6
to dislodge them, rub violently against each other. They do not confine their
attacks to the hours of daylight as they can be found on camels during the
night. Lyperosia appear to have only once before on good grounds been
suspected as a transmitter of Surra, i.e., amongst cattle in Rhodesia (King-
horn and Montgomery). It is clear that this outbreak occurred in the absence
of Tabanus, Stomoxys or other biting flies. Mr. Leese will no doubt avail
himself of any opportunity afforded in endeavouring to establish his suspi-
cions regarding Lyperosia.
27. Treatment of Surra.—Mr. Leese has continued to devote himself
whole-heartedly to the study of Surra and its treatment. It is sincerely hoped
that in the near future he will be in a position to announce the discovery of
an effective treatment in camels. Every endeavour is being made to supply
him with affected camels in a condition fit to undergo treatment, in order that
he may have ample material to uninterruptedly pursue his investigations.
As the results of the year's experiments cannot yet be considered conclusive,
it is unnecessary to go into details. Some cases have apparently been cured
but in regard to statements of cures in camels much caution is desirable
owing to the peculiar characters of the disease in these animals.
The treatment considered most promising is by the use of Atoxyl and
Tartar Emetic (intravenously), and Sodium Arsenate solution (per os). This
combination of drugs has been chiefly worked at, altering the intervals and
doses and the methods of administration. Of four animals treated by the
method described, one relapsed, the remaining animals have gone (since
treatment), 491, 178 and 162 days, respectively. By other methods 147, 162,
144, 96 and 91 days.
Considering the difficulties under which work has been carried on and the
absence of proper accommodation, the progress in regard to the experimental
treatment of Surra has been praiseworthy.
28. Rebari test for Surra.—This is employed by the Rebaris in the South
East Punjab. The suspected camel is made to stale on a handful of clay taken
from a clean place. The wet clay is made into a ball and laid aside for half
an hour. It is then broken and in the case of an affected camel a pungent,
sweetish but sickly odour is emitted. The urine of healthy camels merely
gives off a smell of ammonia. The Rebaris who are fairly expert, employ the
test when animals are observed to be off their grazing, and if the characteris-
tic odour is noted, the animal is isolated until such time as they can sell it.
The test is known as Dalli lena.
29. Bilharziosis.—During a search for adult filariæ a parasite was found
in the mesenteric veins of the large intestines which proved to be Schistoso-
mum Indicum. (Identification confirmed by Dr. Leiper of London School of
Tropical Medicine.) Subsequently it was found in 5 out of 18 camels ex-
amined. It would seem the parasite is only of practical importance when
the infestation is severe.
30. Peritonitis.—Last year a specific peritonitis was met with in Mont-
gomery district. The larvæ of the Linguatula tœnioides are extremely
common in camels and show a predilection for the group of glands draining
the cœcum and colon. This year a case was again met with and there seems
little doubt of their association with peritonitis in the camel. A post-mortem
examination revealed the glands of the cœcum and colon intensely inflamed.
They contained large numbers of larvæ and were full of cavities which had
been occupied by parasites; many of these cavities opened on the outer surface
of the glands. No free larvœ were found in the peritoneal cavity nor was
there any enteritis nor any other channel of infection found. The functional
destruction of the glands would appear to have allowed access of bacteria
from the intestine to the peritoneum. Last year, hæmorrhage from the nose
was observed as an occasional symptom.
31. Parasitic bronchitis.—The disease seems to be very rare in Northern
India; in only one case has the causal parasite been discovered.
A considerable amount of valuable information of a practical kind has
been placed on record.