84
451. In Bombay the report deals with charbon symptomatique in. addi-
tion to the diseases above named. The number of cattle affected was 3,927
of which 1,703 died.
452. Burma simply reports the number of deaths, which is deplorably
large, amounting as it does to 57,582 head of cattle.
453. This gives the following totals :—
Provinces.
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ...
Central Provinces
...
...
...
Berar
...
...
...
...
Bombay
...
...
...
Total
Seizures.
9,106
12,004.
11,434
3,927
36,471
Deaths.
2,846
5,434
7,292
1,703
17,275
Percentage of
Deaths.
31.25
45.26
63.77
43.36
47.36
To which must be added the number of deaths which occurred in Burma,
making a total of 74,857. The death-rate, large as it is, in no way represents
the total mortality, as our system of registration is as yet far from complete.
454. The largest percentage of deaths occurred from charbon sympto-
matique; but as few cases are reported, reliance cannot be placed on this as
indicative of the ordinary mortality from this disease. Anthrax next accounts
for the greatest mortality.
455. With reference to the number of deaths from foot-and-mouth dis-
ease, I consider that it is fairly recorded in the North-Western Provinces
and Bombay; but I consider the statistics furnished from the Central
Provinces and Berar unreliable: either the disease has been mistaken or the
treatment adopted must have been of the worst description, as during an out-
break of this disease few deaths should occur if ordinary precautions are taken;
whereas in the Central Provinces especially the death-rate is shown as having
been 37.52 per cent.
456. The vast mortality shown to have occurred proves the enormous
losses which the agricultural community suffers annually, and shows the
urgent necessity for the formation of our veterinary subordinate staff. Let us,
roughly speaking, value each head of cattle lost at Rs. 10, which is a very
low valuation, and the loss from such cases as can be proved amounts to the
large sum of Rs. 7,48,570.
457. Until the time arrives when we shall have our veterinary subordi-
nate staff trained, every endeavour must be made by the Superintendents to
disseminate such knowledge amongst the agriculturists as will tend to reduce
the death-rate when contagious diseases appear. I am well aware of the diffi-
culties that are encountered owing to the apathy of the people; still much can
be done by the Superintendents bringing themselves more in touch with the
zemindars.
Remarks.
458. The main points for consideration are—
Propagation of disease by Chamars.—I fear that there can be no doubt that
this prevailed to a great extent. When our subordinate staff is complete, and we
are in a measure able to superintend outbreaks of disease, great attention should
be paid to this important subject, and the aid of the Police will be required to
assist in checking the nefarious practices of this class.
When Veterinary Surgeon to the Punjab Government some years ago,
I felt positive that on the appearance of an outbreak of contagious disease in a
village, the death-rate was increased by poisoning.
459. European cattle more liable to rinderpest and other contagious
Diseases.—This question is one that must be carefully enquired into, although
as but few head of cattle are imported it will not affect this country mate-
rially.