NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
LIST OF AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF
GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.
IN BURMA.
AMERICAN BAITIST MISSION PRESS. Rangoon.
BRITISH BURMA PRESS BRANCH. Rangoon.
BURMA BOOK CLUB. LTD.. Post Box No. 1068. Rangoon.
CITY BOOK CLUB. 98. Phayre Street, Rangoon.
CONTINENTAL TRADING CO.. 363 Lower Main Road. Moulmein.
MESSRS. K. BIN HOON & SONS. Nyaunglebin.
NEW LIGHT OF BURMA PRESS, 61. Sule Pagoda Road. Rangoon.
PROPRIETOR, THU DHAMA WADI PRESS, NO. 16—80. Maung Khine Street.
Rangoon.
RANGOON TIME PRESS. Rangoon.
IN INDIA.
BOOK CO., LTD. NO. 44A. College Square, Calcutta.
BUTTERWORTH & Co. (India). Ltd., Calcutta.
CITY BOOK CO., Post Box No. 283. Madras.
D. B. TARAPOREVALA. SONS & Co., Bombay.
HIGGINBOTHAM & Co. Madras.
MESSRS SAMPSON WILLIAM & Co., Cawnpore, United Provinces.
Mr. RAM NARAIN LAL, Proprietor, National Press, Katra, Allahabad.
S. K. LAHIRI & Co., No. 56. College Street, Calcutta.
THACKER, SPINK & Co. 1933, Ltd., No. 3 E-planadc East. Calcutta.
THACKER & Co., LTD. Bombay.
W. NEWMAN & Co. Calcutta.
IN EUROPE AND AMERICA.
The publications arc obtainable either direct from THE HIGH COMMIS-
SIONER FOR INDIA, Public Department, India House. Aldwych.
London, W.C. 2 or through any bookseller.
INDEX.
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
I.—Organization and Staff ... ... ...
II.—Treatment of General Diseases ... ... ...
III.—Contagious Diseases of Animals ... ... ...
IV.—Veterinary Education ... ... ...
V.—Veterinary Research Laboratory, Insein ... ... ...
VI.—Stock Breeding ... ... ... ...
VII.—Summary and Recommendations ... ... ...
VIII.—Appendices ...
... ... ... ...
IX.—Maps ... ... ... ... ...
X.—Graphs ... ... ... ... ...
PAGE
1
2
3
7
8
13
14
...
...
...
REPORT
OF THE
Civil Veterinary Department, Burma
For the year ending the 31st March 1939.
CHAPTER I.-ORGANIZATION AND STAFF.
Mr. D. T. Mitchell, M.R.C.V.S., B.V.S. (Class I), held charge of the
Department from the beginning of the year until 5th March, 1939, on
which date he relinquished charge. He proceeded on leave on
3rd March.
From 6th March until the end of the year Captain S. R. Rippon,
M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S., officiated as Director of Veterinary Services.
U Nyan Kyaw, G.B.V.C., B.V.S. (Class II), held charge of the duties
of the post of Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Lower Burma
Charge, from 1st April, 1938, to 10th October, 1938, on which date
Captain S. R. Rippon, M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S., resumed charge on return
from study leave in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. Captain Rippon
then remained in charge of the Lower Burma Charge as Deputy
Director until 6th March, 1939, when he took over the Department
from Mr. Mitchell. U Nyan Kyaw was appointed to officiate as Deputy
Director of Veterinary Services and he was in charge of Lower Burma
from 6th March until the end of the year.
The staff in the Lower Burma Charge consisted of one Deputy
Director, three Veterinary Superintendents, fourteen Veterinary
Inspectors and sixty-six Veterinary Assistants.
U Pe Than, A.T.M., G.B.V.C., B.V.S. (Class I), remained in control
of the Upper Burma Charge as Deputy Director throughout the year.
His staff consisted of three Veterinary Superintendents, seventeen
Veterinary Inspectors and seventy-four Veterinary Assistants.
The general organization of the field staff remained unchanged.
Mr. G. Pfaff, B.Sc. (Edin.), M.R.C.V.S., B.V.S. (Class I), remained
in charge of the Veterinary Research Laboratory and Veterinary
College, Insein, throughout the year, as Research Officer and Principal.
Mr. J. Bhattacharjee, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., F.C.S., B.V.S. (Class I),
held the post of Officiating Veterinary Research Officer
until
2nd September, 1938, when he proceeded on leave overseas.
