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5. To accelerate the rate of establishment of veterinary institutions, the Govern
ment have instructed the Superintendent to submit aunually a list of six places
where institutions can be opened in the next but one succeeding financial year. The
Government hope that the delay which has hitherto occurred in starting work at the
places where the opening of institutions has been sanctioned will be obviated and
that at least six institutions will in future be regularly opened every year.
6. The number of castrations performed at hospitals and dispensaries shows a
satisfactory increase during the year. Six hundred and fifty-six castrations were
performed in 1914-15,1,505 in 1915-16, 816 in 1916-17 and 1,439 in the year
under review. Taking in and out-patients together, the most noticeable decrease in
attendance was at Bellary, Hindupur and Saidapet. The Government note the good
work done at Tinnevelly and Rajahmundry, while at Berhampur, Sivagiri, Nellore,
Parlākimedi, Sivaganga, Amalapuram and Negapatam the attendance showed a
satisfactory increase.
7. There was a net increase of two inspectors and eight assistants in the sub
ordinate executive staff. The work of the subordinate touring staff during the year
compares as follows with that during the previous three years: —
Item of work.
Inoculations and vaccinations .. .. .. ..
Castrations .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Contagious cases treated ..
Non-contagious cases treated .. .. .. ..
1917-18.
110,772
3.034
11,546
11.013
1916-17.
107,894
3,429
14,995
6,665
1915-16.
91,565
4,349
8,1561 (a)
6,458
1914-15.
97,020
4,342
11,6111
5,611 (b)
(a) In addition, veterinary inspectors, special veterinary assistants and the mobile corps treated 2,932 animals,
(b)
Do.
4,261 animals.
The Superintendent has explained the fall in the number of castrations performed
by the assistants, but no explanation has been offered in regard to the fall in the
number of contagious cases treated.
8. The record of mortality from disease shows steady increase. In 1913—14
the number of deaths recorded was 50,728, which rose to 68,588 in 1916-17, and to
70,018 in 1917-18. The increase is due chiefly to the increased toll taken by
rinderpest which accounted for 8,871 deaths in 1913-14, 26,215 in 1916-17, and
30,733 in the year under review. The special mobile corps formed in 1912-13 to
combat the ravages of this disease was disbanded in 1916-17 and the staff was
distributed in the districts of Guntūr and Kistna where riuderpest was very severe.
This disease has been found to follow the movements of cattle from the Native States
of Mysore and Hyderabad and the Government have arranged as a preventive
measure for the posting of additional assistants along the frontier taluks. The pro
vision of hospitals and dispensaries in the frontier taluks also forms a special feature
of the rinderpest campaign. Mr. Shilston, Assistant Imperial Bacteriologist, who
was deputed by the Government of India to make an inquiry regarding inoculation
against rinderpest and to suggest improvements in the methods adopted to combat
it, has concluded his investigations. His report shows that the most effective
prophylactic against the disease would be the adoption of the 'Serum-simultaneous'
method of inoculation in the place of the 'Serum-alone' method at present practised.
The Government have permitted the Superintendent to visit Muktesar and study the
technique of the operation; the general adoption of this method of inoculation in
the Presidency must however be postponed till the higher supervising staff is
strengthened. It also appears doubtful whether the average cattle-owner will
appreciate the benefits of the system. In view of the importance of minimising the
ravages of this serious disease, the Government hope that all district officers will
co-operate in impressing upon the public the necessity of taking full advantage of
the advice and assistance of the trained staff which is now available in every district.
The Government consider that the recommendation of Mr. Shilston to adopt the
Serum-simultaneous method of inoculation, where conditions are suitable, viz., at
Government, municipal and local fund institutions and in the case of cattle belonging
to enlightened private owners, is important. If the results are favourable, it would
be an object lesson to the ryots. Mr. Ware's further report on this matter, after his
visit to Muktesar, will be awaited.