NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
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73. Disease and disease protection.—As noted above 37 casualties
occurred which were due to the following diseases :—
Johne's disease, Black quarter, Food and mouth disease, Pneumonia,
Rinderpest, Perirenal Hæmorrhage, Cerebral-Hæmorrhage, Naval ill,
Coccidiosis, Traumatic Pericarditis Encephalitis and Hæmorrhagic septi-
cæmia.
Black-quarter appeared among the young stock only on the last day
of March 1940, while Hæmorrhagic septicæmia appeared in the
month of January 1941, and was confined to young calves only, but the
outbreak was of a serious type. Stringent precautionary measures were
adopted and the whole herd was protected against the disease.
Sporadic cases of foot and mouth disease and one case of Rinderpest
occurred amongst the young calves.
All the Farm cattle were protected against Hæmorrhagic septicæmia
in June 1940, and January 1941; against Black quarter in June 1940
and against Anthrax in February' 1941. The operations were carried out
under the direction of the Veterinary Inspector, Patna circle.
258 animals were vaccinated against Rinderpest by the Staff of the
Bihar Veterinary College. Sporadic cases of abortion occurred at the
farm. Mr. Rahul Amin, an assistant from the Imperial Veterinary
Research Institute, Muktesar, visited the farm and tested 41 animals, out
of which 12 proved positive and 4 suspect to Bovine contagious abortion.
All the positive animals have been segregated. The suspected cases
proved negative on a re-test.
For the major part of the year construction work in connection with
the extension of camp jail was going on which resulted in great increase
in the traffic of all description passing through the Farm. It would
appear that the high incidence of disease at the farm is related to this
traffic. From the point of view of disease control it appears very necessary
that Camp Jail be provided with a road unconnected with the farm.
74. Disposal Of surplus stock-—12 cows, 54 heifers, 68 castrated
bull calves, 9 bulls and 1 bullock were sold and the sale proceeds, viz.,
Rs. 4,536-13-0 were credited to Government.
75. Milk and milk products.—The total milk yield during the year
was 379,870 lbs. or an average of 11 lbs. per cow per day against
3,44,8283/4 lbs. during the last year, an increase of 35,0413/4 lbs.
The average number of cows in milk per day was 92.
The average milk yield of the country-bred cows works out at about
8.8 lbs. per head per day while that of Tharparkar cows at 11.2 lbs.
76. Manufacture of butter.—13 lbs. 7 ozs. of butter was brought
over on the 1st April 1940; 6,898 lbs. of buffalo milk and 2,125 lbs. 8 ozs.
of cream were purchased from outside for the manufacture of butter. The
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outturn of butter during the year was 1,828 lbs. 10 ozs. Out of the total
quantity of 1,842 lbs. 1 oz. of butter 1,639 lbs. 15 ozs. were sold, 192
lbs. 9 ozs. made into ghee leaving a balance of 9 lbs. 9 ozs. at the end of
the year.
Out of the total quantity of 379,870 lbs. of Farm milk 359,534½ lbs.
were sold, 8,323 lbs. were separated for cream and 3,835 lbs were lost in
pasteurising, measuring and bottling and. the balance 8,177½ lbs. were fed
to the calves.
In addition to the sale of milk 646 lbs. 13 ozs. of cream and 163 lbs.
9 ozs. of ghee were also sold.
77. Cultivation.—The total area under cultivation was 317 acres,
162 bighas, 2 cottas and 3 dhurs wore leased out at a rental of Rs. 2,203-
13-9 out of which a sum of Rs. 1,399-8-3 was realised during the year
leaving a balance of Rs. 804-5-6.
Juar, maize, Guar, elephant grass, Guinea grass, Sudan grass, sun-
flower, berseem, khesari and paddy, etc., were grown on the farm.
The total outturn of rabi and kharif crops was 34,101 maunds of
which there were 3,242 maunds of grain and 30,859 maunds of green
fodder and bhusa. In addition 148,600 pullas of paddy straw were
produced.
The estimated value of the grain and fodder produced
amounted to Rs. 19,850-7-0 at a cultivation expenditure of Rs. 12,062-9-0.
Details are shown in Table XVII.
78. Trees and Orchards.—As only a few trees had fruits in the
garden the crop was sold for Rs. 151 for the season and the juice producing
palm and date trees were sold at a rental of Rs. 755. The amount Rs. 906
was realised and credited to Government.
79. Irrigation and drainage.—The supply of water for irrigating the
farm land was inadequate as in previous years, A proposal for boring
a bigger tube-well to replace the present 5" well, which is showing signs
of failure, has been submitted to Government.