2
REPORT OF THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Mr. M. H. V. Brown, B.V.Sc., Temporary Research Officer, was on
duty in the Veterinary Research Laboratory until 18th July, 1938, when
he proceeded on leave overseas. He resumed charge of his duties on
18th January, 1939, on return from leave. The period of his contract
was extended for two years from 15th March, 1939.
The staff at the Veterinary Research Laboratory and Veterinary
College consisted of one Veterinary Inspector, five Veterinary
Assistants ; and one Assistant Principal, one Veterinary Inspector and
two Veterinary Assistants respectively.
NEW APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS.
Six students, graduates of Madras and Calcutta Veterinary Colleges,
were given appointments in the Department as Veterinary Inspectors
on probation, and were posted to districts.
Nine Veterinary students, graduates of the Insein Veterinary College,
passed out during the year and were given appointments as Veterinary
Assistants (New Grade).
VACANT POSTS IN THE DEPARTMENT.
(a) Burma Veterinary Service (Class I).—All six posts in the
sanctioned cadre were filled during the year.
(b) Burma Veterinary Service (Class II).—One post continued vacant
in the sanctioned cadre of nine posts.
(c) Burma Subordinate Veterinary Service.—Twenty posts were
vacant in the cadre of 55 posts for Veterinary Inspectors, and thirty-
four in the cadre of 194 posts for Veterinary Assistants.
The following casualties occurred during the year : —
1.
2.
3.
4.
Deaths ... ...
Retirements ... ...
Resignations ... ...
Removals ... ...
Total ...
Veterinary
Inspectors.
1
1
...
...
2
Veterinary
Assistants.
1
1
2
1
5
CHAPTER II—TREATMENT OF GENERAL
DISEASES.
1. Field Work.—The number of cases treated was 29,915, compared
with 27,836 last year.
2. Veterinary Hospital, Insein.—During the year 1,720 animals were
treated, compared with 1,641 last year. Individual attendances,
including returns for treatment, were 3,198.
The new cases comprised 48 horses, 232 bovines, 38 goats, 1,327
dogs and 75 other animals. Thirty-six in-patients were treated and 27
castrations performed.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1939.
3
The following statement shows the diseases for which treatments
were given :—
1. Diseases of the Digestive system ... ...
2. Diseases of the Respiratory apparatus ... ...
3. Diseases of the Genito-Urinary organs ... ...
4. Diseases of the Nervous system ... ...
5. Diseases of the Skin (excluding mange) ... ...
6. Diseases of the Eye ... ... ... ...
7. Diseases of the Ear ... ... ... ...
8. Intestinal parasites ... ... ... ...
9. Wounds ... ... ... ... ...
10. Lameness ... ... ... ...
11. Rabies ... ... ... ... ...
12. Distemper ... ... ... ...
13. Demodectic mange ... ... ... ...
14. Sarcoptic mange ... ... ... ...
15. Piroplasmosis ... ... ... ...
16. Filaria lachrymalis ... ... ... ...
17. Filaria immitis ... ... ... ...
18. Canine typhus ... ... ... ...
19. Osteoporosis ... ... ... ...
20. Other diseases ... ... ... ...
322
61
99
5
58
33
66
485
216
37
9
14
10
51
3
7
4
5
2
206
The total receipts for the treatment of animals was Rs. 2,226-12-0.
3. Veterinary Dispensary at the Rural Reconstruction Unit, Tatkôn.—
Wounds, debility and digestive disorders continued to form the majority
of the cases.
The following table shows the work done :—
1. New cases treated ... ... ...
2. Returns for treatment ... ... ...
3. Cases not seen, but medicine supplied ... ...
4. Animals from Tatkôn Village ... ... ...
5. Animals from outside areas ... ... ...
6. In-patients ... ... ... ...
7. Out-patients ... ... ... ...
1,605
286
1,233
396
1,495
34
624
It must be observed that the 1,233 cases not seen are included in the
total of 1,605 new cases treated, so that actually only 372 cases were
seen during the year, or an average of only just over one case per day.
This cannot be regarded as satisfactory. The Veterinary Inspector in
charge is also responsible for the supervision of the Cattle Breeding
Farm at Tatkôn, which necessarily occupies a great part of his time,
and this may be the reason for the dispensary not having proved a
successful venture so far.
CHAPTER III—CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF
ANIMALS.
INCIDENCE OF DISEASE AND MORTALITY.
