NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
7
15. Research and experimental work.—A number of
interesting conditions which included, particularly, cysts in the horn
core of a bullock, rhinosporidiosis in a pony, goat pox and B. motasi
infection in goats and sheep, were investigated.
The viability of goat vaccine, which is being manufactured at
the Central Laboratory, Nagpur, was extensively tested under varying
atmospheric and temperature conditions and valuable data were
collected. This is extremely necessary for ascertaining that a potent
product is being supplied to the field workers.
16. Disease Investigation Scheme.—This is the ninth year
of this scheme which is operating under the auspices of the Imperial
Council of Agricultural Research. Investigation was pursued during
the year in accordance with the detailed programme approved by
the Council. Further study on the incidence of coccidiosis in
cattle has established the pathogenicity of Eimeria smithi species of
coccidia and its wide prevalence in the Province. This parasite
which affects the intestines and causes chronic diarrhœa appear to be
one of the factors responsible for degeneration of cattle in
the Province. The efficacy of the line of treatment adopted hitherto
against this infection has been further substantiated. An important
finding during the year was the detection of the condition known
as "encephalomyelitis" in cattle and buffaloes for the first time
in the Province. The wide prevalence of Brucella infection in
cattle which has recently been recorded by means of agglutination
test at the cattle breeding farm, Dewal, as well as in certain villages,
is of special economic importance. This infection is responsible
for premature delivery resulting in loss of calf and milk yield.
Incidently this infection is communicable to human beings causing
the troublesome condition known as undulent fever. An interesting
pathological condition in bullocks, manifesting itself in the orm of
huge cutaneous lesions involving the muscular tissue in neck, flank
and prepuce regions, has also been encountered for the first time
in the Province. The causative factor is suspected to be a Filaria
worm and further work on the elucidation of this condition is in
progress. Further useful information in respect of the incidence
of various diseases in sheep and goats has been collected. Of these,
encephalomyelitis, which has been detected in young lambs at the
sheep breeding farm, Dhar, is of considerable importance. Besides
the above major investigations, study relating to the incidence
of poultry diseases has been continued and apart from Spirochaetosis,
fowl cholera and fowl pox, whose occurrence has already been
established in previous years, the incidence of Ranikhet disease,
which is responsible for colossal mortality in poultry, and also roup
has been recorded for the first time in the Province.
Contagious diseases.
17. The year under review was comparatively healthier in
respect of live stock epidemics. The total number of outbreak
reports of contagious diseases was 9,096 [9,288] accounting for
14,274 [18,677] deaths.
8
Bovine diseases
18. Rinderpest.—This major cattle plague was responsible
for 1,214 [2,150] outbreak reports with a mortality of 7,260 [11,659].
This disease was again more prevalent in the Chhattisgarh division
where more than half of the total number of outbreaks, viz., 665
[1,232] were recorded. Extensive inoculation work both for pro-
phylaxis as well as control of actual outbreaks, was undertaken by
the field staff. The total number of vaccinations effected against
this epidemic was 427,325 [475,456] as shown below—
Serum alone .. .. ..
Goat virus cum serum ..
Goat bood and tissue virus alone
2,494
5,927
418,904
[5,537]
[6,968]
[462,951]
The fall in vaccinations is due to lesser prevalence of
the epidemic
19. Foot-and-mouth disease.—The number of outbreaks
reported was 6,480 [5,740], and the mortality recorded was 484 [466]
20. Haemorrhagic Septicaemia.—810 [816] outbreaks
were reported with a mortality of 3,972 [3,485]. The occurrence
of this disease was more marked in Berar and Chhattisgarh
divisions. Prophylaxis with Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia vaccine was
undertaken on a large scale. The number of inoculations carried
out as a prophylactic measure and in actual outbreaks is as
follows :—
Serum alone .. .. ..
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia
vaccine cum serum.
Vaccine alone .. .. ..
727 [1,385]
443 [1,130]
172,425 [158,548]
21. Blackquarter.—During the year under report a conspi-
cuous decline was registered in respect of the incidence of this disease.
The number of outbreaks reported was 112 [179] with a mortality of
385 [736]. The disease occurred mostly in Nagpur and Jubbulpore
divisions. The inoculations performed against this disease are as
follows :—
Serum alone .. .. ..
Vaccine cum serum .. ..
