8)
and a number of extra stallions have been purchased and located where it is
thought some increased interest in this industry might be stimulated. Sheep-
breeding experiments also continue to give very satisfactory results.
Veterinary
hospitals and dispensaries are becoming more numerous and show a yearly
increase in attendance as the demand for veterinary help extends. In view of the
world shortage of food stuffs and the impending shrinkage in the supply of horse
the importance of leaving nothing undone to maintain, improve and
increase the numbers of the live-stock in India becomes more and more apparent.
The increased prevalence of surra during the year has given cause for some
anxiety. The spread of this malady from its endemic areas or centres is accounted
for by the unusually extensive transport operations and frequent movements of
animals which on account of military requirements have taken place during the
past two years. In addition to these causes we must consider the yearly
increasing facilities for travel and the development of commercial intercourse
between distant parts of the country, and it is easy to foresee a still further spread
of infection unless energetic prophylactic measures are introduced without further
loss of time. Whatever line of action is contemplated it is all important that the
preventative measures taken must be swift and thorough I am strongly of
opinion that if we are to avert such a catastrophe as that which occurred in
Mauritius in 1902-3, more effective legislation than at present exists should be
introduced at once. In 1910 it was decided that with certain modifications, and
at the discretion of local administrations, the Glanders and Farcy Act could be
applied in cases of surra, but although this was introduced in the case of the
United Provinces, in some of the adjacent territories and provinces no active steps
in this direction were taken. It is obvious that compulsory slaughter of all
diseased animals, and isolation of suspected cases and in contacts is one of the
first and most important measures to be adopted, but if this rule is only enforced
here and there, the result cannot be anything but a costly failure. The Surra
Act or a modifed or amended form of it should be applied without exception
throughout the whole of India. Next in importance to the destruction of all
affected cases is the more complete control of the movements of all animals in the
diseased localities, and powers should be acquired to declare affected areas, and
where necessary prohibit ingress and egress to and from such places. Rules for
the closing of fairs and the prohibition of animal traffic on certain highways if
desirable might be considered.
Great inconvenience is still felt for want of suitable office accommodation.
63. For rendering genuine assistance in the work of inoculation seven
certificates have been awarded.
64. I am indebted to Mr. Hickey who was up to 16th December, 1917, 2nd
Superintendent, and who has now joined the I. A. R. O , for the assistance he has
rendered me daring an arduous year in the control of the department and the
suppression of disease and also to the Deputy Superintendents M. Niaz Muhammad
and S. M. Raza Husain who have also worked with great energy and zeal. The
work of the subordinate staff both clerical and technical has been most satisfactory,
and in many cases one man has been doing the work of two and sometimes three.
The head clerk Babu Srish Chandra Bhattacharjya deserves special credit for his
work which has this year by reason of the amalgamation of the offices become
much increased.
E. W. OLIVER, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S.,
Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary department,
United Provinces.