NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
REPORT
ON THE
Veterinary Department, Burma
For the Year ending the 31st March 1932.
CHAPTER I—STAFF ORGANISATION.
Mr. D. T. Mitchell, M.R.C.V.S., held charge of the department
throughout the year under report.
For the convenience of administration the department is divided
into four Circles and one independent Sub-Circle. Each of these four
Circles is sub-divided into two Sub-Circles, making a total of nine
Sub-Circles in the province.
Each Circle is in charge of a Deputy Director of Veterinary Services,
while Veterinary Superintendents hold charge of the Sub-Circles.
South-Eastern Circle, with headquarters at Moulmein.—Captain S.
R. Rippon, M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S., Deputy Director of Veterinary Services
was in charge of this Circle throughout the whole year. He was
assisted by one Veterinary Superintendent with headquarters at Moul-
mein. This Veterinary Superintendent held additional charge of the
Pegu Sub-Circle till 24th October 1931, on which date U Saw Hla U,
Veterinary Superintendent, who had been temporarily employed on
duty in the head office, was posted to this Sub-Circle. This officer held
charge of the Pegu Sub-Circle till 24th March 1932, when he was post-
ed to Magwe Sub-Circle. The Subordinate Veterinary Staff employed
in this Circle consisted of six Veterinary Inspectors, 35 Veterinary
Assistants and three Frontier Veterinary Assitants.
South-Western
Circle, with headquarters at Bassein.—Captain J.
Birkenshaw Idle, M.R.C.V.S., I.V.S., Deputy Director of Veterinary
Services, held charge of this Circle throughout the year. He had
under him one Veterinary Superintendent in charge of both Sub-Circles
with headquarters at Bassein up to the 13th June 1931, on which date
this officer, who had been officiating in the appointment, was reverted
to his substantive appointment. The officer promoted to replace him,
2
REPORT ON THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
had his headquarters fixed at Tharrawaddy. Four Veterinary Inspec-
tors, 36 Veterinary Assistants and one Flying Column Veterinary
Assistant were employed in this circle during the year.
Central Circle, with headquarters at Meiktila.—Mr. J. Bhattacharjee,
B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, held
charge of this Circle throughout the year. He had under him one
Veterinary Superintendent with headquarters at Meiktila, who also
held additional charge of the Magwe Sub-Circle up to October 1931,
when the headquarters of this officer was transferred to Magwe, and
from this time onwards the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services
himself took over charge of the Meiktila Sub-Circle in addition to his
Circle duties. Four Veterinary Inspectors, two Flying Column Veteri-
nary Inspectors, 40 Veterinary Assistants and one Flying Column
Veterinary Assistant were attached to this Circle during the year.
Northern Circle, with headquarters at Mandalay.—U Pe Than,
G.B.V.C., Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, held charge of
this Circle throughout the year. He had under him one Veterinary
Superintendent, with Peadquarters at Katha up to the 14th February
1932, on which date he was murdered by his servant. This post was
filled by promotion of a senior Class III officer. Six Veterinary
Inspectors, 41 Veterinary Assistants, one Flying Column Veterinary
Assistant and one Frontier Veterinary Assistant were also employed
in this Circle during the year.
Arakan Sub-Circle, with headquarters at Akyab.—U Aung Tun U,
G.B.V.C., Veterinary Superintendent, held charge of this independent
Sub-Circle throughout the year. He had under him two Veterinary
Inspectors and 13 Veterinary Assistants during the year.
NEW APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT.
During June of the year under review two graduates from the
Bengal Veterinary College, Calcutta, namely, U Ko Ko Gyi and U
Tun Hlaing, who had been attached to the Research Laboratory at
Insein in the capacity of Veterinary Inspectors were promoted to the
Burma Veterinary Service (Class II). One of these officers was posted
to the Research Laboratory, where a temporary post of Veterinary
Superintendent was created and the second officer was posted to take
over charge of the Tharrawaddy Sub-Circle.
VACANCIES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
Burma Veterinary Service (Class I).—In the eight posts sanctioned
for this cadre, there was one vacancy during the year, which continued
unfilled for financial reasons.
