
10
23
32. Education—
No local men were sent for training to the Punjab
Veterinary College.
SECTION V.—EXPENDITURE.
33. Expenditure—
The detail of expenditure is given in table XIV
attached. The figures, as usual, have been furnished by the
Accountant-General, Punjab.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Foot-and-mouth disease was particularly rampant this
year though every precautionary measure was adopted by
12
the veterinary staff concerned. As regards other diseases
the lack of sera and vaccine stands in the way of their
proper control. It is worthy of note that sera and vaccine
worth more than Rs. 18,000 were used in the six districts
comprised in North Punjab Circle while Rs. 6,000 only
were available for whole of the North West Frontier
Province.
Similarly the comparative meagreness of
veterinary establishment stands greatly in the way of
preventive veterinary campaign. There are only two
inspectors and 21 veterinary assistants working in this
circle as against six veterinary inspectors and 55 veterinary
assistants working in the neighbouring circle of North
Punjab Similarly the number of veterinary hospitals in
North Punjab Circle (45) stands in marked comparison with
the small number (18) working in Frontier Province It is
time that proper attention may be paid towards these
questions of vital veterinary interests. A province mainly
agricultural should not stand as an isolated example of
backward tendencies, particularly in respect of agriculture
and veterinary matters. There should be veterinary
hospitals at every important village or centre and necessary
establishment should be sanctioned. Two veterinary
inspectors are quite insufficient for the requirements of
such a large Province and their number should be augmented
at an early date.
The position of this circle as regards cattle-breeding
also stands on a very unsatisfactory basis. The interest of
the District Boards seems to be on wane with the consequence
that the number of stud bulls is dwindling down fast.
I recommend that there should be a Deputy Superin-
tendent in sub-charge of this circle as is the case in North
Punjab Circle and that there should bean inspector in charge
of each district in the Province. There should be at least a
dozen veterinary assistants working in each district of the
Province, then the campaign against contagious diseases of
animals can be carried out more effectively and efficiently.
One must not forget the fact that in neighbouring
province of Afghanistan there is no veterinary supervision
and that the intercourse of animal dealers of this Province
and that of Afghanistan and the mixing of animals of the
two provinces through the Khyber Pass is a source of great
danger to this Province as far as loss to the Province from
contagious diseases is concerned.
13
I am confident most of the contagious disease is
imported from Afghanistan.
In North Punjab Circle which is almost as big as the
Frontier Province and where this particular danger does
not exist the veterinary establishment is three times that
of the Frontier Province.
It is requested that the augmentation of the establish-
ment may now be seriously considered.
Cattle-breeding operations in the Province are parti-
cularly negligible. To meet the demands of agricultural
population of the Province and to prevent further deterio-
ration of stock, I request all the District Boards in the
Province to be generous over this question which is so
vitally important for an agricultural country particularly
for the North West Frontier Province where the sole
occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture and good plough
bullocks are badly needed. The grievance of District Boards
that the bulls given to zamindars for breeding purposes are
not well kept is sound and genuine. To overcome this
difficulty and from the long experience of cattle-breeding
in North Punjab Circle the Department is of opinion that
the best method to improve cattle-breeding industry in
North Punjab is to subsidise privately-owned good bulls
upto the standard approved by the Civil Veterinary
Department for breeding. The owners of such bulls are
paid a subsidy which I recommend for the North West
Frontier Province upto Rs. 15 per month per bull for the
feed and keep of the bull on the condition that the bull is
well looked after by the owner and that his service is
available free to all zamindars of the ilaqa in which he
is located.
Time to time these bulls are inspected by officers of
the Department and reported upon, any bull in poor condi-
tion or unfit for service is discharged and another good
one engaged in his place.
This system is really sound because it requires no
initial heavy inlay in way of purchase price and the fact
that the subsidy of the animal can at any time be stopped
makes the owner all the more alert about his animal and
the animal is well looked after. This system is more
effective and economical than purchasing bulls and locating
them in different villages.
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I recommend all District Boards in the Province to
start with ten bulls each in the coming year and locate them
at suitable centres. I have submitted a similar scheme to
District Board, Peshawar, and I hope it will meet their
approval. Ten bulls working in a district means an
average expenditure of Rs. 120 per month. The number
of bulls suggested by me is, I know, quite inadequate for the
needs of such a vast Province but still a start will be made
in the right direction and in years to come their number
may gradually be increased till their number is adequate
for the needs of the agrarian population of the Province.
To improve cattle-breeding industry in a country it is
also necessary that from time to time really good stock
should be exhibited and prizes in way of encouragement
given to them. Exhibition of good animals creates a
stimulus in zamindars who visit these shows and creates in
them a desire to keep good animals and is an effective
object lesson for all the zamindars of the ilaqa in which the
show is held. I strongly recommend to all District Boards
in the Province to revive all cattle fairs and augment their
number.
The horse-breeding industry in the Province has
improved considerably but I regret mule-breeding is not
getting much encouragement or support from Government.
Only 13 donkey stallions are at the stud for the whole of
the Province, a number which is too small for any effective
improvement in mule-breeding industry. This is a very
important industry and a source of great revenue to the
poorer people who have always been very keen on mule-
breeding. I would request all District Boards in the
Province to be broad-minded over this important question
and to come forward with all their support.
Patwaris are still backward in reporting outbreaks
of contagious diseases in their ilaqas. The death-rate would
certainly be considerably reduced if patwaris were more
efficient in that branch of their duties.
Thanks of Superintendent are due to head clerk,
Mehta Shiv Dutta, who inspite of the twofold work of
North West Frontier Province and North Punjab Circle
discharged his duties efficiently and to the entire satisfaction
of the Superintendent. As his duty is of a double nature
more than he can be expected to discharge, I strongly
15
recommend that an allowance of Rs. 50 per month be
sanctioned for him by the North West Frontier Province
Government.
Superintendent takes this opportunity of expressing his
thanks to all district officers for help given to him and
his staff in carrying out their duties.
S. M. A. SHAH, Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary Department,
North West Frontier Province and North Punjab,
Rawalpindi.
GP&SO-NWFP-1107RC-2-11-27-115
i
TABLE I
Statement showing the main results of veterinary colleges and schools during the year 1926-27
Veterinary colleges and schools
1
TOTAL
Name of course of instruction if more than-one
coarse followed
2
Number of students
Admitted
daring the
year
Scholarship-holders
3
No.
Others
4
No.
Passed final examination duriug the year
6
No.
Failed to pass final examination
6
No.
Remaining
under
Instruction
at
end of
year
In ordinary course
7
No.
Instruction prolonged by
reason of failure to pass
8
No.
Students
admitted
during the
year classed
by educational
qualifications
Matriculated with higher
qualifications
9
No.
Knowing some English
but not Matriculated
10
No.
Knowing no English or
very little English
11
No.
Receipts
From fees
12
Rs.
Nil.
Nil.
From other sources
13
Rs.
Total
14
Rs.
Expenditure
Salaries of instructing
staff
15
Rs.
Other expenses
16
Rs.
Total
17
Rs.
Employment of students
who passed out during
the three years preceding
Total number passed
18
No.
In service of Government
or Local Bodies
19
No.
In service of other bodies
or institutions
20
No.
In private practice
21
No.
Number unemployed
22
No.
Remarks
23