21
122. The experiments with sera produced by hyper-immunizing bovines
with organic substances other than the casual agent of Hæmorrhagic Septi-
cæmia, have been continued and some progress is reported especially with
serum produced by hyper-immunization with milk products.
123. Experiments have been continued with a view to protecting equines
from or curing them of Surra, but so far without any practical result. In
regard to the treatment of equine Surra a series of experiments which were
commenced during last year, which had for their object the cure of the disease
by the administration of arsenic and trypanrot were continued. Two out of
five Country-breds treated recovered, but the remainder died, and all Austra-
lian horses succumbed. The attenuation of the Trypanosoma by means of
culture by the new, improved methods devised by workers in other parts of
the world, was attempted, but the experiments were not so successful as could
have been desired.
124. It has been shown that doses of arsenic and trypanrot well tolerated
by equines proved lethal to camels in a few hours. Two-thirds of the doses
were tolerated, but failed to cure camel Surra.
125. Equine Surra has been found to be inoculable to the Black Buck ;
the degree of susceptibility of this animal varies, but it appears that this is not
capable of carrying over the Trypanosoma from the end of one Surra season to
the beginning of another. Researches into camel Surra and Dourine have
been continued, and a report on camel Surra will be issued later.
126. Tuberculosis has been found in the camel, and experiments are in
progress to determine the identity of the organism which is said to differ con-
siderably from the bacilli found in human, bovine and avian tuberculosis. A
discovery having a very important bearing on the application of the Glanders
and Farcy Act was made during the year. A certain number of cases of disease
in equines were observed, presenting clinical symptoms closely resembling
those of Glanders. The animals, however, failed to react to Mallein, and
Guinea pigs inoculated by the Strauss method, did not give the typical reaction.
Doctor Lingard obtained material from Bombay Veterinary College. Captain
Baldrey discovered a similar organism causing a similar disease at the Punjab
Veterinary College. Morphologically the bacillus obtained closely resembles
the B. mallei. Care is necessary therefore in using the Mallein test in such
cases. Investigation is being continued with the view to ascertaining whether
the organism is B. mallei of a strain of reduced virulence or not. Altogether
101 specimens were sent to the Laboratory for report, the majority with a view
to the diagnosis of Epizootic Lymphangitis or Trypanosomiasis. Reports on
all specimens were made.
127. On reference to Table XV, the average cost of preparation of sera at
this Laboratory is less than 8 annas a dose. Should the cost of the serum pro-
duced be calculated at one rupee per dose, the price sanctioned by Government
to be charged to Foreign countries, and which is only two-thirds the price
charged for it in South Africa, a clear saving of Rs. 1,71,658 would have
accrued to the Government of India.
128. The Laboratory work done during the year has been exceptionally
heavy and successful, and reflects the greatest possible credit on the Imperial
Bacteriologist and his Assistants.
GOVERNMENT CATTLE FARM, HISSAR.
129. Tables XVI and XVII.—This is the seventh year the Farm has
been in the charge of this Department. The breeding operations at present
carried on there are :—(i) Bullocks for the Army and Bulls for sale to dis-
tricts. (ii) Mule-breeding, (iii) Donkey-breeding, (iv) Zebrule-breeding,
(v) Sheep-breeding.
130. In regard to cattle-breeding, the year has been a very trying one,
owing to the barani crops proving a complete failure for the second year in
succession, and the cattle having for the most part to be fed from irrigated