Burma Veterinary Service (Class II).—The sanctioned cadre of this
service is 15, which provides nine officers for Sub-Circle work, one as
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1932.
3
Assistant Principal and five for teaching posts in the Veterinary College.
Of these 15 posts, seven posts including five of the teaching staff
remained vacant during the year.
Burma Subordinate
Veterinary
Service.—
(i) In the sanctioned cadre of 28 Veterinary Inspectors, two
posts remained vacant during the year under report. These vacancies
are due to posts remaining unfilled on the promotion of two Veterinary
Inspectors in the Research Laboratory.
(ii) In the sanctioned strength of 280 Veterinary Assistants, there
were 105 vacancies.
Casualties during the year.—
Deaths ...
Retirements ...
Resignations ...
Promotions ...
Reversion ...
Removals ...
Veterinary
Superintendents.
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
2
Veterinary
Inspectors.
Nil
2
Nil
2
Nil
Nil
4
Veterinary
Assistants.
5
1
Nil
1
Nil
2
9
RETRENCHMENT.
In accordance with the order contained in Government of Burma,
Finance Department's Memorandum No. 29M31, Pt. II, dated 23rd
October 1931, one Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, four
Veterinary Inspectors and 35 Veterinary Assistants were retrenched
from the service of the department at the end of the year.
In the case of the Subordinate officers this retrenchment notice took
effect on March 31st, 1932. The retrenchment of the Class I officer
resulted from the reduction of circle charges.
CHAPTER II.—GENERAL DISEASES IN
ANIMALS.
Treatment of Animals.—The
total number of non-contagious diseases
treated by the Veterinary subordinate officers of this Department is
62,013, an average of 27.5 per officer per month.
The revised forms, mention of which was made in last year's report,
Could not be introduced during the year as the sanction of the Financial
Commissioner was not obtained in time. It is, however, anticipated
4
REPORT ON THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
that these forms will be introduced in supersession of the present C. V.D.
forms during the early months of next year.
DISPENSARIES AND HOSPITALS.
During the year under report the department had under its control
three Veterinary Dispensaries situated at Pegu, Myingyan and Pakôkku,
with a Veterinary Hospital at Insein.
Insein Veterinary Hospital.—Three thousand and fifty-seven animals
received treatment from this hospital during the year under review,
giving a daily average of 8.4. This figure does not include 648
animals which were not brought to the hospital but for which the
owners were supplied with medicine. Fifteen in-patients were
admitted into the Hospital during the year. The stabling accommoda-
tion for in-patients originally provided being allocated for Research
purposes, in-patients can only be admitted in exceptional circumstances.
The diseases from which these animals suffered were as follows: —
Diseases.
Digestive ... ...
Respiralory ... ...
Urinary ... ...
Genital ... ...
Nervous ... ...
Skin ... ...
Eye ... ...
Ear ... ...
Wounds ... ...
Other diseases ... ...
Total for the year ...
Number of
cases during
the year
1931-32.
721
118
34
64
45
418
206
153
980
315
3,057
It is interesting to note the large number of animals examined which
were found to be suffering from a heavy infestation of internal
parasites. A large number of the dogs examined were found to be
affected with Hook Worm and resulting anaemia and debility.
Examination of fæces and post mortem examinations on horses
indicate that internal parasites appear to be the direct or indirect cause
of considerable losses to Burma. Of canine diseases the common occur-
rence of venereal tumours was noted and Chorea was reported
frequently especially in the months of February and March. More
important and significant is the increased number of cases of rabies
in dogs which were brought to the Hospital for treatment by their
owners.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1932.
5
Pegu Dispensary.—This dispensary was closed on the 31st May
1931 as satisfactory results were not being obtained. The total
number of cases treated from the beginning of the year up to the date
on which it was closed down, was 363.
Myingyan Dispensary.—The total number of cases treated during
the year, including in-patients and excluding 450 cases for which
medicine was only supplied is 2,461 against 2,589 of last year. The
majority of these cases were from the Municipal area.
One castration was performed at this dispensary during the year.
Pakôkku Dispensary.—One thousand four hundred and sixty-four
cases were attended to at this dispensary during the year. These
include 12 in-patients, but exclude the cases which were not brought
to the dispensary for which medicine was supplied.