Vaccine alone .. .. ..
15 [1,208]
457 [216]
21,301 [28,169]
22. Anthrax.— The number of outbreaks reported was 105
as against 93 in the previous year with a mortality of 483 [733].
8,166 [13,652] inoculations were carried out. The manifestations
of the disease were comparatively milder with corresponding lower
mortality.
23. Trypanosomiasis.—18 [44] outbreak reports were
recorded with a mortality of 113 [112].
Twenty-four cases were
confirmed microscopically and the ailing and incontact animals were
treated with fairly encouraging results with Tartar emetic.
9
24. Piroplasmosis.—162 [199] cases were confirmed for
B. bigeminum. All the cases were treated with trypa nblue.
25. Theileriasis.—Theileria mutans was confirmed in 136
[102] cases.
26. Coccidiosis.—71 cases were confirmed microscopically.
The investigation carried out so far suggests the wide prevalence
of the chronic type of this infection which is presumably one
of the main factors responsible for the poor health of live stock
in many parts of this Province. Special Coccidiosis powder, con-
sisting of cheap and readily available drugs, has been tested by the
Veterinary Investigation Officer in a large number of cases with
encouraging results.
27. Distomatosis.—5 cases were confirmed microscopically
and treated with carbon tetrachloride with success.
28. Schistosomiasis.—10 cases of this disease
were
confirmed during the year and treated with injections of Tartar
emetic with satisfactory results.
29. Filariasis.—This condition was investigated at the
Telenkheri farm where it appeared almost in the form of an out-
break. 6 animals were affected.
All the cases responded well
to Tartar emetic injections.
30.
Surra.—13 [18] outbreaks of
this disease were
recorded with a mortality of 13 [18]. Thirty-four [38] cases were
confirmed microscopically and treated successfully with Naganol
(Bayer 205) injections.
31. Strangles.—Only one [2] case of this disease was
recorded.
32. Piroplasmosis.—This was confirmed in four cases which
were treated successfully with trypan blue injection.
33. Helminthiasis.—The examination of local ponies has
revealed the presence of a variety of interesting worms. Further
work in respect of collection and study of the specimens is being
pursued.
Diseases of goats and sheep.
34. Haemorrhagic septicaemia.—5 cases were con-
firmed microscopically and 337 inoculations were effected.
35. Anthrax.—This was confirmed in one case and the
mortality recorded was 19.
10 cases were protected with serum
alone method.
36. Goat pox.—An outbreak was detected in Berar with
typical manifestations of variola infection.
37. Contagious pleuro-pneumonia.—This condit on has
been reported to be responsible for heavy losses in goats. In one
area alone 134 animals are stated to have succumbed as a result of
10
this obscure infection. Detailed investigation n respect of the
incidence, cause and methods of control has been undertaken by the
Veterinary Investigation Officer.
38. Piroplasmosis.—6 cases
were confirmed
micros-
copically includ ng two goats. All responded well to trypan blue
treatment.
Canine diseases.
39. Piroplasmosis.—P. canis was confirmed in 18 [15] and
P. gibsoni in 5 [3] cases. The affected animals were treated with
trypan blue and tryparsamide injections, respectively, with satisfac-
tory results.
40. Distemper.—Park Davis distemper vaccine was adminis-
tered to 88 [83] pups as a prophylactic measure.
41. Rabies.—27 dogs received anti-rabic treatment at
Nagpur, Jubbulpore and Hoshangabad dispensaries.
Poultry diseases.
42. Ranikhet.—The occurrence of this disease was detected
for the first time in the Province.
43. Fowl cholera.—This disease was confirmed in 20 [14]
birds and was controlled by the adoption of the following protective
measures :—
Serum alone .. .. .. ..
Serum simultaneous .. .. ..
Vaccine alone .. .. .. ..
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia serum alone
118
958
355
30
44. Spirochaetosis.—This infection was confirmed in 12 [11]
birds, and soamin and sulfarsenol injections were utilized for
treatment with good results.
45. Fowl pox.—As a prophylactic measure 482 [432] birds
were protected with fowl pox vaccine.