The drainage of the Farm has been unsatisfactory. It is likely to
become worse due to the establishment of Aerodrome on the eastern side
of the cultivated land and consequent disturbance of the natural
slopes.
80. Plants and Machinery.—The Chevrolet Van, which was purchased
in November 1939, worked satisfactorily during the year. It was found
that the two oil engines, which have been worked with kerosene oil for the
last 12 years could also be worked with crude oil; after consulting experte,
crude oil was tried and found to be working satisfactorily. Since then these
oil engines are worked with crude oil instead of kerosene oil with the
result that the fuel cost for the engines has been reduced to less than
half. Most of the agricultural implements and machinery have become
very old and require renewal.
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The replacement of the obsolete and uneconomical plant at the Farm
(Dairy section) with up-to-date economical and improved plant is under
consideration.
81. Buildings.—The annual petty repairs were carried out.
82. Transfer of Farm land.—19.60 acres of Farm land have been
taken over by the Aerodrome and 30 acres have been leased out by
Government to the Hindustan Bicycle Manufacturing and Industrial
Corporation Limited.
83. Visitors.— (1) Late Dr. W. L. Davies, Ph.D., D.SC., F.I.C,
N.D.A., Director of Dairy Research, Government of India, (2) Mr. D. N.
Khurody, I.D.D., Senior Marketing Officer to the Government of India,
(3) Mr. V. R. Rajagopalan, G.M.V.C, Bacteriologist at the Imperial
Veterinary Research Institute, Muktesar and (4) S. B. Sir Datar Singh,
Proprietor of the Montgomery Dairy Farm, Punjab, visited the Farm
during the year.
84. Experiments.—Some animals do not come in heat for consider-
able periods after parturition, injections of detoxicated urine from cows in
advanced pregnancy are being tried in such cases and data collected.
A certain amount of khesari (Lathyrus Sativa) has been grown at the
Farm as a crop following paddy. Khesari is usually fed to the cattle in
the villages. There are, however, references in literature to its causing
paralysis of lower limbs in human beings. Four old bullocks were given
a daily ration containing one pound khesari per animal with effect from
17th November 1940. Subsequently two more bullocks were put on
a ration containing 2 lbs. of khesari per animal with effect from the 17th
January 1941. No ill effects have been observed so far.
During the busy agricultural season when bullocks are at hard work
it becomes difficult, at times to maintain them in good condition on
ordinary feeds. A supplement of 2 lbs. molasses per animal per day has
been tried and found satisfactory in providing a cheap source of energy
rich food.
Berseem seeds are not available locally and importing them from the
Punjab or North-Western Frontrier Province is generally costly. Experi-
ments on seed production were tried during the year. It was found that
the plants left after first and second cut grew too long and lodged badly,
while the plants left after the third cut—flowered and produced seeds.
The germination and outturn of crop from these seeds was not inferior to
the imported seeds.
Yield and cultivation experiments on son e natural grasses found on
the Farm have been started. Doob, Jamhar and Phulhar have been
planted in randomised plots. Half the plots are being cultivated occa-
sionally, whereas the other half are left un-cultivated. During the first
year these plots are under irrigation, but it is planned to continue them
without irrigation for the second yean
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85. Revenue and Expenditure.—The total revenue of the farm
amounted to Rs. 70,487-5-0 including Rs. 19,850-7-0 the estimated
value of the outturn of crops and Rs. 2,500 the estimated value of the
Farm yard manure and the total expenditure was Rs. 76,633-3-0 includ-
ing the estimated cost of the Farm produce and of the Farm-yard manure
used but excluding the payments made by the Public Works Department
for repairs to the buildings. The details are shown in Table XII.
It is satisfactory to note that the net difference between the income
and expenditure during the year under review has been further reduced
to Rs. 6,145-14-0. as against Rs. 12,973-8-0 of the previous year.
86. Horse Breeding.—No operations are conducted in the Province.
87. Fairs and Shows.—As usual the various important fairs and
shows held in the Province were attended by the staff and exhibits of
Veterinary interest including charts, statuettes, models, etc., were installed
especially at the Sonepur Singheswar Asthan, Gulabbagh, Bettiah
Dasahara, Berhampore, Jaintpur fairs, Hijli mela (which was opened
by His Excellency the Governor of Bihar) and the Khunti Agricultural
Horticultural and Industrial Exhibition, and lectures on improvement of
livestock and control of contagious and non-contagious diseases were
delivered and demonstrations with magic lantern held. A 1st class certifi-
cate was awarded to the Department this year by the Agricultural
Horticultural and Industrial Exhibition Committee, Khunti. A cattle
and horse show was organised by the authorities at the Jaintpur mela for
the first time. The Department ran a stall in the first Annual Exhibition
of Agriculture and village Industries held at Darbhanga.