There was an increase of 174 cases during the year as compared
with the cases treated during the previous year.
The Myingyan and Pakôkku Dispensaries are doing fairly useful
work but the number of animals coming in for treatment do not give
full time employment to the dispensary Assistant and it is proposed to
open the dispensaries one or two days weekly in future and place the
Assistant on part-time township duties. The range of usefulness of
these dispensaries is largely limited to the urban areas.
CHAPTER III.—CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
IN ANIMALS.
Occurrence, Methods of Spread and Control Measures.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN CIRCLE.
Rinderpest was present in Thatôn, Pegu, Toungoo, Hanthawaddy
and Amherst Districts, of which Pegu accounted for the highest mor-
tality, viz., 791 in 92 villages. The total mortality was 1,678.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease.—This
disease occurred in Thatôn,
Amherst, Toungoo, Pegu, Hanthawaddy and Salween Districts. Three
thous and eight hundred and sixteen cases were treated by the staff.
Anthrax.—Sporadic cases of this disease occurred in all the districts
of the circle with the exception of Pegu, Mergui and Salween Districts.
The total mortality was 131, of which Thatôn alone accounted for 87
deaths.
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia was responsible for 608 deaths, the most
severe outbreak being in the Mergui District, which accounted for 285
deaths.
6
REPORT ON THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Control Measures.—The above contagious diseases were dealt with
by inoculation, segregation, and in some cases by stoppage of cattle
movements under orders of the Deputy Commissioner from one
district to another and from one township to another. Action required
under the Cattle Disease Rules was also taken by the Veterinary Staff
on arrival at the place of outbreak. Serum inoculation against
Rinderpest was agreed to by the Cattle owners in most cases but
second inoculations at 12—14 days intervals in cases where infection
was still persisting was not always allowed and resulted in the con-
tinuance of the outbreaks.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IN SOUTH-WESTERN CIRCLE.
Rinderpest.—Outbreaks of this disease occurred during the year in
all the districts in the Circle. The total mortality was 1,702 which
shows a decided decrease over last year's mortality. The districts
most severely affected were Bassein, Tharrawaddy, Henzada and
Insein.
Foot-and-Mouth.—The total mortality due to this disease was nine
during the year under review and showed a very marked decrease
over last year's mortality which amounted to 815.
Hæmorrhagic Septicæmia.—With the exception of Maubin and
Prome all the districts in this Circle were infected with this disease.
Bassein and Myaungmya show the highest mortality figures.
The total mortality during the year was 472 and showed a con-
siderable increase over last year's total.
Blackquarter.—Cases were reported from all the districts in this
Circle with the exception of Maubin and the resulting mortality was
387 as compared with 3 of last year.
The heaviest mortality was shown in Pyapôn and Myaungmya.
Anthrax.—Occurred in the Districts of Bassein, Maubin, Tharra-
waddy and Insein with a total mortality of 78, showing a decided drop
in the mortality as compared with last year's figure (347).
Control Measures.—Preventive inoculation against Rinderpest was
carried out in all the Districts of the Circle in a total of 222 outbreaks.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IN THE CENTRAL CIRCLE
Rinderpest.—The disease occurred in the districts of Meiktila,
Yamèthin, Myingyan, Thayetmyo and Magwe and it assumed an
epizootic form in the Magwe and Thayetmyo Districts, which alone
accounted for 2,232 deaths.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease.—This disease occurred throughout all the
districts of the Circle. Total mortality recorded was 35 and showed
a decrease over last year's mortality.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1932.
7
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia.—Six
districts were infected and the
total mortality recorded was 151.
Meiktila, Myingyan and Pakôkku Districts were responsible for the
majority of the deaths.
Blackquarter.—Outbreaks
of this disease were reported
from
Meiktila, Yaméthin, Myingyan, Magwe, Minbu, Thayetmyo and
Pakôkku Districts. Kyauksè is the only district from which this
disease was not reported during the year. The total mortality was 38
and showed a decrease of 37 over last year's mortality. The outbreak
at Pyinmana Township, Yamèthin District, was the only one which
could be confirmed by blood smear examination as carcases are usually
disposed off before the arrival of the Veterinary Officers. The
remaining outbreaks were suspicious only, on which a diagnosis was
made from the clinical symptoms reported.