III.—HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES
46. As the dispensary at Babulgaon in Yeotmal district was
converted into an outlying dispensary, the total number of full-
fledged dispensaries at the close of the year was 105 [106]. Three
new outlying dispensaries were opened during the year at Nagri,
Ghansore and Khawasa and in the case of the latter two a substantial
share of the cost, viz., pay of menial staff, cost of medicines, etc.,
has been borne by the district council concerned. The outlying
dispensary at Shendurjana in Amraoti district was shifted to Teosa.
Applications for contribution from Government for the opening
of five new outlying dispensaries in Raipur, Amraoti and Akola
districts were received from the district councils but due to financial
limitations these proposals could not be accepted.
11
47. The number of cases treated and castrations performed
at the veterinary dispensaries was 315,255 [283,495]. In addition
80,856 [85,428] cases, not actually attended by the Veterinary
Assistant Surgeons, were supplied with medicines. On tour,
393,802 [421,241] cases, including castrations, were attended.
48. Buildings.—No new buildings were constructed by the
local bodies during the year. The District Council, Nagpur, has,
however, sanctioned the required provision for additions and altera-
tions in the old warehouse building at Katol in which the veterinary
dispensary is now located. Some additions and alterations have
been made to the dispensary buildings at Arvi. Subscription
amounting to Rs. 1,101 has been collected for a new dispensary
building at Ramtek but the amount is still lying unspent as it is
insufficient for construction requirements. A number of dispen-
saries are still housed in sarais or rented buildings though the
pressing necessity for suitable accommodation is being repeatedly
impressed on the local bodies.
IV.—QUARANTINE STATIONS
49. The nine cattle quarantine stations in Saugor and Hoshang-
abad districts which are in operation since December 1938
registered further successful working during the year under review.
Of the 109,284 [117,837] animals, which passed through these stations,
108,989 [117,146] were vaccinated. Of the remaining 295 animals,
70 were below age for vaccination and 225 were detained for treat-
ment and of these 17 died and 208 were discharged after recovery.
50. A sum of Rs. 27,242-12-0 [Rs. 29,281-4-0] was collec ed
as vaccination fee. The fall in the number of imported cattle and
decrease in the vaccination receipts was due to the dull cattle markets
consequent on the unfavourable conditions in Mandla district
and Chhattisgarh division. In all 6,987 [4,860] permits were
issued. In accordance with the provisions of the Act 292 complaints
were lodged against the offenders, of which 186 were convicted,
seven were acquitted, 57 were withdrawn and 42 cases are sub judice.
51. The number of animals passing through these quarantine
stations is shown below :—
Khurai .. .. ..
Hoshangabad .. ..
Malthone .. ..
Sandia .. .. ..
Tendukhera .. ..
Rahatgarh .. ..
Shahgarh .. ..
Handia .. .. ..
Gaisabad .. ..
Total ..
29,985
15,088
14,792
13,595
13,595
10,914
6,049
4,239
1,027
109,284
[30,705]
[12,731]
[16,278]
[18,481]
[14,934]
[12,823]
[5,814]
[5,225]
[846]
[117,837]
3
12
52. The total receipts realized during the year from the nine
quarantine stations amounted to Rs. 27,359-10-3 and the direct
running cost of these stations was Rs. 15,854-4-3, leaving thereby
a saving of Rs. 11,505-6-0. Though it is yet too early to assess the
value of these stations in respect of the control of contagious diseases,
particularly rinderpest, it may be stated on the basis of the available
statistics for the last two years that the incidence of contagious
diseases has been appreciably reduced in the areas receiving their
supplies through these stations. This feature has thus meant a
distinct relief to cattle owners of these tracts, which were previously
suffering enormous losses due to cattle epidemics every year. The
question of extension of the Cattle Diseases Act to Nimar, Jubbulpore
and Mandla districts is under examination and plans are in progress
to locate strategic sites for controlling the ingress of infection imported
with the influx of cattle from the north, north-east and north-west
of the Province. The proposal to keep the quarantine stations
open throughout the year, with a view to mitigate the hardship now
experienced by cattle dealers in some areas during the non-working
season of the quarantine stations, is also receiving consideration.
V.—PROPAGANDA
53.
Eleven cattle fairs and shows were held during the year,
one in Nagpur, three in Chhattisgarh, five in Jubbulpore and two
in Berar divisions. A good number of animals of the Gaolao breed
were exhibited at the Arvi cattle show which was well attended
and received an enthusiastic response from the cultivators and some
prominent cattle breeders. Six certificates were awarded at the
All-India Cattle Show to cattle owners of this Province who had
sent exhibits to the show. Demonstrations organised by the
Agriculture Department, rural welfare centres, exhibitions and
village uplift and co-operative rallies were attended by the staff as
usual.
