16
"This routine should be as far as possible repeated at inspections
throughout the year. In these routine examinations, two things
are of vital importance:—
"(1) Thorough disinfection of the scissors between the testing of
each camel (for the disease is easily spread by inocula-
tion).
"(2) The Commandant himself should see that when trypanosomes are
found, the blood containing them has been taken from the
right camel.
"All cases of fever, mange or debility on the sick list should have their
blood tested daily. To do this work, each corps should have at
least two microscopes (about 80 rupees each) instead of one, and
each regiment to which camels are attached should have one.
"(vii) In my opinion there is room for improvement in the matter of
using the microscope when purchasing camels. The method of
diagnosis is of course an imperfect one, as sometimes the blood, is
free from trypanosomes for days together; until a better means
of diagnosis is discovered, however, the microscope should in
every case be used, and will prevent a great deal of trouble,
especially in the last two months of the year. That very many
camels with surra are purchased by camel corps annually is a
fact.
"To insist on first class condition is a considerable (though not an
absolute) safeguard when purchasing especially at the end of the
cold weather; and in this connection the condition of the hump
can only properly be estimated by actually feeling it with the
hand. This year has been exceptionally dangerous for the risk of
purchasing surra camels, because of the exceptional rains. Purchas-
ing is becoming very difficult in many districts; and no great
improvement is likely to occur until grazing is opened on a large
scale for camel-breeding in healthy districts."
132. A report has also been submitted and published ou Camel pox, and work
has been commenced on the study of Tuberculosis, Jhoolak, Anthrax, Foot and
Mouth disease, Wail, Mange, Filariasis and parasitic diseases.
133. In regard to Foot and Mouth disease, it appears probable that, contrary
to the opinion expressed by such European and American authorities as Law,
Friedberger and Frohner, Theiler, Gray and Steel, the disease is by no means
common, if it occurs at all, in the Indian camel. Mr. Leese states that he has
been constantly on the look-out for this disease which is such a great scourge to
other ruminants in the Punjab, but has never found nor heard of a case. He
has camped for months and kept from 20 to 25 camels grazing in localities in
which Foot and Mouth disease in cattle has been at its height but no case has
occurred in his camels. His attempts at transmission from the ox to the camel
have failed.
134. If these observations be confirmed by further enquiry, it will prove
that the camel has an added value in being little susceptible to Rinderpest
(Lingard) and Foot and Mouth disease, two of the most widespread cattle
plagues of India.
135. Every effort has been made to disseminate practical knowledge of Surra
amongst officers and others working amongst camels, and a short pamphlet,
written in simple language, is being printed for circulation amongst those who
are interested in the matter.
136. Proposals have been submitted for the erection of a small hospital and
laboratory for the study of camel diseases at Sohawa in the Punjab. When
this is ready the work will be greatly facilitated and many points which cannot
now be taken up will be worked out.
137. It is of great importance, for instance, to definitely decide on the suscep-
tibility of the camel to the various contagious diseases which affect other stock