4
No. 2486, REVENUE, 19TH AUGUST 1912.
Black Quarter and Hæmorrhagic Septicœmia.—There has been a large increase
of mortality from black quarter viz. 6,308 deaths against 2,857 in 1910-1911, while
the mortality from Hœmorrhagic Septicœmia has shown an appreciable falling off.
Towards the end of the year it was discovered that the issue of vaccines for these two
diseases had been recommenced from Muktesar and a small quantity of each was
indented for, but occasion to use either had not been found when the year closed.
Foot-and-mouth disease threatened to interfere with the Ongole Cattle Show, but
a second assistant was deputed to the district with apparently successful results,
for the number of cattle brought to the show was well up to the average of former
years.
Anthrax.—During the year the Superintendent endeavoured at the Board's
suggestion to confirm the number of deaths from this disease as reported by village
officers. A separate report on the subject was submitted to the Board in which it was
shown that in only about 6 per cent, of the cases where the Veterinary Assistants
attended and sent specimens for examination were the germs of the disease noticeable.
Piroplasmosis—Bovine.—Owing to a statement made by Captain Patton of the
King Institute, Guindy, that about 65 per cent, of the calves born in this Presidency
died of this disease the Superintendent was asked to investigate and report on the
subject. Accordingly while touring in Salem district, which contains several exten-
sive breeding tracts, the opportunity was taken to examine the young stock in 22
villages and take blood smears from a certain number of the calves. As was expected,
no history of such a heavy mortality from this or any other disease of calves could be
found, although of 122 smears examined, the piroplasma in some form or other was
found in 50 of them.A separate report on the subject was submitted to Government.
Canine Piroplasmosis.—Quite a number of cases occurred in the Mufassal this
year, and, after microscopical confirmation, treatment by Trypanblue was, in some
cases, usually successfully resorted to. Most of the dogs were brought up to Madras
and treated at the College Hospital, but in a few instances the injection was carried
out by an assistant in the Mufassal. In addition to these cases an outbreak of
Piroplasmosis again occurred amongst the Madras hounds. The injection of
Trypanblue proving of no use in these cases, all the infected hounds were given an
injection of salvarsan with most successful results.
Trypanosomiasis.—In addition to Surra Trypanosomiasis, a number of cattle
were found to contain a Trypanosome in their blood, but it is doubtful whether this
parasite, except in combination with some other disease, has any pathogenic effect on
cattle.
Sheep Pox.—From several districts more especially Cuddapah, touring assistants
have reported the prevalence of this disease. The Superintendent was unfortunately
unable to visit any outbreak himself, but from the history as far as it could be
ascertained, it appeared to be more like " Ulcerous leg and Crip Disease of Sheep"
than Variola Ovina.
(ii) Other diseases.—Touring Veterinary assistants treated 3,074 non-contagious
and 2,334 contagious cases during the year as against 2,650 non-contagious and 772
contagious cases last year and castrated 243 animals against 17 last year. Salustries
castrated 282 animals this year, which is a decrease on the figure 337 of last year. On
12th November 1911 one of the salustries, Abdhul Sathar, died after which no substi-
tute was appointed. Unless it is decided to continue the pony-breeding operations, the
Superintendent considers the services of these salustries may be dispensed with; for
what castration work there is to be done can very well be performed by touring assist-
ants. As regards the castration figures of touring assistants, it is a noteworthy fact that
127 of the operations were performed by one assistant alone, viz., Natesa Aiyar in
Salem district after the Superintendent's tour through that district. The Superin-
tendent considers that the assistants who have been employed on itinerating work
during the year have with one or two rather bad exceptions, worked well, and obtained
a fair measure of success, under trying circumstances. There is no doubt that the
life is a rough and trying one for assistants of this Presidency, who appear to be
unable to exist in camp without at least one servant. This of course means extra
expense, and it has therefore been proposed that the permanent men should be given
a house-rent allowance.