8
REPORT ON THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT (INCLUDING THE INSEIN VETERINARY
SCHOOL), BURMA, FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST MARCH 1018.
outbreaks, which occur in various parts of the province annually, has militated
against more stringent measures than now exist being taken. Each year we are
free, more susceptible stock is growing up, and each year we see increasing
facilities for spread of disease by new areas being opened up, increasing traffic by
development of commercial intercourse, and it is not difficult to see even further
means of spreading disease. Many parts of the world have suffered disastrous
visitations of this scourge, bringing misery to the inhabitants and loss to the States
concerned. I have no desire to appear as an alarmist, but I think more stringent
legislation than now exists is desirable to assist those whose efforts are directed
towards the suppression of contagious cattle diseases.
14. Importation of Disease.—The Deputy Commissioner of Amherst attri-
buted a severe outbreak of rinderpest in Kawkareik Township to the fact of certain
individuals purchasing animals in an infected area in Siam and bringing them into
the township, and also to the pollution of streams by throwing in carcases of
animals that died of disease.
15. Segregation
Rules.—The
general opinion of District Officers is that
there is an improvement in the working of the rules, and though perhaps slow, it
is certain. In Amherst the improvement was very marked and the benefits
derived therefrom better understood. Veterinary Assistants had no trouble in
enforcing the rules. As might be expected in some districts villagers take to
them more quickly than others. The Deputy Commissioner, Yamèthin, observes
that a "measure which requires speedy action is the effective control of the ill-
kept herds of kala cattle which use up fodder which should go to the working
cattle, and which are a pest in many ways." I fully endorse the Deputy
Commissioner's remarks. Some action is not only desirable but very necessary
in the direct interest of Burman cattle-owners. In the Yamèthin District a sum
of over Rs. 7,000 was expended in digging tanks for storage of water. In this
district and also in the Ruby Mines, permanent segregation camps are maintained.
In Kyaukse, headmen are encouraged to learn the rules. Eleven thugyis
presented themselves for examination and nine passed the test.
16. Registration of Cattle Deaths.—I feel sure as much attention as one
might hope for is not given to this subject. As far as Indian-owned cattle is
concerned it is a dead letter, until disease is too serious to be kept altogether dark.
17. The two students at the Calcutta Veterinary College, viz. Maung Kyaing
and Maung Nyan Gyaw, passed their final examination at the close of the year.
The work of Inspectors and Veterinary Assistants has been satisfactory. A
few Veterinary Assistants have not done well, but they will do better next year.
The Deputy Commissioner, Amherst, is very pleased with the work of Veterinary
Inspector Maung Pe (1), as also is the Superintendent, Northern Shan States,
with the work of Veterinary Inspector Maung Tha Dun Zan.
I have received the very greatest help from Messrs. Batlivala and Bhagwan
Singh. I would also like to bring to notice the following Inspectors, Maung
Pe Than, Maung Pe (2), Maung Tun Aung, Maung San Hla, Maung Kya Nyun,
and Veterinary Assistants Maung Bwin Gyi, Maung Tun Nyet, Maung Khan,
Maung Po Thin, Maung Myint, Maung Tun Ba, Maung Hla Gyaw and Maung
Tun Nyein. Of the Veterinary Assistants, Maung Tun Nyet and Maung Khan
have done especially hard and good work during the numerous outbreaks of
rinderpest in the Insein District.
18. We have, as usual, received every help from District Officers and the
Department is very grateful to them. I desire to record my appreciation of the
good work done and assistance afforded us by Maung O Thu Za, Subdivisional
Officer, Taikkyi, and Maung Ke, Township Officer, Hlègu, especially so to the
former who had very heavy work in assisting us in dealing with Indian cattle-
owners during outbreaks of rinderpest.
G. H. EVANS,
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
RANGOON, 14th May 1918.
Department; Burma.