Anthrax.—Reports
of outbreaks were received from
Meiktila,
Kyaukse, Yamèthin, Myingyan, Magwe, Thayetmyo and Pakôkku
Districts. Minbu is the only district from which this disease was not
reported. The total mortality recorded was 163, showing an increase
on last year's figures of 130.
Meiktila and Pakôkku Districts showed the heaviest mortality.
Surra.—One
death only was recorded from this disease which was
from Pakôkku District.
Tetanus.—This
disease caused the death of one animal from the
Pakôkku District.
Control Measures.—Serum
inoculation was practised in the out-
breaks of Rinderpest and segregation of incontact animals was carried
out as far as possible in all outbreaks of contagious disease.
The Cattle Disease Rules are fairly well understood in this Circle
but late reporting of outbreaks and the practice of cutting up of car-
cases for food gives considerable trouble in carrying out measures for
suppression of disease. Penalties for these breaches of the rules had
to be inflicted in some cases during the year.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IN THE NORTHERN CIRCLE.
Rinderpest.—This
disease infected all the districts of this Circle
with the exception of Myitkyina and Bhamo. Mandalay, Sagaing and
Shwebo accounted for the heaviest mortality.
Foot-and-Mouth.—All
the districts of the Circle were infected with
this disease but no death occurred in any of the districts.
Anthrax.—This
disease was present in all the districts excepting
Sagaing and Myitkyina.
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia.—Twenty-nine
deaths from this disease
were reported from the districts of Upper Chindwin, Lower Chindwin,
8
REPORT ON THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Mandalay, Katha, Bhamo and Myitkyina. The examination of the
blood smears proved negative in all the cases, but three deaths in
Katha and four in Bhamo are accepted from the history as being
definitely suspicious.
Blackquarter.—Two
suspected cases of Blackquarter were reported
from the Lower Chindwin and Sagaing Districts, but the smears sub-
mitted gave no evidence of the disease.
Surra.—Outbreaks
of this disease were reported from
Upper
Chindw in, Mandalay, Shwebo, Katha, Bhamo and Myitkyina resulting
in a total of 18 deaths in equines.
Glanders.—One
case of Glanders was reported from Bhamo. The
disease was confirmed by Mallein test and the infected animal, a pony,
was destroyed.
Strangles.—Only
one case of this disease was reported
from
Myitkyina which proved positive on examination.
Control Measures.—The
Cattle Disease Rules are fairly well
understood by the headmen and villagers in this Circle but their
application is not always easy to enforce. The presence of herds of
Indian owned cattle near the towns complicates the enforcement of
segregation measures as the owners of these cattle are usually averse
to outside interference and resist inoculation in Rinderpest and segre-
gation arrangements in outbreaks of contagious diseases. Headmen
and villagers are also reported to show apathy in dealing with out-
breaks of disease and continuous supervision is required in many cases
but cannot be provided for by the Staff.
The trade depression and resulting increase of cart traffic between
the districts to find markets for farm produce was the cause of much
spread of contagious diseases. Late reporting of outbreaks occurs in
many cases which gives the disease an opportunity of getting hold on
the cattle of the area before control measures can be adopted.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IN THE ARAKAN SUB-CIRCLE.
Rinderpest.—This
Sub-Circle continued to be free from Rinderpest
throughout the year under review.
Foot-and-Mouth.—This
disease was present in the districts of
Akyab, Kyaukpyu and Sandoway, of which Akyab District accounted
for the death of 47 head of cattle.
Anthrax.—This
disease caused 344 deaths of which 286 were from
Akyab District and 58 from the Kyaukpyu District.
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia.—Total
number of deaths from this
disease is 550 out of which 498 were from the Akyab District and the
balance from the Kyaukpyu District.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1932.
9
Blackquarter.—Nine outbreaks of this disease were reported from
the district of Kyaukpyu, causing the death of 38 cattle.