Figures furnisned by the District Traffic Superintendent, Bengal
and North-Western Railway Company show that 3,132 animals, viz.,
429 cows, 2,284 bullocks. 188 buffaloes, 218 horses and 13 elephants were
booked by rail to different places from Sonepore, Hajipur and Paleza
Ghat stations as against 9,165 of the previous year.
Owing to the interest taken by the public the number of animals
attending horse and cattle fairs and shows is increasing year by year.
During the year under report 42 cattle and 13 horse fairs were held in
the Province in which 5,04,521 animals were brought for sale while in
the previous year 42 fairs were held and 4,23,706 animals were present.
The general condition of the animals was satisfactory. Details are shown
in Tables VII and XIII.
The system of awarding prizes and medals with a view to encourage
the stock owners has been introduced in many of the fairs and shows.
The authorities approached the Department for a grant but it was not
possible to comply with their wishes as no funds are provided in the
budget of this Department. It is proposed to approach Government
for a lump provision in the Departmental budget.
Five animals were sent from the Farm stock to compete in the 4th All-
India Cattle Show. Second and third places in both cow and heifer classes
were secured by our exhibits.
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CHAPTER V.
LABORATORIES.
88. During the year under report the Bihar Veterinary College
Laboratory continued to examine slides and other materials received from
the Government Cattle Farm, private individuals, as well as from the staff
of the Central Range and the Chota. Nagpur Sub-Range, while those
received from the staff of the North Bihar Range were examined at the
laboratory at Muzaffarpur. Altogether 2,073 specimens, comprising of
blood and pus smears, fæces, skin scrapings, urine and milk were examined
at the College Laboratory, and 1,090 specimens at the North Bihar Range
laboratory making a total of 3,163 as against 2,813 of the year 1939-40.
The number includes 822 specimens received from the Central Range and
500 from the Chota Nagpur Sub-Range (previous figures being 861 and
259, respectively). In addition 23 interesting pathological specimens were
preserved at the North Bihar Range Laboratory. Owing to rapid increase
of work in the Sub-Range the present system of examination of slides, etc.,
of this Sub-Range at the College Laboratory is unsatisfactory. A proposal
for the establishment of a small laboratory attached to the bub-Range
office at Ranchi has, therefore, been submitted for the consideration of
Government.
(VETERINARY) DISEASE INVESTIGATION SCHEMES.
89. The programme of work of the (Veterinary) Disease Investigation
Officer, Bihar as approved by the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research
included the following items :—
(1) Rinderpest.
(2) Buffalo Otorrhœa.
(3) Mastitis.
(4) Equine Encephalomyelitis.
(5) Sheep and Goat diseases.
(6) Miscellaneous.
90. CATTLE DISEASES.
(a) A Rinderpest outbreak amongst Central Jail cattle at Bhagal-
pur indicating a break down in goat tissue virus immunity was reported
and attended. These cattle of mixed Taylor breed had been vaccinated
in January 1940, and in December 1940, there were 11 seizures within
a fortnight, out of which seven died showing rinderpest lesions. Trans-
mission experiments to investigate the plurality of the virus could not be
undertaken as the outbreak came in hand too late. Re-vaccination of the
whole lot was carried out. It was further proposed to test the duration of
immunity in Taylor breed after 8-10 months.
(b) Investigation into the occurrence of rinderpest following goat
tissues vaccination in the presence of actual outbreaks, was undertaken at
two places in Hazaribagh district It was suspected that the virus was
inactive when used, re-vaccination was advised.
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(c) Encephalitis.—Government Cattle Farm, Patna, has lost over
14 calves during the past two years, all showing similar nervous symptoms
suggestive of encephalitis. Transmission, cultural and feeding experi-
ments were undertaken to find out the etiology of the condition. The
results obtained were strongly suggestive of grass poisoning.
(d) Trichophytosis.—A skin affection of calves at Government Cattle
Farm which appeard year after year and had so far eluded confirmatory
diagnosis (having been clinically diagnosed as Ring Worm by the Director
Veterinary Services) was proved to be Ring Worm.