1. Rinderpest.—There occurred a further marked drop in bovine
mortality from this disease, the total deaths being only 3,929, compared
with 11,161 last year. The majority of the deaths were reported from
4
REPORT OF THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Toungoo (1,479), Yamèthin (760) and Myingyan (539). The same three
districts headed the list last year. Further statistical information is
given in the appendices.
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.—As usual this was most prevalent in the
delta and maritime districts, the total deaths reported being 3,613,
compared with 3,265 last year. The districts having the heaviest
mortality were Mergui (621), Akyab (582) and Bassein (399).
Anthrax.—This disease was reported from all except three districts
and caused 1,215 deaths, against 796 last year. Akyab (222), Amherst
(201) and Shwebo (96) suffered the heaviest losses.
Blackquarter.—Four hundred and twenty-four deaths were reported,
the majority from Upper Burma, the Lower Chindwin and Pakôkku
Districts each having 98 deaths. Total mortality last year was 336.
Surra.—This disease killed 179 ponies, compared with 141 last
year. Most of the deaths occurred in Pakôkku (62). Eleven deaths
were reported in cattle.
Glanders.—One death was recorded during the year, from Meiktila
District.
Foot and Mouth Disease.—Only nine districts escaped infection, the
outbreaks being widespread and very numerous in some districts,
especially in Thatôn, Thayetmyo, Yamèthin, Magwe, Akyab and Prome.
As usual the disease assumed a benign form and there were only 96
deaths among the many thousands of animals attacked.
Lebetnar.—This disease, the etiology of which is still obscure, was
responsible for 25 deaths, nearly all in the Salween District as usual.
Rabies.—Two deaths in cattle were reported, one from Magwe and
one from Minbu.
PREVENTIVE INOCULATION.
2. Rinderpest.—Serum was used on only 36 cattle, in Pyapôn District,
this method of control of Rinderpest in cattle having been almost
entirely replaced by the use of a vaccine. No serum was purchased
during the year. Four lakhs nineteen thousand three hundred and
fifty-four animals were immunized with goat spleen vaccine, compared
with 549,564 last year.
Hæmorrhagic Septiæmia.—Forty-three
thousand one hundred and
forty one animals were inoculated with Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia
vaccine, against 28,390 last year. Very nearly half of these were done
n Lower Burma, and nearly one-third in Arakan.
Anthrax—(A) Inoculation by Departmental Officers.—The total inocu-
lations for the year were Bovines 12,702, Equines 138, and
Elephants 331. The figure for bovines shows an increase of 4,780 over
last year.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1939.
5
(B) Inoculation by Private Persons.—The Forest Assistants of the
timber firms continued to inoculate their own elephants, as did
some of the Forest Department officers who had been trained by the
veterinary staff. A total of 2,948 elephants so inoculated was reported
during the year, showing an increase of 290 over last year's figures.
The results of the use of spore vaccine continued to be satisfactory.
Double Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia and Anthrax
Inoculation.—This
is now being carried out where one or other of these two diseases is
suspected but no positive diagnosis has been obtained. Altogether
16,868 animals received this double inoculation. Two hundred and
seven of these were in Arakan and the remainder in Lower Burma. It
is hoped that this method will be introduced in Upper Burma, where
indicated, during the coming year.
Strangles.—Five hundred and sixty three animals were given
autogenous vaccine at the Pyawbwe Stud Farm, compared with 212
last year.
QUARANTINE STATIONS ON INTER-DISTRICT TRADE ROUTES.
3. The Cattle Inspection Post at Htaukkyan was closed down on
1st April, 1938. It was started in the first instance with the object of
preventing distribution of contagious disease to the delta areas, but
when after some time it was realized that disease did not spread to the
Delta districts in this way, since most of the cattle passing through
Htaukkyan went direct to the Rangoon Slaughter-house, the Inspection
Post was kept on for over four years with a view to getting information
about the feasibility of such posts being established elsewhere on trade
routes. The only conclusion which can be drawn as a result of this
prolonged experiment is that such posts could justify their existence
only if they could be used as compulsory inoculation stations. Suit-
able sites for such stations were not chosen during the year. The
voluntary system of inoculation is now meeting with such a measure
of success that it seems inopportune to introduce compulsion. In fact
in any case it would appear preferable to carry out inoculation, even
if compulsory, in the villages and not to wait until the cattle are passing
along the trade routes, as the fortnight's rest necessary after the inocu-
lation would be likely to prove very unpopular on account of the
interference with trade thus occasioned. The scheme, however, will
be borne in mind.