Control Measures.—The Cattle Disease Rules are not generally
understood in Arakan and segregation rules are difficult to give effect
to. Late reporting of outbreaks is the rule and it is difficult to find
material from which a diagnosis can be made on the visit of the
Veterinary Officer. The practice of floating off the carcases of dead
animals in the numerous tidal creeks is common and is responsible
for much spread of disease. The introduction of rewards to headmen
in connection with duties under the Cattle Disease Rules has given
encouraging results in some cases.
Hæmorrhagic Septicaemia and Anthrax show very high mortality
figures in the Akyab and Kyaukpyu Districts. The investigation of
these diseases by a Research Officer will be undertaken as soon as
duties in other areas permit.
PREVENTIVE INOCULATION.
Rinderpest.—During
the year under review 107,120 animals were
inoculated against Rinderpest by serum-alone method as compared
with 78,053 during the previous year.
A distribution statement is given below.
South-Eastern Circle
South-Western Circle
Central Circle ...
Northern Circle ...
Arakan Sub-Circle
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
19,470
22,541
34,191
30,918
Nil.
107,120
The total figure shown above does not include 3,955 head of sheep
which were also inoculated in the Northern Circle.
During a serious outbreak of Rinderpest, which had its origin in
cattle sold in the Rangoon Municipal Market, at the De La Salle
Institute, Twante Township, where 50 out of the 225 animals succumb-
ed, the Double Method of immunisation was carried out with successful
results on 79 head of cattle.
A further batch of 75 head of cattle was inoculated at the request
of the owner by this method in the Hlegu Township. The animals
inoculated were working bullocks which were used for leasing out to
neighbouring cultivators. Segregation after inoculation was not care-
fully carried out but no spread of the disease occurred and the reactions
in the animals were mild. All animals inoculated by this method
were tattooed on the ear, with the owner's consent, and the per-
manence of this method of marking the animal will be reported on
later.
10
REPORT ON THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT, BURMA,
Anthrax.—The
following inoculations for the prevention of Anthrax
in elephants and cattle were carried out by the Field Research Officer
as a demonstration of the method of inoculation.
(1) Messrs Macgregor & Co., Toungoo
(2) Messrs Steel Bros.
(3) The Forest Department
...
...
...
...
...
20 elephants.
47
129
(4) Fifty-one cattle were also inoculated with Anti-Anthrax Vac-
cine (Bovine Strain) at the Agricultural College Farm,
Mandalay, with successful results.
The Director of Veterinary Services inoculated four privately owned
elephants in the Tavoy District at the request of the owner, a Burman.
In addition to the above, 43 Forest Department elephants were
inoculated in the Tenasserim Division by the Deputy Director of
Veterinary Services, South-Eastern Circle, who at the same time
instructed the Veterinary Superintendent, Moulmein, and some of the
subordinate staff, as well as one or two of the Forest Officers them-
selves, in the technique of the operation.
Later in the year the Veterinary Inspector, Moulmein, inoculated
six cattle belonging to the Moulmein Jail.
Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia.—One
thousand nine hundred and forty-
eight bovines in Mergui District and 868 in Amherst District were
inoculated with Hæmorrhagic Septicaæmia vaccine prepared at the
Veterinary Research Laboratory, Insein. The results of these inocu-
lations were considered to be successful but in the absence of outbreaks
of this disease, as had occurred in the previous year, the response on
the part of the cattle owners was very poor. A threat of mortality
among their animals appears to be necessary to induce the cattle and
buffalo owners to agree to preventive inoculation.
Surra.—No
inoculations against this disease were done under field
conditions during the year under review.
Elephant Inoculation
by private Owners.—During
the year 1,616
elephants were inoculated by the timber firms and contractors. The
inoculations were carried out by the Firms' Assistants who had already
been trained in practical demonstrations by Departmental officers.
The results of these Anti-Anthrax inoculations in elephants are still
being observed. The inoculations produced very few local or general
undesirable reactions this year except in the case of old animals being
inoculated for the first time.
Since these preventive inoculations have been commenced for the
protection of elephants against Anthrax, no naturally contracted cases
of the disease have been recorded in the immunised animals.