(e) Rabies.—An outbreak (due to jackal bites) amongst animals was
investigated in Muzaffarpur district and necessary advice given.
(f) Goat and Sheep diseases.—Contagious (?) Keratitis :—Following
an outbreak of this disease amongst goats in North Bihar Range trans-
mission and cultural experiments were carried out with a view to elucidate
the causative agent and contagious nature. The results did not support
the theory of contagion.
91. EQUINE DISEASES.
(a) Equine encephalomyelitis.—An outbreak of this disease
supposed to have involved 11 ponies of the Mounted Military Police,
Arrah, was investigated. Necessary material was collected from one pony
by a Special Research Officer deputed by the Imperial Veterinary Research
Institute, Muktesar. The results are awaited.
(b) Anthrax.—Nineteen ponies belonging to the Mounted Military
Police, Patna, were vaccinated with Burma Spore Vaccine against
Anthrax.
92. CANINE DISEASES.
Tick fever.—Twenty-seven valuable dogs of Darbhanga kennels
suffering from B. Gibsoni infection wore put under treatment to find out
the efficacy of various drugs. It was shown that " Novarsenobillon " was
the best of the lot. Other drugs tried were Tryparsamide and Sulfar-
senol.
93. FOWL DISEASES.
(a) Fowl-pox.—An outbreak of this disease was attended at the
Government Agricultural Farm, Patna.
Out of about 300 chickens 30
had already died and about 50 were suffering.
Several post-mortem
examinations were conducted. General preventive measures and medicinal
treatment were advised.
(b) Roup.—Post-mortem of a few dead birds from Director, Veteri-
nary Services, poultry run showed diphtheric deposits in the air passages
with discharge from the eyes and nose.
Naso ocular type of roup was
suspected and later confirmed by the Pathologist, Bihar Veterinary
College, Patna. Isolation measures and intestinal antiseptics were
advised.
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94. Miscellaneous.—Preliminary enquiry and examination of cases
and collection of statistics were carried out in connection with the
following diseases—(a) Retention of urine in bullocks, (6) Ephemeral
fever, (c) Cutaneous emphysema, (d) Johne's disease, (e) Stringhalt,
(f) Contagious abortion, (g) Bursati, (h) Enzootic otorrhoea, (i) Necrosis
of skin, (j) Doyle's disease.
An epidemic of Diphtheric roup in a flock of fowls (New Capital,
Patna) was attended by the Assistant Investigation Officer (Poultry).
The flock comprised of 10 deshi birds locally purchased for table purposes.
They were kept in a wooden box and had the run of the. court yard.
The disease was first detected on the 1st March 1941. Eight birds
had already been affected of which seven died.
In order to confirm the clinical and post-mortem findings the following
transmission experiments were carried out.
Four healthy birds were infected with the materials obtained from
the throats of two affected birds. Three of those developed clinical and
antopsical lesions of Diptheria while the remaining one remained healthy.
Two healthy birds received subcutaneous injections of 1 c. c,
each of the spleen and liver emulsions in N. S. S. from two affected
birds. The birds showed no ill-effects.
As fowls purchased at random whose previous history is unknown are
unsuitable for experimental purposes it is proposed to maintain a small
poultry run for such experiments.
95. Investigation and experimental treatment carried out in
Ranges.—The experimental drug treatment of Bovine Surra at Muzaffar-
pur was discontinued as materials from natural cases were not available.
An outbreak of Keratitis (suspected to be contagious) in goats
was detected in Purnea district in the later part of January 1941.
Some
experiments were conducted to elucidate its etiology with negative results.
In addition experimental treatment of diseases, viz, Foot and Mouth
disease, Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia, Nasal granuloma, Stringhalt, Bursati,
Rinderpest, Skin diseases, Liver fluke, Broken horn, Distemper, Mastitis,
Metritis, Debility, Fowl Cholera, Fowl pox Coccidiosis, Leucorrhoea,
Coryza in dog were also carried out at the Veterinary Institutions in the
districts.
CHAPTER VI.
Establishment.
PROVINCIAL.
96. On the expiry of his leave Major P. B. Riley, I. V. S., Director
Veterinary Services, retired from service with effect from the 1st
June, 1940. Babu D. N. Mukherji, Assistant Director, Chota Nagpur
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Subordinate Veterinary Service. At the close of the year the staff
consisted of 158 officers as shown in Table X.
98. Professional examinations and training.—The Bihar Veterinary
Examination Board conducted the half-yearly professional examinations
of the Subordinate Veterinary Officers. Of the 25 officers who appeared
at the examinations held in April and October 1940, 12 passed.