FRONTIRE POSTS.
4. The number of cattle and buffaloes imported from the Shan
States and Siam was much less than in the previous year. The figures
6
REPORT OF THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
of animals inspected are shown in the following statement, last year's
figures being given in brackets :—
Inspection Post.
(1)
From Sia m—
Thingannyinaung ...
Papun ... ...
(Methalauk) ...
From Shan States—
Leiktho ... ...
(Yado) ... ...
Cattle.
(2)
80
(873)
71
(89)
2,715
(7,682)
Buffaloes.
(3)
164
(414)
...
...
..
(62)
Pigs.
(4)
823
(833)
...
(48)
...
...
Ponies.
(5)
43
(56)
...
...
60
(46)
Goats.
(6)
27
(144)
47
...
...
...
These inspection posts are manned by Veterinary Assistants
during the open season, except in the case of Papun, which is the
permanent headquarters of the District Veterinary Assistant. The post
at Leiktho was transferred from Yado for the season under report,
with a view to deciding whether it was the more suitable of the two
and it was found to be so.
There is also a considerable to and fro movement of cattle
transporting trade goods, and there is evidence that these too are
sometimes responsible for introducing disease. It must be admitted that
they are equally capable of carrying disease from Burma into the
Shan States and Siam.
The Veterinary Assistants on this special frontier duty inspect the
animals on arrival and if they are apparently healthy they have to be
permitted to pass on. There is no compulsory quarantine, hence
disease in the herd is easily overlooked, and in-contact animals in the
early incubative stage and showing no symptoms pass on and spread
the disease after perhaps several day's march this side of the border.
Theoretically a compulsory quarantine for all animals, coupled with
compulsory immunization at the frontier post, would prevent this, but
in practice there would be many difficulties. For one thing, many
alternative routes are available and it would be impossible to prevent
smuggling along these. With the present amount of crime in the
country it is unlikely that police could be spared for the necessary
patrol work. Again, the immunization of transport cattle followed by
the necessary rest of fourteen days would seriously dislocate trade
and would be very difficult to enforce. Similar action even in
the case of sale cattle would be attended with great difficulty. The
whole question is under review in connection with the drafting of new
Rules under the Livestock Importation Act, but the simplest and least
expensive method of control appears to be the widespread immunization
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1939.
7
of village cattle on this side of the border, and this has already largely
been carried out as part of the normal day to day activities of the field
staff of the Department.
QUARANTINE STATION AT RANGOON.
The modified scheme sanctioned in 1937 was proceeded with and
has been completed during the present year. Until the new Livestock
Importation Rules are notified it is not possible to know to what extent
this quarantine station, as it stands, will meet requirements. It is very
unlikely that it will be sufficient. Indeed the modifications were
agreed to only in order to get the station, which is a Major Work,
started. The original scheme was to cost—Rs. 41,000 and this has
been reduced to Rs. 10,110.
CHAPTER IV—VETERINARY EDUCATION.
INSEIN VETERINARY COLLEGE.
1. (1) The fifth batch of students for the twelve months' course
completed their studies in November 1938. Of the 13 students who
completed the course, 4 were stipendiary, 3 non-stipendiary, 4 private
students and 2 from the Shan States. All the students passed the final
examination.
The Evans Memorial Medal for the highest marks obtained in the
final examination was gained by Maung Hia.
(2) The 13th Refresher Course was held from 19th April to
18th July, and was attended by 6 Veterinary Inspectors and 15 Veteri-
nary Assistants.
Six graduates from Indian Veterinary Colleges received post-
graduate training, including rules and procedure, prior to being posted
to districts.
STUDENTS UNDER TRAINING IN FOREIGN COLLLEGES.
2. (1) No students were sent to the Indian Veterinary Colleges
during the year.
At the end of the year the following Burma students were under
training in India :—
College.
Madras ... ...
Calcutta ... ...
Total ...
1st Year.
...
...
...
2nd Year.
5
1
6
3rd Year.
4
5
9
8
REPORT OF THE CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
(2) The two Burmans who had been awarded a State Scholarship
continued their training at London and Dublin Veterinary Colleges
respectively.
VETERINARY INSTRUCTION IN THE VILLAGES.
This form of propaganda work was carried out as usual by all
members of the touring staff.