VI.—BREEDING OPERATIONS
54. The five cattle-breeding farms, maintained by Govern-
ment for production and supply of breeding bulls suitable for the
requirement of different tracts in the Province, continued to function
satisfactorily. The experimental sheep-breeding farm which was
started in 1939 at Dhar in the Betul district, has also registered
satisfactory progress. A brief resume of the activities of these farms
during the year under review is given below.
55. Telenkheri cattle-breeding farm.—At this farm the
well-known milch breed of the Punjab, viz., the Sahiwal, is being
maintained for the last 27 years. There is also a pure herd of
Murrah buffaloes. The entire present Sahiwal herd consists of
locally bred animals which are well acclimatized to the local condi-
tions. Careful selective breeding, practised at this farm since its
inception, has led to a progressive improvement in the quality of
the herd. The object is to provide suitable bulls for distribution in
13
urban and semi-urban areas with a view to improve the milk yield
of the progeny. The strength of the Sahiwal stock at the close of
the year was 136 [112] and there were 75 [72] Murrah buffaloes.
The average milk yield per animal has reached 3,615 lb. as against
2,000 lb. per year of the original foundation stock. The Murrah
buffaloes have not, however, responded equally satisfactorily in
spite of the best attention and husbandry. Their average yield still
remains 2,240 lb. which is rather a low production for the breed.
During the year under report 173,437 lb. of milk [145,171 lb]
was produced at the farm of which 21,161 lb. was utilized for feed-
ing the calves and the balance of 152,276 lb. was disposed as fluid
milk. Except for the months of February and March when a few
animals contracted foot-and-mouth disease, the herd remained
healthy throughout the year. Three Sahiwal and 11 Murrah
buffalo bulls were sold during the year.
The Telenkheri Dairy Co-operative Society, which has been
in existence for the last 29 years, had a successful working year.
This organization caters for the dairy requirements of a substantial
proportion of the Nagpur public and its activities are guided and
partly supervised by the departmental staff. The strength of the
Society herd at the close of the year was 736. The turnover during
the year was 910,564 lb. of milk of which 809,334 lb. was sold
as fluid milk, and the rest, viz., 101,230 lb. was disposed as butter
or ghee.
56. Garhi cattle-breeding farm.—This farm is located in
the Raigarh plateau of Baihar tahsil. in Balaghat district. The main
object is to improve the Gaolao cattle, the only indigenous type
approximating purity in this Province. The bulls produced here
are distributed for improvement of the stock in Gaolao tract. A
small herd of Murrah buffaloes is also maintained. In addition,
this farm serves as a demonstration centre in this aboriginal tract,
both in respect of improved agricultural operations and cattle
improvement methods. The strength of the herd at the close of the
year was 315 [290]. Fifteen bulls, one heifer and seven bullocks
were sold. 26,250 lb. of milk was produced at the farm of which
1,952 lb. was sold as fluid milk and the rest disposed as ghee. Plans
are in progress for installing a pumping plant in the Kashmiri river
which runs through this farm, with a view to provide requisite
irrigation facilities for making the farm self-sufficient in respect of
fodder and grains. It is proposed to institute a short course of
training at this farm for teaching the local boys, particularly the
aborginals, methods of handling and management of cattle and
preparation of good ghee.
57. Pakaria cattle-breeding farm.—This farm is located
on 2,014 acres of forest land in Pendra zamindari in Bilaspur
district. The object is to produce medium sized bulls, acclimatized
to the Chhattisgarh environment, for improving the poor stock of
the tract. The strength of the herd was 225 [211] inclusive of the
young stock. Two bulls, two cows, two heifers and eight castrated
14
young bulls could be sold this year. Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia
and Black Quarter infection appeared at the farm during the year
but were promptly suppressed. A moharir of the Indagaon Cattle-
Breeding Farm, who was deputed by the Court of Wards, Bindra
Nawagarh Estate, received practical training for two months in farm
practices and cattle management. This farm has also served as a
demonstration centre for improved agricultural practices and supplied
1,102 lb. of improved seeds. The orchard is progressing satis-
factorily and citrus and peaches, worth Rs. 42-14-3, have been sold
for the first time this year.