CHAPTER VII.
EXPENDITURE.
99. The total expenditure of the Department during the year
amounted to Rs 6,75,751-1-3 as against Rs. 7,21,901-12-3 during 1939-
40. Out of the former a sum of Rs. 4,14,552 was met from the Provincial
revenues, Rs. 6,049 was contributed by the Imperial Council of Agricul-
tural Research towards the. two Investigation Schemes and the balance
was borne by the local bodies. The decrease in expenditure is due to
strict economy exercised during the year coupled with the retirement of
an Indian Veterinary Service Officer and the stoppage of special pay
hitherto allowed to the Officer-incharge, Government Cattle Farm. The
total receipt of the Department amounted to Rs. 2,18,870-9-11.
The details of expenditure are shown in Table IX.
CHAPTER VIII.
GENERAL REMARKS.
100. Propaganda.—The staff continued to bring home the aims and
objects of the Department to the village folk and the ryots by delivering
short lectures at cattle and horse fairs and shows, primary schools, Mass
literacy Centres, markets, hats, and also at the Divisional Development
Board meetings as well as meetings held under the auspices of the Agricul-
ture, Co-operative and the Rural Development Deprtments. For render in
distinguished services 2 silver medals and 5 certificates were awarded to
the (Honorary) Literacy workers of the Department on the occasion of the
Second Anniversary of the Provincial Mass Literacy movement. 11,380
lectures were delivered as against 10,920 during the previous year.
During the year a considerable number of useful magic lantern slide were
purchased for demonstration purposes. The question of displaying Veteri-
nary Exhibits, Charts, statuettes, etc., to the public in a permanent stall
in the Bihar Commercial Museum remained under the consideration of the
Department. The proposal for the purchase of propaganda van mentioned
in last year's report was submitted to Government during the year.
101. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.—With a view to prevent
cruelty to animals the staff as usual worked in close collaboration with the
Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Bihar and prosecuted
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1,242 cases of which 1,166 ended in conviction. In addition 10 cases of
cattle poisoning and 12 cases of malicious injuries were also reported.
During the year nine Veterinary Institutions including those maintained by
the Bettiah Estate and Dumraon Raj were declared as Infirmaries under
the Cruelty Act. For want of proper accommodation in certain infirmaries
of the Province difficulty is being felt in housing cruelty cases. It is
hoped the local bodies concerned will take early action in the matter
and also consider the question of appointment of a trained dresser
where such a post is necessary for receiving cruelty cases and
also to give first aid to them during the absence on tour of the Touring
Veterinary Assistant Surgeons.
102. Natural calamities.— Floods visited some parts of Champaran
Muzaffarpur and Patna districts as well as the North Gangetic area of
Supaul and Madhipura subdivisions but no serious loss to livestock was
reported. The services of the local Veterinary Assistant Surgeons of these
two subdivisions were utilised for relief work. Death of six cattle due to
an outbreaks of fire was reported from the Sadr Subdivision of Muzaffarpur
district.
103. Papers written for publication.—The following papers or leaflets
were prepared by the Superior Staff of the Department and the College :—
(1) Chemotherapy of canine piroplasmosis due to Babesia Gibsoni
by Mr. H. R. Kapur (Veterinary) Disease Investigation
Officer.
(2) Note on contagious diseases of cattle prevalent in Chota Nagpur
by Babu P. C. Bhattacharji.
The first paper will bo published in Indian Journal of Veterinary
Science and animal husbandry while the second note has been written at
the instance of Rev. Father Rector of Ranchi for local distribution.
The report on the development of the Cattle Industry in the Kos
region (North Gangetic area) referred to in last year's report was rewritten
in abridged form by Mr. Kapur and accepted by the Imperial Council of
Agricultural Research for publication in " Indian Forming ".
In addition eight articles of topical Veterinary interest were written
and 28 articles were contributed by the staff for publication in the
Government weekly bulletin " Dehat ". The leaflet on Malignant Sore
Throat (Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia) was revised by me.
104. New schemes.—Work on the two schemes, viz., (1) Investiga-
tion of Poultry diseases in Bihar and (2) Manufacture of Goat Tissue
Virus at the Bihar Veterinary College was started during the year. The
other schemes mentioned in last year's report did not meterialise. During
the year a new scheme for the elucidation of the etiology of the disease
known variously as " Pitto ", " Gillar ", etc., found in sheep and goats
was submitted and approved by the Imperial Council of Agricultural
Research. Allotment of funds is now awaited.