From J. J. ANDERSON, Esq., I.C.S., Assistant Secretary to the Financial Commissioner, Burma, to the
Revenue Secretary to the Government of Burma,—No. 1299—5R.-76, dated the 20th June 1910.
I am directed to submit, in proof, three copies of the Report of the Civil
Veterinary Department, Burma, for the year 1909-10, together with a copy of a
letter No. 374C., dated the 10th June 1910, from the Director of Agriculture,
Burma.
2. The Financial Commissioner does not think it necessary to summarize
the report and he agrees, except where the contrary is stated, with the comments
of the Director of Agriculture.
3. Mr. Gates does not expect that Insein will furnish enough subjects for a
considerable Veterinary practice. He regrets that the School was not established
near a larger town.
4. District Officers have been consulted as to improvements in the grazing-
ground system and the introduction of fodder crops. The matter is still under
consideration.
5. Permanent Segregation Camps are not without their drawbacks. Infection
may cling for a long time to buildings or camps, and unless a thorough disinfection
is insisted on after an outbreak, a permanent camp may foster rather than check
disease.
6. Various measures for dealing with large herds of cattle, especially those
owned by natives of India, have been proposed. No definite decision has been
reached.
7. There was no change in the Rules dealing with Cattle Diseases. Such
changes as the Financial Commissioner wished to make did not commend them-
selves to Government.
From J. MACKENNA, Esq., M.A., I.C.S., Director of Agriculture, Burma, to the Assistant Secretary
to the Financial Commissioner, Burma,—No. 374—C., dated the 10th June 1910.
I have the honour to submit, in proof, six copies of the Annual Report of the Civil
Veterinary Department, Burma, for the year ending the 31st March 1910.
2. Some progress has been made during the year in the equipment of the new Veteri-
nary School at Insein. The improved laboratory fittings have permitted of a certain
amount of scientific work, while the Veterinary Hospital attached to the School has
proved a convenience to the public and supplied material for the practical training of
students. It is hoped that the public will avail themselves, more and more, of the gratui-
tous Veterinary advice and treatment which the School offers them.
3. Colonel Evans' remarks as to the general behaviour of the students form cause for
regret. In May it was my painful duty to publicly dismiss from the School a pupil who
had been guilty of a most flagrant breach of discipline. It is to be hoped that there will be
an improvement in the general behaviour of students : and all breaches of discipline must
be severely and firmly dealt with.
4. The three pupils sent to the Bengal Veterinary College have completed their course,
and, after a short course of further training in practical work and office procedure will be
posted as Inspector. Maung Thein Maung has, unfortunately, broken down in health
and steps are being taken to procure another for training in his place.
5. Although the total mortality for the Province is 30,566 head of cattle as against
19,519 in 1908-09, and 24,316 in 1907-08, the Province as a whole, has, for the fourth
year in succession, enjoyed remarkable immunity from contagious diseases. The position
in the Akyab District, is particularly satisfactory, there being a decrease of 50 per cent in
mortality. As a set off, however, there has been a considerable increase of contagious
diseases in all districts of the Pegu Division : Henzada and Thayetmyo suffered from serious
epidemics of rinderpest, while this disease was again rife in the Amherst District, though
the mortality was somewhat less than last year. The total mortality for Lower Burma was
20,631 head of cattle as against 13,626 in the preceding year.
In Upper Burma, an increase from 5,893 fatal cases last year to 9,935 in this is more
than accounted for by a severe epidemic of rinderpest in the Myitkyina District and out-
breaks of lesser magnitude in the Bhamo and Yamèthin Districts.
6. The position of affairs in the Shan States is far from satisfactory nor is any marked
improvement likely until the rules are backed by the development of a public spirit and