2
the horses of the Saharanpur-Mussoorie Dâk line, at which period of the year
the disease does not exist as a general rule in that part of India, I proceeded
to visit the line with a view to determining the accuracy of the diagnosis. I
visited all the stations in the Mohand Pass, where the disease had been report-
ed to exist. A careful microscopical examination of the blood of the whole of
the horses and mules, some 150 in number, was made, with the result that no
case of Surra could be detected. At the same time I took the opportunity of
examining stagnant and other water and the body fluids of various horse flies,
ticks and fish, with a view to ascertaining whether the " Trypanosoma " existed
in them. In every case, however, negative results were registered. In addition,
observations were made with regard to the presence of the Filaria papillosa
(equi) in the circulation of equines examined for the Surra parasite.
On my return from Mohand, similar investigations were conducted in and
around Saharanpur as well as within the Government Remount Depôt, with
the same end in view, and with negative results.
Proceeding thence to Karnal (Punjab) on 8th June, an extensive series of
observations were conducted, which included the examination of samples of
water from every available source, in addition to the blood of samples of the
contained fish and numerous specimens comprising some eight different species
of flies and ticks.
The blood of thirty Government bullocks was submitted to microscopical
examination to determine the presence or absence of the Surra Trypanosoma
and the embryos of the Filaria papillosa. During my stay at Karnal, an oppor-
tunity offered itself, which allowed of my observing the symptoms and course
of the disease in a horse attacked with paraplegia, etc., and subsequently of
making an autopsy on the animal. The results of my inquiries during this
tour are given in the report.
In accordance with my previously arranged plan to make a second series
of observations during the rains, and just before Surra usually manifests itself
in equines, I visited Saharanpur on 7th September, but the results of my
investigations proved negative. From thence I proceeded to the Mohand Pass.
The blood of some 130 horses and mules were here submitted to examination,
with the result that the Surra hæmatozoon was discovered in the circulation
of only two animals, which were in fine condition and stabled at an elevation
of 3,000 feet. These horses belonged to a European firm.
On my return to Saharanpur, I was informed that many cattle were dying
of rinderpest at and around the village of Sultanpur, some eleven miles away.
Consequently, I proceeded there and was able to make several post mortem
examinations and obtain pathological material for subsequent examination at
the Laboratory.
On 14th September, I proceeded to Karnal and then proceeded to repeat
similar investigations to those carried on during my previous visit in May.
During my sojourn in Karnal, information was brought in that several horses
were ill and losing flesh at the village of Tikri, where several Government and
Municipal stallions are kept. On proceeding thither, microscopical examination
proved the presence of the Surra organisms in the blood of a mare belonging to
the " Lambardar " in charge of the sires. Notice of the above was immediately
sent to the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, and the necessary
steps taken for the removal of the horses.
On leaving Karnal, I received instructions to proceed to Simla, and, as
privilege leave was due to me, the Government of India requested that I
should at once proceed to England and there assist the Secretary of State for
India in his selection of an Assistant Bacteriologist. After making a careful
enquiry and interviewing various gentlemen, I submitted the name of Doctor
J. W. W. Stephens as the gentleman most fitted for the post, and his services
were accepted. The Secretary of State further sanctioned the deputation of
this officer to visit the Chief Laboratories of Europe during a period of 60 to 70
days, with a view to making himself conversant with the methods, etc.,
employed by the principal Bacteriological savants of Europe, previous to his
departure for Bombay, India, where he was ordered to report himself at the