58. Bod cattle-breeding farm.—The livestock at this
farm consists of cross-bred cows, collected from the various small
cattle-breeding farms in Berar and Nimar district. The whole herd
is being graded up by the use of suitable Hariana bulls. The male
progeny, which for some time to come will not be sufficiently pure
and suitable for breeding purpose, is being castrated and sold as
work bullocks. Selected female progeny is retained to build up a
uniform herd. The strength of the herd at the close of the year
was 368 [391]. Foot-and-mouth disease appeared at the farm in
the month of February but was quickly brought under control.
Twenty bullocks and 19 cows were sold and eight bullocks were
transferred for cultivation work at the Telenkheri farm. Sixty-
one calves were born during the year and a marked improvement is
noticed in their birth weight and conformation. Of the 23,633 lb.
of milk produced at the farm, 14,353 lb. was sold, 265 lb. was
fed to calves and the balance was disposed as ghee. The farm land
has been appreciably improved and brought to a higher level of
fertility. During the year 6,940 lb. of improved wheat and gram
seed was supplied for the neighbouring tracts.
59. Dewal cattle-breeding farm.—The livestock at this
farm consists of medium sized Malvi stock and Murrah buffaloes.
Selective breeding is practised and the object is to produce pure
bred Malvi and Murrah bulls for distribution in the northern districts.
Experience has shown that these breeds are most suited for these
tracts and the Murrah, in particular, has been introduced with a
view to increase the milk yield and thus provide an impetus to the
ghee industry. The total strength of the herd at the close of the
year, inclusive of the young stock, was 459 [461]. The number
of calves born during the year was 116 and 27 adult animals were
sold. Extensive agglutination test was undertaken at the farm,
for the first time, for detection of the serious insidious and trouble-
some condition known as "Contagious abortion" and 39 animals
reacted positively. Necessary measures for controlling the spread
if this infection have been adopted and the progress in this matter
is being watched. Farm animals were also protected periodically
against common epidemics. The total value of the dairy produce
sold during the year was Rs. 2,322-1-6 [Rs. 4,664-15-0]. The
lower receipts this year have resulted on account of smaller number
of buffaloes in milk and loss of milk due to abortion in some high
15
yielders. Further, on account of the failure of crops the feeding
has also not been entirely satisfactory and this has reflected adversely
on milk yield. With a view to reduce the expenditure on feeding,
an area of. about 14.8 acres of land has been further brought under
cultivation and 1,000 acres have been reserved for grazing.
60. The experimental sheep-breeding farm at Dhar in the
Betul district has progressed satisfactorily. The strength of the
flock at the close of the year was 395 [314]. The breeding pro-
gramme, which consists of selective grading of the indigenous stock
and cross-breeding with Bikaner and Hissar Dale rams, was syste-
matically followed. Matings were effected during June and July
and of the total of 215 ewes put to rams, 180 were successfully
covered. Lambing commenced in November and continued till
the end of December 1940, and in all 178 lambs (including 167
dropped by the 180 ewes referred to above) were born during the
year. Washing and shearing operations were conducted in April
and October. The wool produced at this farm was sold to the
provincial textile expert who has observed in respect of the quality
" that a great improvement has been effected in the staple and feel
of the wool as compared with the wool supplied in previous
years ".
61. Poultry farming.—As an experimental measure, poultry
farming has been in progress for the last six years at the Telenkheri
farm. Appreciable headway has been made during this period in
popularizing this cottage industry in the Province. The strength
of the flock at the close of the year was 793 [613] as shown below :—
White Leghorn ..
Welsummer .. ..
Black Minorcas ..
Austrolorps .. ..
Rhode Island Red ..
White Wyandottes ..
Chittagong .. ..
Light Sussex .. ..
Total ..
346 [362]
67 [49]
84 [58]
10 [6]
244 [128]
30 [6]
12 [3]
.. [1]
793 [613]
Spirochæte infection appeared at the farm and was promptly
dealt with. Vaccination against fowl cholera was undertaken as a
preventive measure, and as a safeguard against the serious pest
"Ranikhet disease", whose existence had been confirmed for the
first time in this Province within the municipal limits of Nagpur,
the flock was split up into small units. Due to these preventive
measures there was a fall in egg production, the total during the