CHAPTER V.—VETERINARY RESEARCH
LABORATORY, INSEIN.
(In this section the figures in brackets are the totals for 1937-38.)
ROUTINE WORK.
1. (1) Pathological Specimens Examined—(a)
Bloodsmears.—During
the year 1,440 (1,052) bloodsmears were examined. Of these 780 were
submitted by officers of the Veterinary Department, 592 by the various
timber firms, and 68 by the Military Police, Forest Department and
others. Four hundred and forty-one (442) smears were from cattle and
buffaloes, 608 (352) from elephants, 262 (163) from horses and 129 (95)
from other animals. Of the 222 (145) positive smears 117 (69) were
Surra—91 (61) horses, 18 (5) elephants, 7 (3) cattle and buffaloes, and
1 mule ; 36 (28) Anthrax—2 (6) horses, 2 (2) elephants, 31 (19) cattle
and buffaloes, and 1 goat ; 47 (42) Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia—cattle
and buffaloes ; 15 Filariasis—13 elephants, 1 buffalo and 1 dog ; 6 Piro-
plasmosis—3 cattle and 3 dogs ; and 1 Epizootic Lymphangitis in a
horse. During the year 1,300 bloodsmears were examined from animals
used for experimental purposes or vaccine production.
(2) Fæces.—Five hundred and ninety-nine (793) specimens of faeces
were examined, of which 63 (261) were from elephants, 488 (479) from
dogs, 13 (26) from horses, 32 (21) from cattle and buffaloes and 3 (6)
from other animals.
(3) Other Pathological Specimens.—Two hundred and fifteen (153)
were examined, including ear specimens, skin scrapings, carcases, urine,
vomited material and bacteriological swabs. Subinoculations from dried
ears into Laboratory animals led to the diagnosis of 30 (35) cases of
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia and 21 (18) cases of Anthrax in cattle and
buffaloes. These figures are included in the number of positive smears
given in 1 (1)(a) above.
(4) Vaccines prepared and issued.—The following batches of vaccine
were prepared :—
Rinderpest Desiccated Goat Spleen Vaccine
...
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia Vaccine
...
Strangles Vaccine
...
...
...
Autogenous Vaccine
...
...
...
Batches.
55
12
1
3
Nos.
157 to 213
41 to 53
11
4 to 6
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1939.
9
Vaccines issued were as follows :—
Vaccine.
(1)
Anthrax Spore ...
Hæmorrhagic Septi-
cæmia.
Strangles ...
Mallein ...
Tuberculin ...
Rinderpest Desiccated
Goat
Spleen
Vaccine.
Autogenous for ele-
phants.
Number of doses for use in
Elephants.
(2)
6,285
...
...
...
...
Cattle.
(3)
40,375
72,340
...
...
5
Horses.
(4)
3,910
...
1,309
230
...
For cattle and buffaloes
...
...
...
Others.
(5)
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total.
(6)
50,570
72,340
1,309
230
5
610,900
5 courses
RESEARCH "WORK.
2. (1) Rinderpest—(a) Bull Virus.—The bull virus (Kungyangon strain)
was maintained by monthly passage through Kyaukpyu cattle and stored
at about 42°F. in the form of dried spleen powder. On the 30th
March, 1939, it was passaged for the 75th time.
(b) Goat Virus.—The goat virus was maintained by not longer than
weekly passage through goats, and stored at about 42°F. in the form of
dried spleen powder. On the 25th March, 1939, it was passaged for the
354lh time in Burma.
(c) The Duration of Immunity.—The immunity conferred by Rinder-
pest Desiccated Goat Spleen Vaccine was still solid when tested on six
cattle 37 months after they had received the vaccine.
(d) Immunizing value of a large quantity of attenuated Rinderpest
Desiccated Goat Spleen Vaccine—Immunizing value of dried goat spleen
vaccine after storage for seven days at 37°C.—Previous experiments had
shown that after storage for seven days at 37°C. 0.01 grm. of dried
spleen failed to immunize. Two Kyaukpyu cattle, each given 0.5 grm.
of dried spleen stored for seven days at 37°C., developed a mild thermal
reaction, and a month later virulent bull virus provoked a pronounced
thermal reaction, accompanied by diarrhoea and mouth lesions. Both
recovered, while both controls died, indicating that a large quantity of
attenuated virus confers a low grade immunity while a small quantity
fails to protect.