(4)
who regard it as the only satisfactory measure to be adopted, and it is to be feared
that this continued inability to inoculate their cattle owing to shortage of serum
will eventually shake their confidence in this branch of work which has taken so
many years to secure. In view of the shortage of material, however, the veterinary
staff were directed to pay strict attention to segregation, sanitation, and hygiene,
as well as care in feeding and general management, and it is believed that but
for this a much heavier mortality would have been recorded. It is estimated
that something like 150,000 inoculations would have been conducted if the
material had been obtainable.
See table IV.
31. Other diseases-—The veterinary assistants visited 16,517 villages and
have treated 28,323 animals for diseases other than those already reported on. In
addition to this they have castrated 426 animals and attended 34,320 cases of
contagious diseases exclusive of those treated in hospitals and dispensaries.
32. Investigation of disease.—During the past year the work at the head-
quarters laboratory has continued to increase very considerably and a great
number of specimens of blood, morbid tissues, intestinal parasites, and other
material have been received from the district veterinary staff, veterinary in-
spectors, district officers, and private persons for examination and opinion. In
these cases the results are noted, where possible, the diagnosis confirmed, and the
persons interested accordingly informed. Some continued enquiries have been
made in regard to cattle tuberculosis, spirochetosis in fowls, and kamri, and
experiments to determine the most economical and effective form of drug-treat-
ment for the numerous internal and external parasites of sheep and cattle are
being carried out. The prophylactic and curative effects of various vaccines are
being tested.
33. The research and experimental station at Badshahbagh fulfils a useful
purpose in affording a greater opportunity to the subordinate staff for observation
and study of disease and methods of research. Many cases were received during
the year and treated with generally satisfactory results.
34. Cattle poisoning.—Thirty-six cases of cattle-poisoning were reported
from 16 districts. These were investigated and handed over to the police to be
dealt with.
See table V.
35. Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries. There are now 95 hospitals and
dispensaries in the provinces as against 88 of last year, being an increase of 7.
New veterinary dispensaries were opened in the districts of Meerut, Bulandshahr,
Aligarh, Shahjahanpur, Hamirpur, Basti and Naini Tal, and the question of
establishing new institutious of this kind in the district of Rae Bareli is under
consideration. The Mussoorie city board have decided to establish a veterinary
hospital in that place the want of which has long been severely felt.
36. It is very encouraging to record that the total number of cases treated
during the year at hospitals and dispensaries was :—out-patients 1,09,563 and
in-patients 7,390, making a total of 1,16,953, an increase of 15,572 On last year's
return. In addition to this 901 animals were castrated and medicines were sup-
plied for 8,065 cases which were not brought to the hospitals.
37. The travelling veterinary dispensary in the Etawab district is continu-
ing to do good work.
III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
(1) BOVINE.
(i) Stud bulls.
See table VIII.
38. The number of stud bulls now being maintained by the department has
increased to 295 bulls and 18 buffaloes. These are located in 36 districts and it is
intended to distribute many more during the coming season when they are ready
for stud work.
39. The scheme for district cattle-breeding under which suitable bul 1 are
issued on loan to district boards, local bodies, and private estates is
gradually increasing in popularity, but the work entailed in the constant supervi-
sion of animals, is becoming too great for this department to continue in addition
to its many other duties connected with the control of animal disease.